Australian cricketer and soldier
Australian cricketer and soldier
Australian cricketer known for his elegant batting and service as a soldier in World War I.
Charlie Macartney was an Australian cricketer renowned for his stylish strokeplay and reliable middle-order performances. Nicknamed 'The Governor-General', he scored five Test centuries during a career that spanned from 1907 to 1926. Macartney served in the Australian Imperial Force during World War I, where he was wounded before returning to captain Victoria in domestic cricket. He was instrumental in Australia's Ashes victories, combining technical finesse with attacking flair. After retiring from playing, he coached young cricketers and remained a respected figure in Australian sports.
1886
Charlie Macartney
British boxer
British boxer
British boxer known for his dynamic style and success in the lightweight division.
Dixie Brown was a British lightweight boxer active in the 1920s and 1930s. He competed against top fighters of his era, earning a reputation for speed, defensive skill, and strategic fighting. Brown fought regularly at the National Sporting Club, drawing enthusiastic crowds and contributing to boxing's popularity in Britain. His career record reflected consistency and resilience in a competitive field. After retiring from the ring, he remained involved in boxing by mentoring young athletes and supporting local clubs.
1900
Dixie Brown
Canadian ice hockey player
Canadian ice hockey player
Canadian ice hockey left winger who played in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens, known for his skillful playmaking and consistency.
Armand Mondou was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger best known for his decade-long career with the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL. Born in 1905, he debuted with the Canadiens in 1925 and quickly became a key offensive contributor. Mondou's playmaking abilities and consistent scoring helped Montreal secure multiple Stanley Cup championships during the late 1920s and early 1930s. He was one of the league's top scorers and was admired for his sportsmanship and work ethic. After retiring in 1937, he returned to Quebec, where he remained involved in coaching and promoting youth hockey. Mondou's impact on the Canadiens' early success has made him a revered figure in franchise history.
1905
Armand Mondou
American pool player
American pool player
American pool champion nicknamed 'Mr. Pocket Billiards,' famous for setting high-run records and winning multiple world titles.
William Joseph 'Willie' Mosconi was an American professional pool player whose skill and precision set new standards for the game. Born in 1913 in Philadelphia, he won his first world straight pool championship in 1941 and went on to claim the title 15 times over three decades. Mosconi set an official single-run record of 526 balls in 1954, a milestone that stood for decades. He also appeared on television and in films, popularizing billiards with a mainstream audience. Known for his sportsmanship and technical mastery, he authored instructional books that remain reference classics. Mosconi played an instrumental role in founding the Billiards Congress of America, helping to organize and promote professional billiards. His contributions earned him induction into multiple sports halls of fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest cue sports figures ever. He passed away in 1993, leaving a lasting impact on pool worldwide.
Willie Mosconi
pool
American swimmer
American swimmer
American Olympic swimmer and world-record backstroke champion who later revolutionized swim safety and coaching.
Adolph Kiefer (1918–2017) was an American swimmer who won gold in the 100-meter backstroke at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, setting a new world record. He continued to break world records throughout his career, solidifying his dominance in backstroke events. After World War II, Kiefer developed innovative swim training methods and founded swimming clubs nationwide. He authored instructional books and produced specialized swim equipment to improve safety and technique. His lifelong advocacy for swimming education and safety earned him recognition as one of the sport’s most influential figures in the United States.
1918
Adolph Kiefer
Chilean football player and manager
Chilean football player and manager
Chilean footballer and manager who led his national team to its first FIFA World Cup semifinals in 1962.
Fernando Riera (1920–2010) was a Chilean forward who represented his country internationally before embarking on a coaching career. As manager of the Chile national team, he guided the squad to its first World Cup semifinals in 1962 on home soil. Riera introduced tactical innovations and rigorous training methods that influenced Latin American football. He also managed club teams in Portugal and Spain, earning respect for his leadership and technical acumen. His legacy lives on through the players he mentored and the tactical advances he brought to the sport.
1920
Fernando Riera
English cricketer and businessman
English cricketer and businessman
English cricketer who excelled as a fast-medium bowler for Yorkshire and England in the post-war era before embarking on a successful business career.
Bob Appleyard was born in Leeds, England, and served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. After the war, he made his debut for Yorkshire County Cricket Club in 1949, taking over 130 wickets in his first season. His skill and consistency earned him selection for the England national team, where he took 102 wickets in just seven Test matches. Appleyard toured Australia with the MCC in 1954–55, showcasing his mastery of seam and swing bowling. A knee injury cut short his playing career, prompting him to found a successful property and manufacturing business. He remained involved in cricket through administrative roles and mentoring young players. Appleyard's dual legacy as a sportsman and entrepreneur endures among cricket enthusiasts.
1924
Bob Appleyard
American second baseman, coach, and manager
American second baseman
coach
and manager
American Major League Baseball second baseman, coach, and manager active from the 1950s into the late 20th century.
Wayne Terwilliger was born in Clare, Michigan, and debuted in Major League Baseball with the Chicago Cubs in 1951. Known for his reliable fielding and solid batting, he played for the Cubs, Brooklyn Dodgers, Washington Senators, Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Athletics, and New York Mets. After his playing career ended in 1960, Terwilliger transitioned to coaching and managed at various levels, including Minor League teams and as a coach for the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers. He was revered for his mentorship and dedication to player development, influencing countless young athletes. In addition to his on-field contributions, he authored instructional books and conducted baseball clinics nationwide. Terwilliger remained a beloved figure in baseball circles until his death in 2021.
Wayne Terwilliger
American football player and wrestler
American football player and wrestler
Dick the Bruiser was an American professional wrestler and football player known for his tough persona and high-energy matches.
Born William Afflis, he played college football at Indiana University before joining the NFL, where he suited up for the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. After retiring from football, he embarked on a storied wrestling career under the ring name Dick the Bruiser, becoming one of the most formidable figures in the National Wrestling Alliance. He captured multiple tag team and heavyweight championships and formed a legendary partnership with The Crusher. Known for his brawling style and charismatic persona, he helped popularize professional wrestling in the Midwest. Later, he founded the World Wrestling Association in Indiana, promoting events and mentoring young talent. He remained active in the wrestling community until his retirement in the 1980s, leaving a lasting legacy upon his passing in 1991.
1929
Dick the Bruiser
Japanese American weightlifter
Japanese American weightlifter
Tommy Kono was a Japanese-American weightlifter who won multiple Olympic medals and set numerous world records.
Born in Sacramento, California, Kono was interned with his family during World War II before taking up weightlifting. He won Olympic gold medals in the lightweight class at the 1952 Helsinki Games and the 1956 Melbourne Games, plus a silver in the middleweight division at Tokyo 1964. Over his career, he set 26 world records across four weight classes, showcasing remarkable versatility. After retiring from competition, Kono coached national teams in Mexico, Iran, and the United States. He was inducted into the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame in 1993. Kono's disciplined training methods and technical mastery influenced generations of weightlifters. He remained active in the sporting community until his death in 2016.
Tommy Kono
American baseball player and manager
American baseball player and manager
Eddie Kasko was an American baseball infielder, manager, and baseball executive.
Born in Springfield, West Virginia, Kasko made his Major League debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1957. Over a ten-year playing career, he also played for the Cincinnati Reds, Houston Colt .45s, and Boston Red Sox, known for his reliable defense at shortstop and second base. After retiring as a player, Kasko managed the Houston Astros from 1975 to 1977. He later joined the Boston Red Sox organization as an executive, serving as general manager and helping build the core of the 1980s championship teams. Kasko was respected for his baseball acumen and leadership both on and off the field. He was inducted into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2000. Kasko died in 2020 after a lifetime dedicated to America's pastime.
1932
Eddie Kasko
Australian cricketer and footballer
Australian cricketer and footballer
Neil Hawke was an Australian sportsman who excelled as a fast bowler in cricket and as a footballer in the SANFL.
Born in Kapunda, South Australia, Hawke made his name playing Australian rules football for Port Adelaide.
He debuted in Test cricket for Australia in 1963, forming a formidable pace attack with Alan Davidson.
Hawke took career-best figures of 6 for 96 and scored a Test century as a lower-order batsman.
He played 21 Tests, admired for his accuracy, athleticism, and competitive spirit.
After retiring from professional sport, he pursued a career in civil engineering.
He is remembered as a versatile athlete who left a mark in two major Australian sports.
Neil Hawke