July 07

James "Deacon" White (1847–1939) was one of professional baseball’s earliest stars.\nA skilled catcher and third baseman, he played for teams like the Cleveland Forest Citys and Boston Red Stockings.\nWhite was known for his strong defensive skills and leadership on the field.\nAfter his playing career, he managed and mentored younger players across several clubs.\nHe was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game’s formative years.\nWhite’s longevity and passion for baseball made him a revered figure in the sport’s history.

Born in 1904 in New York City, Lillian Copeland emerged as a leading female track and field athlete. She won a silver medal in discus at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics and gold at the 1932 Los Angeles Games, setting a new Olympic record. Copeland also excelled in the shot put and javelin, equaling or breaking world marks. Her achievements paved the way for women's participation in athletics on the global stage. After retiring, she remained active in sports administration and advocacy for female athletes. She died in 1964, remembered as a pioneering figure in women's sports.

Born in 1928 in Pont-l'Évêque, Jo Schlesser began his motorsport career in hill climbs and endurance racing. He made sporadic appearances in Formula 1 and was respected for his versatility behind the wheel. In 1968, Schlesser joined the Honda team to compete in the French Grand Prix. During the race, he was fatally injured driving the experimental Honda RA302. His death prompted increased focus on driver safety and car design standards. Schlesser is remembered for his dedication and sportsmanship in a dangerous era of racing.

Kenneth Oliver Irwin Jr. was an American stock car racing driver born in 1969. He began racing on local short tracks before rising to the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series and the Winston Cup Series. Irwin earned a reputation for aggressive driving and secured Rookie of the Year honors in the Busch Series while driving for notable teams like Bahari Racing. He achieved several top-ten finishes and was slated for a promising career before his tragic death in a practice crash at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2000. He is remembered for his passion for racing and lasting impact on the motorsport community.

Dick Williams (1929-2011) was an American professional baseball player, coach, and manager renowned for his competitive spirit. He played briefly as an outfielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers organization before transitioning to coaching. Williams earned his greatest acclaim as a manager, guiding the Oakland Athletics to back-to-back World Series titles in 1972 and 1973. He later managed the San Diego Padres to their first National League pennant in 1984. Williams was known for his rigorous training methods and sharp strategic mind. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2008, cementing his status among the game's all-time greats.

Doris Neal was an American baseball player who competed in the women's professional league in the late 1940s. Born in 1928, she showcased her talent as an infielder and became known for her defensive skills. Neal contributed to the growth of women's baseball during a pivotal era. Off the field, she advocated for the recognition of female athletes. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of women in sports.

Ben Pucci was an American football player and sportscaster whose career spanned both the field and the broadcast booth. Born in 1925, he played college football at the University of Georgia before joining the NFL. Pucci spent several seasons as a lineman, known for his strength and tackling ability. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into sports broadcasting, providing commentary for regional football games. His in-depth knowledge of the sport and engaging style made him a familiar voice to fans. Pucci remained active in the football community through coaching clinics and charitable events. He passed away in 2013, leaving a legacy as both a player and broadcaster.

Alfredo Di Stéfano was one of football's greatest forwards, whose prolific scoring and versatility defined Real Madrid's dominance in the 1950s and 1960s. Born in 1926, he began his career in Argentina before moving to Colombia and then Spain. With Real Madrid, Di Stéfano won five consecutive European Cups and multiple domestic titles, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer. He also represented both Argentina and Spain at international level. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into management, coaching clubs and national teams across South America and Europe. His tactical innovation and footballing intelligence influenced generations of players and coaches. Di Stéfano passed away in 2014, and his legacy endures as a symbol of footballing excellence.

Born in 1927, Bob MacKinnon began his basketball career as a standout collegiate player. He transitioned into coaching, serving as head coach at the United States Military Academy and Canisius College, among other institutions. Over a career spanning three decades, he guided teams to numerous winning seasons with an emphasis on disciplined defense and teamwork. MacKinnon was respected for his mentorship, developing players’ skills both on and off the court. After retiring from active coaching in the mid-1990s, he remained engaged in the basketball community through clinics and commentary.