1899day.year

Heiri Suter

(1899 - 1978)

Swiss cyclist

Swiss cyclist
Swiss road cyclist celebrated as the first Swiss winner of major classics like Paris–Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.
Born in Bülach, Suter turned professional in 1920 and dominated the European road racing scene. He won Paris–Roubaix in 1923 and became the first non-Belgian to win the Tour of Flanders in 1923. Suter continued to claim victories in Milan–San Remo and other classic one-day races. Known for his endurance and tactical acumen, he excelled on cobbled roads and challenging terrain. After retiring, Suter remained involved in cycling as a coach and mentor to young riders. His pioneering successes paved the way for future Swiss champions in international cycling.
Heiri Suter
1917day.year

Hugh Alexander

(1917 - 2000)

American baseball player and scout

American baseball player and scout
American baseball player and long-serving scout noted for discovering future Major League talent.
Hugh Alexander was born in 1917 and made his Major League debut as an outfielder with the Cleveland Indians in the early 1940s. After serving in World War II, he returned to baseball and transitioned into scouting in 1949. Over four decades, Alexander scouted for the Indians and later the Kansas City Royals, signing players who would go on to successful big league careers. He was respected for his keen eye for athletic ability and character. Alexander also served as a coach and farm system instructor, shaping young prospects. His dedication to baseball spanned over 50 years. He passed away in 2000, leaving a lasting impact on talent evaluation in the sport.
1917 Hugh Alexander
1918day.year

Chuck Stevens

(1918 - 2018)

American baseball player

American baseball player
American professional baseball first baseman who played in MLB before World War II service.
Chuck Stevens was an American Major League Baseball first baseman who debuted with the St. Louis Browns in 1940. He played two seasons before enlisting in the US Navy during World War II, interrupting his career. Known for his strong defensive play and reliable hitting, he returned to professional baseball after the war. Stevens later continued in the Pacific Coast League and stayed involved in the sport as a coach and scout. He passed away in 2018, remembered as one of the many athletes whose careers were shaped by wartime service.
Chuck Stevens
1918day.year

Fred Wacker

(1918 - 1998)

American race driver and engineer

American race driver and engineer
American sports car racer and mechanical engineer in the 1950s.
Fred Wacker was an American racing driver and engineer who competed in sports car events during the 1950s. He took part in prestigious races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Mille Miglia, showcasing both driving skill and technical knowledge. Wacker applied his engineering expertise to improve vehicle performance and safety. After retiring from competition, he worked in the automotive industry developing high-performance engines. He died in 1998, remembered for his dual talents behind the wheel and in the workshop.
Fred Wacker
1920day.year

Cyril Grant

(1920 - 2002)

English footballer

English footballer
English professional footballer who played as a centre-forward in the Football League.
Cyril Grant was an English footballer born in 1920 who played as a forward in the Football League during the 1940s. His career was interrupted by military service in World War II, after which he returned to the pitch with determination. Grant was known for his physical presence and ability to score decisive goals. He represented several clubs over his career, earning respect for his work ethic and sportsmanship. He retired from professional football in the early 1950s and remained involved in the sport at the local level until his death in 2002.
Cyril Grant
1922day.year

Herb McKenley

(1922 - 2007)

Jamaican sprinter

Jamaican sprinter
Jamaican sprinter who won Olympic medals and set multiple world records in the 400 meters.
Herb McKenley was born in 1922 in Jamaica and studied at the University of Illinois. He competed in the 1948 London Olympics, earning silver medals in both the 100m and 400m. At the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, he won gold as part of Jamaica's 4x400m relay team. McKenley set world records in sprint events and was known for his powerful finishing kick. He later served as a coach and athletics administrator, influencing generations of Jamaican sprinters. He was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame before his death in 2007.
Herb McKenley
1922day.year

Jake LaMotta

(1922 - 2017)

American boxer and actor

American boxer and actor
American middleweight boxing champion whose life inspired the film 'Raging Bull.'
Jake LaMotta was born in 1922 in The Bronx, New York, and rose to fame as a middleweight boxer. Known as the 'Bronx Bull,' he held the world middleweight title in 1949. LaMotta's fierce style and rivalry with Sugar Ray Robinson became legendary in boxing history. After retiring with a record of 83 wins, he pursued acting and comedy, appearing in films and television. His turbulent life was immortalized by Martin Scorsese's 1980 film 'Raging Bull,' starring Robert De Niro. LaMotta remained a cultural icon until his death in 2017 at the age of 95.
Jake LaMotta
1924day.year

Johnny Bach

(1924 - 2016)

American basketball player and coach

American basketball player and coach
American basketball player and coach who made significant contributions to the NCAA and NBA.
Johnny Bach was a versatile athlete and coach whose career spanned over five decades in basketball. Born in 1924, he starred as a college player before transitioning to coaching at Yale University. Bach later joined the NBA, serving as an assistant coach and defensive strategist for teams like the Golden State Warriors and Chicago Bulls. He earned acclaim for his coaching acumen, helping the Bulls secure three championship titles in the 1990s. His emphasis on strong defense and teamwork became hallmarks of his coaching philosophy. Bach mentored numerous players and fellow coaches, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. He passed away in 2016, remembered as one of basketball’s respected figures.
1924 Johnny Bach
1924day.year

Bobo Brazil

(1924 - 1998)

American wrestler

American wrestler
Pioneering American professional wrestler who broke racial barriers in sports entertainment.
Bobo Brazil was one of the first African American wrestling superstars, captivating audiences with his charismatic presence and athleticism. Born Houston Harris in 1924, he adopted the ring name “Bobo Brazil” and became a major draw for promoters across the United States. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he headlined major events and earned widespread acclaim. Brazil is celebrated for challenging segregation in wrestling, often performing to integrated crowds during a divided era. His signature move, the Coco Butt, became legendary in the ring. After retirement, he inspired future generations of wrestlers and was inducted into multiple halls of fame. He died in 1998, leaving a legacy as a true trailblazer in professional wrestling.
Bobo Brazil
1928day.year

Alejandro de Tomaso

(1928 - 2003)

Argentinian-Italian race car driver and businessman, founded De Tomaso

Argentinian-Italian race car driver and businessman founded De Tomaso
Alejandro de Tomaso was an Argentinian-Italian race car driver and entrepreneur who founded the De Tomaso sports car company.
Alejandro de Tomaso began his career behind the wheel, competing in Formula One and sports car races in Europe during the 1950s. In 1959, he founded De Tomaso in Modena, Italy, building a line of iconic sports cars such as the Mangusta and Pantera. He combined Italian design flair with powerful American V8 engines to create high-performance vehicles. Under his leadership, De Tomaso cars gained a reputation for speed and distinctive styling, attracting celebrities and automotive enthusiasts worldwide. Despite financial challenges, he maintained control of the company for decades, influencing sports car design. De Tomaso's legacy lives on in the enduring appeal of his vehicles among collectors and racing aficionados.
Alejandro de Tomaso De Tomaso
1928day.year

John Glenn

(1928 - 2023)

American baseball player

American baseball player
John Glenn was an American Major League Baseball outfielder who played in the early 1950s.
John Glenn debuted in Major League Baseball with the Chicago Cubs in 1951 and later played for the Washington Senators. Known for his dependable outfield defense and consistent batting, Glenn made his mark in the early 1950s. After retiring, he stayed involved in baseball through coaching and youth programs. His career represents the dedication of post-war athletes who helped shape modern professional baseball. Glenn passed away in 2023, remembered for his solid contributions to the sport.
John Glenn
1929day.year

Moe Norman

(1929 - 2004)

Canadian golfer

Canadian golfer
Moe Norman was a Canadian professional golfer famed for his extraordinary accuracy and unorthodox swing.
Maurice 'Moe' Norman began his golf career in the 1940s, dominating Canadian tournaments with his surgical precision off the tee. Over a span of more than three decades, he won numerous provincial and national championships, earning the nickname 'Pipeline Moe' for his straight shots. Norman's unique, flat-plane swing defied conventional coaching yet produced one of the most repeatable ball-striking techniques in golf history. Despite his brilliance on the course, he remained largely a cult figure, with limited participation in PGA Tour events. His legend grew through anecdotes of shotmaking feats and instructional clinics that attracted dedicated followers. After his death in 2004, Norman's methods continued to influence modern golf instruction and enthusiasts worldwide.
Moe Norman