July 19

Ernő Schwarz was born in 1904 in Budapest and began his career playing for local Hungarian clubs. He emigrated to the United States in the late 1920s and starred as a forward for New York Hakoah in the American Soccer League. Known for his goal-scoring ability and technical skill, Schwarz became one of the league’s leading figures. After retiring as a player, he founded the New York Americans soccer club and served as its coach and manager. He also coached the U.S. national team and worked to establish professional soccer organizations. His contributions were later recognized with induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Born in 1921, Elmer Valo emigrated to the United States as a child. He debuted in Major League Baseball in 1940 with the Philadelphia Athletics and played 17 seasons with six teams. Valo became renowned for his skill as a pinch hitter, retiring with one of the highest pinch-hit totals in MLB history. After his playing career, he served as a hitting coach for teams including the Philadelphia Phillies, helping develop future stars. He also managed in the minor leagues and scouted for several organizations. Valo's baseball involvement spanned over five decades, earning him respect from players and fans alike. He passed away in 1998, leaving a lasting mark on America's pastime.

Henry Surtees was an English race car driver and the son of 1977 Formula One World Champion John Surtees. Born in 1991, he began kart racing at a young age and progressed through the motorsport ranks with promise. Henry competed in the Formula BMW and Formula Two championships, showcasing speed and potential. His life was tragically cut short during a race at Brands Hatch in 2009. Despite his brief career, he is remembered for his talent and passion for racing.

Geeto Mongol was a veteran professional wrestler who competed in various North American wrestling promotions during the 1960s and 1970s. He gained recognition for his ring persona and technical skill, often teaming with his partner Bepo Mongol as The Mongols. After retiring from active competition, he dedicated himself to training the next generation of wrestlers. Mongol’s expertise and mentorship influenced many athletes who went on to achieve success in the sport. His contributions to wrestling schools helped shape the industry’s training standards.

Bert Trautmann was a German goalkeeper who played over 500 matches for Manchester City between 1949 and 1964. A former German paratrooper in World War II, he overcame early prejudice in England to become a fan favorite. In the 1956 FA Cup Final, Trautmann famously played the last 20 minutes with a broken neck, securing victory for his team. After retiring, he returned to Germany to manage and coach young players. Trautmann’s courage and skill earned him widespread admiration and a place in football history.

Phil Woosnam was a Welsh footballer who played for West Bromwich Albion before moving to the United States, where he became a player-coach for the Atlanta Chiefs. He captained Wales internationally and later served as commissioner of the North American Soccer League. Woosnam’s leadership helped establish professional soccer in North America during the 1960s and 1970s. He also worked as a television commentator and continued to promote the sport after retiring. His contributions to soccer earned him induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Ray King was born in 1924 in England and began his professional football career after World War II. He played as a wing half in the Football League, earning a reputation for strong tackling and leadership. After retiring as a player, King turned to management, guiding teams at the semi-professional and amateur levels. He was respected for his tactical knowledge and his commitment to developing young talent. King remained involved in coaching clinics and community football programs until his death on July 19, 2014.

Harry Pougher was an English cricketer born in 1941 who played as a right-handed batsman for Lincolnshire in the Minor Counties Championship from 1961 to 1978. Known for his consistent stroke play and reliable fielding, he became a mainstay of the Lincolnshire side. After retiring from playing, Pougher coached local youth teams and held administrative roles within the Lincolnshire Cricket Association. He was instrumental in nurturing grassroots cricket and organizing community programs. Pougher remained actively involved in the sport and was highly regarded by players and colleagues until his death on July 19, 2014.

John Winkin was a pioneering American college baseball coach renowned for his leadership and strategic acumen. He guided the University of Maine Black Bears to four College World Series appearances and eleven NCAA tournaments over his 21 seasons. Before coaching, he briefly played professional baseball, gaining insights he would later impart to his players. In addition to his coaching career, Winkin wrote extensively about sports as a journalist, sharing his passion for baseball with a wider audience. His influence on collegiate baseball earned him induction into multiple halls of fame and left a lasting legacy in the sport.

Galina Prozumenshchikova made history as the USSR's first female Olympic champion in breaststroke, winning gold at the 1964 Tokyo Games at just 16 years old. She earned four Olympic medals over three Games, setting multiple world records and redefining women's competitive swimming. Born in Sevastopol, she dominated European and World Championships throughout the 1960s, becoming a national sports icon. After retiring from competition, Prozumenshchikova transitioned to journalism, writing about sports and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Her trailblazing achievements in and out of the pool cemented her legacy as a pioneer of women's sports in the Soviet Union.

Denis Ten was a pioneering Kazakhstani figure skater who became his country's first Olympic medalist in the sport, winning bronze at Sochi 2014 at age 20. He captured the hearts of fans with his lyrical style, earning silver at the 2013 World Championships and gold at the Four Continents in 2015. Born in Almaty, Ten trained under coaches in Russia and the United States, blending technical precision with expressive choreography. Off the ice, he served as a UN ambassador for sport, promoting youth engagement and physical activity across Kazakhstan. His tragic death in 2018 shocked the skating world, but his legacy endures in his groundbreaking performances and national pride he inspired.

Kevan Gosper is an Australian sprinter and track athlete specializing in the 400 metres. He competed in three Olympic Games (1956, 1964, 1968) and won silver in the 4×400m relay at Melbourne 1956. After retiring, he became a leading sports administrator, serving as vice-president of the International Olympic Committee and president of the Australian Olympic Committee. Gosper was instrumental in organizing major events and promoting Olympic values worldwide. His contributions have had a lasting impact on international sports governance.