1863day.year

C. Aubrey Smith

(1863 - 1948)

English-American cricketer and actor

English-American cricketer and actor
English Test cricketer turned Hollywood actor, best known for his dignified portrayals of military officers and aristocrats.
Born in London, Smith played Test cricket for England and captained Sussex in the late 19th century. After an injury ended his sports career, he turned to acting on the British stage and in silent films. He emigrated to Hollywood in the 1920s and quickly gained fame for his baritone voice and commanding presence. Smith appeared in classics like "The Prisoner of Zenda," often cast as generals, judges, or noblemen. He founded the Hollywood Cricket Club in 1932, fostering Anglo-American cultural ties in the film community. He remained a beloved character actor until his death in 1948, leaving a unique sports-to-screen legacy.
1863 C. Aubrey Smith
1875day.year

Charles Gondouin

(1875 - 1947)

French rugby player and tug of war competitor

French rugby player and tug of war competitor
French athlete who won Olympic gold in rugby union and silver in tug of war at the 1900 Paris Games.
Born in Paris, Gondouin represented France in the 1900 Summer Olympics held in his hometown. He played as a forward in the rugby union team that secured the nation’s first Olympic gold medal in the sport. He also joined the French tug of war squad, earning a silver medal in this one-time Olympic event. After his athletic career, details about his later life remain scarce. Gondouin’s dual-medal achievement highlights the versatility of early Olympic athletes. He passed away in 1947, remembered as a pioneer of French rugby.
1875 Charles Gondouin tug of war
1891day.year

Julius Saaristo

(1891 - 1969)

Finnish javelin thrower and soldier

Finnish javelin thrower and soldier
Finnish javelin thrower and soldier who won Olympic medals in 1912 and introduced the two-handed javelin throw.
Born in 1891, Julius Saaristo became one of Finland's leading track and field athletes, winning gold and silver in javelin events at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. He pioneered the two-handed javelin throw technique, which briefly became an Olympic event. Following his sports career, Saaristo served as an officer during Finland's struggle for independence and the Civil War. He continued in the military, rising through the ranks and contributing to the nation's defense. Saaristo died in 1969, remembered for his dual impact in athletics and the Finnish military.
1891 Julius Saaristo
1908day.year

Jug McSpaden

(1908 - 1996)

American golfer and architect

American golfer and architect
American professional golfer and golf course architect active in the mid-20th century.
Monroe 'Jug' McSpaden was born in 1908 and rose to prominence on the PGA Tour during the 1930s and 1940s. Known for his smooth swing and sportsmanship, he won multiple tournaments and often finished runner-up to contemporaries like Ben Hogan. McSpaden led the money list in 1945 alongside Hogan, earning the nickname 'The Juggernaut.' After retiring from competition, he designed and consulted on golf course architecture, influencing several notable layouts. His dual career as a player and designer showcased his deep understanding of the game. McSpaden remained a respected figure in golf circles until his death in 1996.
1908 Jug McSpaden
1914day.year

Aleksander Kreek

(1914 - 1977)

Estonian shot putter and discus thrower

Estonian shot putter and discus thrower
Estonian track and field athlete who excelled in shot put and discus throw during the 1930s.
Born in Estonia, Kreek rose to prominence in national athletics competitions. He claimed multiple Estonian titles in both shot put and discus events. Kreek represented his country in international meets and set national records. After World War II, he continued his sports career abroad, promoting athletics. His dedication helped popularize field sports in Estonia during a formative era. Kreek remains remembered as one of Estonia's early pioneers in throwing disciplines.
1914 Aleksander Kreek
1925day.year

Johnny Peirson

(1925 - 2021)

Canadian hockey player

Canadian hockey player
Johnny Peirson was a Canadian ice hockey player who spent his career with the Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League.
Born in 1925 in Toronto, Johnny Peirson joined the Boston Bruins in 1946 and played as a right winger for over a decade. He helped the Bruins reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 1949 and 1950, becoming a key contributor to the team's offense. Known for his speed and scoring ability, Peirson recorded 228 points in 593 career games. After retiring in 1958, he transitioned to broadcasting as a color commentator for Bruins games. His insightful commentary and close ties to the organization earned him respect among fans and players alike. Peirson was honored by the Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame's media wing for his broadcasting contributions. He passed away in 2021, leaving a legacy both on the ice and behind the microphone.
1925 Johnny Peirson
1928day.year

Sky Low Low

(1928 - 1998)

Canadian wrestler

Canadian wrestler
Canadian midget wrestler who found fame in the 1950s and became one of the most celebrated performers in his field.
Lionel Leroy Snow, known by his ring name Sky Low Low, was born in 1928 in Montreal. He began wrestling professionally at a young age and quickly gained attention for his agility and showmanship. Sky Low Low became midget wrestling champion and traveled internationally, thrilling audiences with high-energy matches. His witty personality and colorful costumes made him a fan favorite across North America and Europe. He helped popularize midget wrestling as a mainstream attraction in the golden era of professional wrestling. He remained a beloved figure until his death in 1998, leaving a proud legacy in sports entertainment.
1928 Sky Low Low
1929day.year

Bob Orton

(1929 - 2006)

American wrestler

American wrestler
American professional wrestler and patriarch of the Orton wrestling family, active in the mid-20th century.
Bob Orton Sr. was born in Kansas City in 1929 and debuted in professional wrestling in the 1950s. He became known for his technical skill and charisma in the ring, holding multiple tag team and singles titles. Orton wrestled for the National Wrestling Alliance and various regional promotions during wrestling's territorial era. He trained and inspired a new generation of wrestlers, including his son Bob Orton Jr. His enduring influence is seen in his family's continued prominence in sports entertainment. He passed away in 2006, remembered as a foundational figure in American professional wrestling.
1929 Bob Orton
1934day.year

Chandu Borde

Indian cricketer and manager

Indian cricketer and manager
Indian cricketer who played as an opening batsman for India and later served as a national team selector and manager.
Chandu Borde is a former Indian cricketer who represented India in 55 Test matches between 1958 and 1970. A right-handed batsman and occasional leg-spin bowler, he scored centuries against teams such as England and Australia. Borde played a key role in India's first Test series victory in England in 1971. After retiring as a player, he served as a national selector and team manager, shaping the next generation of Indian cricketers. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 1972 for his contributions to sport. Borde's dedication to cricket has made him a respected figure in India's sporting history.
1934 Chandu Borde
1935day.year

Moe Drabowsky

(1935 - 2006)

Polish-American baseball player and coach

Polish-American baseball player and coach
Polish-American baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball from 1956 to 1972 and later served as a coach.
Moe Drabowsky was a Polish-American professional baseball pitcher. He made his Major League debut with the Chicago Cubs in 1956 and went on to play for teams including the Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, and Philadelphia Phillies. Drabowsky was known for his competitive spirit and quirky sense of humor, often pranking teammates with theatrical antics. On the mound, he recorded over eighty career wins and was valued as both a starter and reliever in high-pressure situations. After retiring in 1972, he served as a pitching coach and instructor for multiple MLB clubs. Drabowsky's colorful personality and passion for the game made him a memorable figure in baseball history.
Moe Drabowsky
1937day.year

Eduard Streltsov

(1937 - 1990)

Soviet footballer

Soviet footballer
Soviet football forward celebrated for his dribbling skills and scoring prowess with Torpedo Moscow and the USSR national team.
Eduard Streltsov was a Soviet footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest forwards of his generation. He starred for Torpedo Moscow, leading the club to multiple Soviet Top League titles with his dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring ability. Streltsov earned 35 caps for the USSR national team and featured in the 1958 World Cup. His playing career was interrupted in 1958 by a controversial criminal conviction and subsequent imprisonment. After his release in 1963, he returned to Torpedo and continued to delight fans with his performances until retiring in 1970. Streltsov's talent and resilience have made him a lasting legend in Soviet and Russian football.
1937 Eduard Streltsov
1943day.year

Fritz Glatz

(1943 - 2002)

Austrian race car driver

Austrian race car driver
Austrian race car driver who competed in touring car and endurance championships during the 1970s and 1980s.
Born in Vienna in 1943, Glatz raced in European touring car events including the German DRM and DTM series. He also participated in endurance races such as the Spa 24 Hours. Known for his skill behind the wheel and technical knowledge of race cars, he drove for various privateer teams. Glatz's career spanned two decades, during which he built a reputation for consistency and experience. He tragically died in a testing accident in 2002, remembered by the racing community for his dedication to motorsport.
1943 Fritz Glatz