1937day.year

Ted McDonald

(1891 - 1937)

Australian cricketer and footballer

Australian cricketer and footballer
Australian sportsman who represented his country in cricket and also excelled on the football field.
Born in 1891, Ted McDonald emerged as a versatile athlete in early 20th-century Australia. He gained recognition for his fast bowling prowess in cricket, representing his state and earning national selection. Alongside his cricket achievements, he also starred on the football field, demonstrating remarkable athleticism and adaptability. His dual-sport career highlighted the breadth of his talent and contributed to the growth of both games. McDonald's legacy lives on as an example of dedication to sport across disciplines.
1937 Ted McDonald
1940day.year

Albert Young

(1877 - 1940)

American boxer and promoter

American boxer and promoter
American boxer turned promoter who played a pivotal role in popularizing early 20th-century boxing.
Born in 1877, Albert Young made his mark in the ring as a disciplined and strategic boxer, earning respect for his endurance and technique. After retiring from competition, he channeled his passion into promoting boxing events across the United States. Young's keen eye for talent and understanding of the sport's business side helped elevate boxing into a mainstream spectator event. Through the fighters he mentored and the matches he organized, he influenced the professionalization of boxing before passing away in 1940.
Albert Young
1948day.year

Rūdolfs Jurciņš

(1909 - 1948)

Latvian basketball player

Latvian basketball player
Latvian basketball pioneer who showcased his talent on the national stage during the sport's early days in Europe.
Born in 1909, Rūdolfs Jurciņš emerged as one of Latvia's leading basketball players in the 1930s. He represented the national team in European tournaments, displaying exceptional shooting skills and court vision. Jurciņš's dedication helped popularize basketball in Latvia and inspired younger generations to take up the sport. After retiring as a player, he remained involved as a coach and mentor, contributing to the development of basketball programs in his homeland. He passed away in 1948, leaving a legacy as a true sporting pioneer.
1948 Rūdolfs Jurciņš
1979day.year

J. V. Cain

(1951 - 1979)

American football player

American football player
American football tight end who starred for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1970s.
John Vincent "J. V." Cain was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania in 1951. He excelled as a tight end at Colorado State University before being selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft. Over six seasons in the NFL, he amassed 126 receptions for 1,598 yards and seven touchdowns. Known for his athleticism and blocking, he became a key component of the Cardinals' offense. On July 22, 1979, Cain tragically suffered a fatal heart attack during a training camp session, cutting his career short at age 27. He is remembered as one of the most promising tight ends of his era.
1979 J. V. Cain
1979day.year

Sándor Kocsis

(1929 - 1979)

Hungarian footballer and manager

Hungarian footballer and manager
Hungarian striker renowned for his prolific goal-scoring with the Mighty Magyars in the 1950s.
Sándor Kocsis was born in 1929 in Budapest and emerged as one of the most lethal strikers of his generation. He played a pivotal role in Hungary's national team, the Mighty Magyars, scoring 75 goals in 68 international appearances between 1948 and 1956. At club level, he starred for Ferencvárosi TC and Barcelona, showcasing his exceptional heading ability and clinical finishing. Kocsis set a record by scoring 11 goals in four matches at the 1954 FIFA World Cup, including two hat-tricks. After retiring, he served as a football manager in Hungary and abroad. He passed away on July 22, 1979, leaving a legacy as one of football's greatest center-forwards.
Sándor Kocsis
1990day.year

Eduard Streltsov

(1937 - 1990)

Soviet footballer

Soviet footballer
Soviet footballer celebrated for his skill and dubbed the 'Soviet Pelé'.
Eduard Streltsov was born in 1937 in Perovo, Russia and joined Torpedo Moscow at age 16. He became a national sensation with his powerful dribbling, accurate shooting, and charismatic presence on the field. Streltsov earned 20 caps and scored 12 goals for the Soviet Union before a controversial conviction in 1958 led to a three-year imprisonment. Upon his release, he returned to Torpedo Moscow, helping them win the Soviet Top League in 1965 and 1968. His career totals include 99 goals in 222 league matches, making him one of the top scorers in Soviet football history. Streltsov battled health issues after retirement and passed away on July 22, 1990. He is remembered as a national icon and a symbol of resilience in sport.
Eduard Streltsov
1995day.year

Harold Larwood

(1904 - 1995)

English-Australian cricketer

English-Australian cricketer
Fast bowler known for his controversial 'Bodyline' tactics during the 1932–33 Ashes series.
Harold Larwood was born in 1904 in Nuncargate, England and began his career with Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. He made his England debut in 1926 and quickly gained a reputation for his extreme pace and hostile bowling style. Larwood's most famous contribution came during the 1932–33 Ashes series in Australia, where his 'Bodyline' deliveries were designed to curb Don Bradman's scoring. The tactics caused diplomatic tensions between England and Australia but proved effective, with Larwood taking 33 wickets in five Tests. After refusing to sign a statement apologizing for his role, he settled in Australia and ran a sports shop in Melbourne. He finished his Test career with 119 wickets at an average of 22.69 and passed away on July 22, 1995. Larwood is remembered as one of cricket's greatest fast bowlers and a central figure in one of the sport's most infamous controversies.
1995 Harold Larwood
1998day.year

Fritz Buchloh

(1909 - 1998)

German footballer and coach

German footballer and coach
German football goalkeeper who represented his country in multiple World Cups and later enjoyed a lengthy coaching career.
Fritz Buchloh was born in 1909 and became one of Germany's leading goalkeepers in the 1930s. He earned over 30 caps for the national team and featured in the 1934 and 1938 FIFA World Cups. Known for his quick reflexes and commanding presence in the penalty area, he helped shape modern goalkeeping. After World War II, Buchloh transitioned to coaching and managed several clubs across Europe. He was praised for his tactical understanding and ability to develop young talent. His dedication to the sport left a lasting impact on German football. He passed away on July 22, 1998, leaving behind a legacy of excellence both on and off the pitch.
1998 Fritz Buchloh
2007day.year

Mike Coolbaugh

(1972 - 2007)

American baseball player and coach

American baseball player and coach
American baseball coach and former minor league player whose on-field tragedy led to new safety measures.
Born in Longview, Texas, Mike Coolbaugh was drafted by the Chicago White Sox and spent eight seasons playing in the minor leagues. After retiring as a player, he became a coach in the Texas League, guiding prospects at first base. On July 22, 2007, during a game, Coolbaugh was tragically struck in the neck by a line drive and died instantly at age 35. His death prompted Major League Baseball to require all base coaches to wear protective helmets. Coolbaugh is remembered for his devotion to teaching young players and for his lasting impact on baseball safety.
2007 Mike Coolbaugh
2007day.year

Jarrod Cunningham

(1968 - 2007)

New Zealand rugby player

New Zealand rugby player
New Zealand rugby union fullback celebrated for his scoring prowess with London Irish.
Jarrod Cunningham began his rugby career in New Zealand, representing the Wellington Hurricanes in Super Rugby. In 1997, he joined the English club London Irish and became a fan favorite by scoring over 600 points across five seasons. Known for his accurate kicking and tactical play as a fullback, he played a key role in establishing London Irish in the Premiership. After retiring due to a heart condition, he was diagnosed with leukemia and dedicated himself to raising funds for cancer research. His courage and positive spirit left a lasting legacy when he passed away on July 22, 2007, at age 38.
Jarrod Cunningham
2007day.year

Rollie Stiles

(1906 - 2007)

American baseball player

American baseball player
American pitcher who briefly played in the major leagues and became one of its oldest living alumni.
Rollie Stiles debuted for the St. Louis Browns in 1925, making his mark as a left-handed pitcher in the final years of the Federal League era. Though his major league career spanned only two games, he enjoyed a long and successful tenure in the minor leagues. Stiles served in the U.S. Army during World War II before returning to baseball. He was celebrated later in life as one of the oldest surviving former major league players, known for his vivid recollections of baseball’s early days. Stiles passed away on July 22, 2007, at the remarkable age of 101.
Rollie Stiles
2011day.year

Cees de Wolf

(1945 - 2011)

Dutch footballer

Dutch footballer
Dutch professional footballer known for his time at Ajax and in Belgian clubs.
Born in 1945, Cees de Wolf began his career as a winger for Ajax during the 1960s. He helped the club secure multiple Eredivisie titles with his speed and precise crossing. De Wolf later played in Belgium for KV Mechelen and other sides, showcasing his adaptability. After retiring, he contributed to the sport through coaching and mentorship roles. He passed away on July 22, 2011, leaving a lasting legacy in Dutch football.
Cees de Wolf