August 06

Anthony Michael Lazzeri was born in San Francisco in 1903. He joined the New York Yankees in 1926 and became a key member of the legendary 'Murderers' Row' lineup. Lazzeri won five World Series titles with the Yankees between 1927 and 1932. Known for his powerful hitting, he was one of the first Italian-American baseball stars. He recorded the first grand slam in World Series history in 1936. After his playing career, he worked as a coach in the minor leagues. Lazzeri’s career batting average was .292, and he was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He died in 1946.

Leszek Błażyński was a Polish flyweight boxer who rose to prominence in the 1970s. Born in 1949, he became a national champion and represented Poland at multiple international competitions. He captured bronze medals at the 1972 Munich Games and the 1976 Montreal Games. Renowned for his speed and technical skill, he became one of Poland's most celebrated athletes. His success inspired a generation of young boxers in his home country. He passed away on August 6, 1992, leaving a lasting legacy in Polish boxing history.

Tex Hughson was an American Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Boston Red Sox during the 1940s. Born in 1916 in Buda, Texas, he debuted in the majors in 1941 and quickly became a leading arm in Boston's rotation. Known for his blazing fastball, he was selected to three All-Star Games and led the American League in wins and ERA in 1945. His career was interrupted by military service during World War II. Over his career, he amassed 124 victories with a sub-4.00 ERA before retiring due to arm injuries. After baseball, he returned to Texas and remained active in his local community until his death in 1993.

Dan Roundfield (1953–2012) was an American professional basketball player who enjoyed a ten-year career in the NBA. He went undrafted out of college but emerged as a standout power forward for the Atlanta Hawks from 1978 to 1984. Roundfield was selected to four consecutive NBA All-Star Games and earned multiple All-Defensive Team honors. He also played for the Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons, Utah Jazz, and Chicago Bulls before retiring in 1987. Over his career, he averaged 16.7 points and 9.0 rebounds per game and was celebrated for his work ethic and toughness on the court.

Mava Lee Thomas (1929–2013) was an American baseball player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). She joined the league as a catcher and first baseman, playing for teams such as the Rockford Peaches in 1951 and 1952. Known for her reliable defense and solid batting, Thomas contributed to the growth of women's professional baseball. After retiring from the sport, she remained active in promoting the history of the AAGPBL and inspiring future generations of female athletes. Her dedication helped preserve the legacy of the pioneering women who broke barriers in baseball.

Ralph Bryans (1941–2014) was a Northern Irish professional motorcycle racer who competed at the Grand Prix level. In 1965, he won the 50cc World Championship, becoming the first Irish rider to claim an FIM world title. Bryans achieved eight Grand Prix victories during his career, racing for teams such as Honda and Yamaha. His skill on lightweight motorcycles and consistent performances earned him international acclaim. After retiring from competition in 1970, he remained active in the racing community and was celebrated for his contributions to the sport.

Ray Hill (1975–2015) was an American football player known for his time as a defensive back in the Arena Football League. After a standout collegiate career, he signed with the Chicago Rush and later played for the Tampa Bay Storm, demonstrating strong coverage skills and athleticism. Hill’s professional tenure included multiple playoff appearances and recognition as a reliable defender. Off the field, he was admired for his leadership and community involvement. He passed away in 2015, leaving a legacy among teammates and fans of arena football.

Betty Cuthbert (1938–2017) was an Australian track and field athlete known as the 'Golden Girl' of sprinting. At the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, she won gold medals in the 100m, 200m, and 4×100m relay, becoming the first athlete to achieve this feat at a home Games. Eight years later, she claimed a fourth Olympic gold in the 400m at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Cuthbert set multiple world records during her career and inspired generations of athletes with her speed and determination. After retiring, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and became an advocate for disability sports.

Darren Daulton made his MLB debut in 1983 with the Philadelphia Phillies and quickly became known for his toughness behind the plate. He earned All-Star honors in 1989 and 1993 and was instrumental in Philadelphia's 1993 World Series victory. Daulton also represented the United States baseball team at the 1984 Summer Olympics, winning a silver medal. After retiring as a player, he served as a coach for the Phillies organization, sharing his experience with younger catchers. Off the field, Daulton was admired for his leadership, charitable work, and dedication to community outreach. In 2013, he battled brain cancer, demonstrating resilience and courage that inspired many fans. His legacy endures as one of Philadelphia baseball's most beloved figures.

Billy Bean made his Major League Baseball debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1987 and went on to play for the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres. After retiring in 1995, he publicly came out as gay in 1999, becoming one of the first former MLB players to do so. Bean then joined the baseball front office, eventually serving as Major League Baseball's Vice President of Youth Development and Inclusive Programs. In this role, he developed initiatives to promote diversity and foster inclusive environments across teams. His memoir, 'Going the Other Way,' chronicles his journey and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes in professional sports. He died in 2024, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights in athletics.