August 28

Born in 1859 in Ohio, Howell took up archery in her youth and quickly rose to prominence. At the 1904 St. Louis Olympics, she won three gold medals in archery, the most by any woman in those Games. She set multiple world records, including a 50-yard round that stood for decades. Howell co-founded archery clubs and wrote instructional pamphlets on archery technique. Her success helped popularize competitive archery among women in the United States. She continued to compete and teach until her death in 1938, leaving a legacy in the sport.

August Kippasto was born in 1887 in Estonia and made his mark in local wrestling circles before emigrating to Australia. There he continued his athletic pursuits, competing at the amateur level while nurturing a deep interest in literature. His poetry collections, published later in life, explore themes of identity, resilience, and the immigrant experience. Kippasto’s dual legacy as both a wrestler and a poet highlights the breadth of his talents. He remained an active voice in both communities until his death in 1973.

Charlie Grimm was born in 1898 in Oakland, California, and began his Major League Baseball career as a first baseman. He later became the manager of the Chicago Cubs, leading the team to multiple National League pennants in the 1930s and 1940s. Grimm’s approachable personality earned him the nickname "Jolly Cholly" among fans and players. After his managerial career, he worked as a sportscaster, sharing his insights with a new generation of baseball enthusiasts. He passed away in 1983, leaving behind a legacy as both a player and a beloved leader.

Leho Laurine was a prominent Estonian chess player active during the mid-20th century. He represented Estonia in international competitions and contributed to the development of chess in his home country. Laurine participated in team events such as the Chess Olympiad, showcasing strategic play against top opponents. He was respected for his deep tactical understanding and sportsmanship. His legacy endures among Estonian chess enthusiasts.

Cyril Walters was a talented batsman born in Wales who made his mark in English county cricket. He captained Worcestershire from 1935 to 1938, leading the team with elegant stroke play and effective leadership. Walters earned selection for the England Test side, featuring in two matches during the 1934–35 Ashes series. His promising career was interrupted by health issues, forcing early retirement from the sport. Beyond his playing days, he remained involved in cricket administration and coaching.

Lindsay Hassett was a right-handed batsman who represented Australia in 33 Test matches between 1938 and 1953. He captained the side in 11 Tests, including the first postwar Ashes series victory in 1948. Known for his technical skill and calm leadership, he scored over 2,300 Test runs at an average of 46.56. After retiring, Hassett became a pioneer of cricket broadcasting, commentating for Australian radio and television. His insights and warmth helped popularize the game across the nation for decades. He was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions.

Max Robertson began his broadcasting career with the BBC in the late 1940s, covering cricket and football. He later joined ITV, where his articulate commentary and insightful analysis won a wide audience. Robertson covered seven FIFA World Cups and multiple Ashes series over a career spanning four decades. He authored several books on cricket history and the evolution of sports broadcasting. His clear speaking style and dry wit helped define modern live sports commentary. He was honored by the British Sports Journalists’ Association for his lifelong contributions to sports media.

Tony MacGibbon was a prominent New Zealand cricketer, featuring in 26 Test matches between 1950 and 1956. A reliable all-rounder, he was known for his consistent medium-pace bowling and valuable lower-order batting. MacGibbon captained Canterbury in domestic cricket, leaving a lasting impact on New Zealand's sporting culture. After retiring from sport, he pursued a career as an engineer, applying analytical skills off the field. His dual success in athletics and engineering reflected his versatile talents and dedication. MacGibbon remains remembered as a key figure in New Zealand's cricket history and professional community.

Andy Bathgate was born in 1932 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and became one of the NHL's most dynamic right wingers. He debuted with the New York Rangers in 1952 and won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 1959 after leading the league in scoring. Bathgate also played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Oakland Seals, totaling over 800 career points. After retiring as a player, he coached in the World Hockey Association and served as a general manager. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978. Known for his powerful shot and playmaking skills, Bathgate left a lasting impact on professional hockey. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 83.

Don Denkinger (1936–2023) started his baseball journey as a player before becoming a Major League umpire. His umpiring career spanned from 1969 to 1998, during which he officiated six World Series and two All-Star Games. Denkinger is often remembered for a high-profile safe call in Game 6 of the 1985 World Series. Despite the controversy, he earned respect for his consistency and dedication to the sport. His contributions to baseball officiating have left an indelible mark on the game.

Roger Pingeon was born on August 28, 1940 in Hauteville-Lompnes, France. He turned professional in 1964 and quickly became one of France's top cyclists. Pingeon captured the overall title at the 1967 Tour de France, wearing the yellow jersey with decisive stage wins. He also won the 1969 Vuelta a España, becoming one of the few riders to claim victories in two Grand Tours. Known for his strong climbing ability and tactical savvy, he claimed several other stage wins and podium finishes. After retiring in 1974, Pingeon remained involved in cycling as a coach and commentator. He passed away in 2017, leaving a legacy as one of France's celebrated champions.

Born on August 28, 1941, in Tallinn, Toomas Leius became one of the Soviet Union's top tennis players of the 1960s. He claimed multiple Soviet national titles and represented the USSR in Davis Cup competition. Leius reached the quarterfinals of Grand Slam events, including the French Championships in 1968. After retiring from competitive play, he turned to coaching and contributed to developing Estonian tennis talent. His work helped raise the profile of tennis in Estonia during the Soviet era. Leius's dedication to the sport spanned playing, coaching, and promoting tennis nationally.