English-Scottish tennis player
English-Scottish tennis player
Pioneering tennis star and the first woman to win an individual Olympic gold medal.
Born in 1870 in Ealing, England, Cooper dominated women's tennis in the late 19th century.
She won five Wimbledon singles titles between 1895 and 1908.
At the 1900 Paris Olympics, she became the first individual female Olympic champion.
Known for her aggressive volleying style and competitive spirit.
She also competed in croquet and was a member of the All England Club.
Cooper's success helped legitimize women's participation in competitive sports.
She lived to 1966, remaining a celebrated figure in tennis history.
1870
Charlotte Cooper
American baseball player
American baseball player
American Major League Baseball pitcher who holds the Detroit Tigers’ career wins record.
Hooks Dauss was born in 1889 in St. Louis, Missouri, and debuted in Major League Baseball with the Detroit Tigers in 1912. Over a 15-year career, he compiled 223 wins, the most in Tigers franchise history. Known for his durability and effective fastball, Dauss pitched eight seasons with 15 or more victories. He helped lead the Tigers to multiple pennant races and earned respect as one of the era's most reliable southpaws. After retiring in 1926, he continued in baseball as a coach and mentor to young players. His contributions were recognized with induction into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. Dauss passed away in 1963, leaving a lasting mark on baseball history.
1889
Hooks Dauss
American-English race car driver
American-English race car driver
Pioneering race car driver and speed record holder, first to break land and water speed records and a hero of early motorsport.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Segrave was raised in England, where he discovered his passion for motor racing. He made history in 1923 by winning the French Grand Prix, becoming the first British driver to claim the title. In 1926, Segrave set a land speed record of over 152 mph at Daytona Beach and later became the first person to exceed 200 mph. His success extended to the water, as he set a 89 mph water speed record on Windermere in 1930. Tragically, Segrave died that same year during a second water speed attempt, cementing his legend. Celebrated for his daring and technical skill, he inspired advances in engineering and safety. Annual races and awards honor his pioneering spirit.
Henry Segrave
English race car driver
English race car driver
English racing driver who competed in Grand Prix and endurance events in the mid-20th century.
Born in 1907 in England, Fotheringham-Parker developed a passion for motor racing at a young age.
He took part in prewar Grand Prix races and later competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Driving for teams like ERA and Aston Martin, he earned a reputation for skill and determination.
Although he never achieved major championship victories, he remained a respected figure among peers.
After retiring from racing, he continued to support British motorsports and mentor younger drivers.
He passed away in 1981, remembered for his adventurous spirit on and off the track.
Philip Fotheringham-Parker
American baseball player and manager
American baseball player and manager
American Major League Baseball pitcher and manager, eight-time All-Star and 1978 World Series champion.
Bob Lemon was born in 1920 in California and debuted as a Major League pitcher with the Cleveland Indians in 1946. Over a 12-year playing career, he recorded 207 wins, pitched a no-hitter, and earned eight All-Star selections. After retiring as a player in 1958, he became the pitching coach and later the manager for the New York Yankees, leading them to the 1978 World Series championship. Known for his competitive spirit and leadership, Lemon was respected by teammates and opponents alike. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976 in recognition of his outstanding achievements. His legacy endures as one of the most accomplished pitchers of his era.
Bob Lemon
French cyclist
French cyclist
French professional cyclist known for stage wins in the Tour de France and Paris–Nice races.
Bernard Gauthier was born in 1924 and turned professional shortly after World War II. He secured multiple stage victories in the Tour de France and showcased his versatility in races like Paris–Nice. Nicknamed 'Monsieur Bordeaux–Paris' for his strength in long-distance events, Gauthier excelled in both sprint finishes and time trials. He rode for leading French teams and was admired for his tactical acumen and resilience. After retiring from competition, he dedicated himself to mentoring young cyclists as a team manager. Gauthier's achievements played a pivotal role in reviving French cycling in the post-war era.
1924
Bernard Gauthier
English footballer and coach
English footballer and coach
English footballer and coach who excelled as a winger for club and country.
Gordon Astall (1927–2020) was an English footballer renowned for his speed and skill on the wing.
He played over 200 matches for Plymouth Argyle before moving to Birmingham City, where he helped the team win the Second Division title.
Astall earned four caps for the England national team between 1952 and 1953.
After retiring as a player, he contributed to the sport as a coach and mentor.
His attacking flair and dedication made him a beloved figure in English football history.
1927
Gordon Astall
American baseball player, coach, and manager
American baseball player
coach
and manager
American baseball legend who managed the Los Angeles Dodgers to two World Series titles.
Tommy Lasorda (1927–2021) was an American baseball player, coach, and manager best known for his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
As manager from 1976 to 1996, he led the team to National League pennants and two World Series championships.
Known for his passionate leadership, Lasorda inspired players and fans alike with his vibrant personality.
He won Manager of the Year honors and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.
Lasorda’s legacy endures as one of baseball’s most beloved figures.
Tommy Lasorda
American wrestler
American wrestler
Johnny Valentine was an American professional wrestler known for his powerful style and influence on mid-20th century wrestling.
Born in Sheffield, Pennsylvania, Valentine became one of the top heavyweights of the 1950s and 1960s.
He was renowned for his rugged in-ring persona and technical prowess.
Valentine held multiple regional and national titles throughout his career.
He formed a successful tag team with Buddy Rogers, winning numerous championships.
His dedication to the sport and charismatic performances helped popularize professional wrestling.
After a serious car accident in 1975, he transitioned to a mentoring role, training younger wrestlers.
Valentine’s legacy endures as a pioneer who shaped the modern wrestling industry.
Johnny Valentine
Italian motorcycle racer
Italian motorcycle racer
Carlo Ubbiali was an Italian Grand Prix motorcycle racer and nine-time world champion revered for his skill and consistency.
Born in Bergamo, Italy, Ubbiali dominated Grand Prix motorcycle racing in the 1950s.
He won six 125cc and three 250cc World Championship titles between 1951 and 1959.
Riding for MV Agusta, he was praised for his smooth riding style and tactical intelligence.
Ubbiali’s success helped establish Italy as a powerhouse in motorcycle racing.
After retiring in 1960, he remained active as a mentor and team advisor.
He was inducted into the MotoGP Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport.
Ubbiali’s record stood as a benchmark for future champions for decades.
Carlo Ubbiali
Swedish boxer
Swedish boxer
Ingemar Johansson was a Swedish heavyweight boxer who won the world title in 1959 and became a national hero.
Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, Johansson won an Olympic bronze medal in 1952.
He turned professional in 1956 and quickly rose through the heavyweight ranks.
In a stunning upset in 1959, he knocked out Floyd Patterson to claim the world heavyweight title.
Known for his powerful right hand, he defended the title twice before losing the rematch.
Johansson’s bouts attracted global attention and revitalized European boxing.
After retiring in 1963, he pursued acting and served as a boxing referee and commentator.
He remains celebrated as one of Sweden’s greatest athletes.
Ingemar Johansson
Italian-Argentinian footballer
Italian-Argentinian footballer
Argentinian football defender who won the inaugural Copa Libertadores with Racing Club.
Carmelo Simeone began his career in Argentina before gaining fame as a stalwart defender for Racing Club de Avellaneda.
He played a key role in Racing Club's historic victory in the first-ever Copa Libertadores in 1967.
Known for his tenacity and tactical awareness, Simeone earned respect across South American football.
After retiring from playing, he contributed to youth development and coaching in Argentina.
His legacy endures among Racing Club supporters and in the annals of continental club competition.
Carmelo Simeone