September 23

Johnny Mokan was born in 1895 in San Francisco and made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1915. Over a nine-year career, he also played for the Brooklyn Robins and the Philadelphia Phillies. Known for his consistent batting, Mokan posted a career .299 average with 25 home runs and 322 RBIs. After retiring as a player, he remained active in baseball as a coach and scout. Mokan’s steady presence in the outfield and his hitting prowess left a mark on the early years of professional baseball.

Cecil 'Cec' Fifield was a versatile back who played for North Sydney and was a key member of the Australian national team on the 1929–30 Kangaroo tour. After retiring as a player, he coached in England and Australia, including stints with Wigan and North Sydney. Fifield also served as a selector for Queensland teams and contributed to the development of junior rugby league. His dedication to the sport helped professionalize coaching methods in the mid-20th century. Fifield’s legacy is honored in both Australia and Britain.

Arthur Folwell began his career playing for the Newtown and Canterbury clubs in England before moving to Australia in the 1930s. He captained the Australian national team and later served as coach of New South Wales. After retiring from play, Folwell became the secretary and chief administrator of the New South Wales Rugby Football League. Under his leadership, the league expanded and modernized its competitions. He is remembered for his vision in promoting rugby league across Australia.

Born Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta in 1917, he adopted the persona of El Santo and debuted in the wrestling ring in 1934. With his signature silver mask, he captivated audiences and maintained his secret identity throughout his career. El Santo starred in over 50 action-packed films that blended superhero storytelling with wrestling drama. Beyond the ring, he toured schools and hospitals, using his fame for charitable causes. Decades after his death, he remains a folk hero in Mexico and an international symbol of justice and perseverance.

Born in Mönchengladbach, Germany in 1932, Georg Keßler began his playing career as a midfielder with SV Sodingen and Rot-Weiss Essen. After retiring, he became a manager in 1967, guiding teams such as FC Twente, Club Brugge, and FC Barcelona. Keßler won national titles in Belgium and the Netherlands and coached the Netherlands national team from 1976 to 1977. Known for his tactical insight and development of young talent, his coaching career spanned over two decades across multiple European leagues. His leadership helped shape the modern tactical approaches still used by European clubs today.

Ron Tindall was an English sportsman who excelled as a footballer, cricketer, and manager during his career. He began his professional football journey with Chelsea FC, scoring crucial goals as a forward in the 1950s. After emigrating to Australia, Tindall transitioned to first-class cricket, representing Western Australia as a reliable all-rounder. He later returned to football as a manager, sharing his experience with clubs in both England and Australia. Tindall's dual-sport legacy highlights his versatility and passion for athletics.

George Eastham was an English professional footballer who played as an inside forward for clubs including Newcastle United and Arsenal. He earned 19 caps for the England national team, scoring three goals. In 1963, Eastham brought a legal challenge against Newcastle United's retain-and-transfer system, leading to greater freedom of movement for players. This landmark case reshaped contract law in British football and is credited with improving player rights. Beyond his off-field impact, Eastham was celebrated for his technical ability and creativity on the field.

Sylvain Saudan is a Swiss skier renowned for his daring descents of steep mountain faces once deemed unclimbable. He pioneered techniques for skiing down couloirs and cliffs, completing numerous first descents across the Alps and North America. Saudan developed specialized ski equipment to navigate slopes with vertical drops exceeding 50 degrees. His feats earned him the nickname 'skier of the impossible' and inspired the sport of extreme skiing. Beyond his athletic achievements, Saudan has shared his experiences through books and documentary films.

Henry Blofeld played first-class cricket for Cambridge University and Norfolk before becoming one of the most recognizable voices in cricket broadcasting. Born in London in 1939, his distinctive commentary style and humorous anecdotes on BBC's Test Match Special endeared him to fans worldwide. Known affectionately as 'Blowers,' he authored several books, including his autobiography. His contributions to cricket journalism span decades, making him a beloved figure in the sport. Blofeld continues to influence cricket commentary and is celebrated for his passion and storytelling.

Born in Sydney in 1940, Dick Thornett represented Australia in water polo at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Transitioning to rugby union and league, he played for the Parramatta Eels and won caps as captain of the St. George Dragons. Thornett earned 22 Test caps for the Wallabies and scored 28 tries during his rugby league career. Renowned for his versatility and athleticism, he is one of few Australians to represent the country in two Olympic and two rugby codes. Thornett passed away in 2011, remembered as a sporting icon with a rare multi-sport legacy.

Born in Quebec City in 1941, Simon Nolet began his professional hockey career in the Quebec Senior Hockey League. He played 11 seasons in the NHL, starring for the Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, and expansion Quebec Nordiques. Nolet served as an alternate captain for the Blues and helped lead the team to multiple playoff appearances. After retiring as a player, he coached in the QMJHL and contributed to developing young talent. His dedication to hockey in Canada has made him a respected figure in the sport.

Born in 1942, David Renneberg emerged as a key fast-medium bowler for Australia. He made his Test debut in 1966 and played in ten matches, known for his disciplined line and length. Renneberg's performances in the subcontinent and at home established him as a reliable member of the bowling attack. After retiring from first-class cricket, he contributed as a coach and mentor to young bowlers. His legacy endures in Australian cricket history for his role in a transitional era of the sport.