1933day.year

Mike Donlin

(1878 - 1933)

American baseball player and actor

American baseball player and actor
American professional baseball outfielder renowned for his high batting average and charisma, who later appeared in silent films.
Born Michael Joseph Donlin in 1878, he debuted in Major League Baseball in 1899 and played for teams including the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals. Known as Turkey Mike for his lively personality, he consistently maintained a batting average above .300. Off the field, Donlin pursued acting, starring in silent films and baseball shorts. His transition from diamond to screen made him one of the earliest athlete-actors in Hollywood. Despite chronic injuries and financial struggles, he left a lasting impression in both baseball and early cinema.
1933 Mike Donlin
1939day.year

Charles Tatham

(1854 - 1939)

American fencer

American fencer
American fencer who competed in national and early Olympic tournaments in the early 20th century.
Born in 1854, Tatham became one of America's leading foil and épée fencers at the turn of the century. He won multiple national championships and was part of the American team at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis. Tatham also played a key role in promoting fencing clubs in New York City, helping to popularize the sport in the United States. His disciplined training methods and sportsmanship earned him respect among peers. Beyond competition, he taught fencing to aspiring athletes, contributing to the sport's development. His legacy is remembered in the history of American fencing.
Charles Tatham
1973day.year

August Kippasto

(1887 - 1973)

Estonian-Australian wrestler and poet

Estonian-Australian wrestler and poet
Estonian-Australian wrestler and poet known for his competitive achievements and literary works.
August Kippasto, born in 1887 in Estonia, emigrated to Australia where he excelled in amateur wrestling, winning multiple state championships. Beyond the mat, he nurtured a passion for literature, publishing collections of poetry that reflected his immigrant experience and personal reflections. His dual legacy as an athlete and writer connected physical discipline with creative expression. Kippasto's poems, often inspired by nature and resilience, earned recognition in local literary circles. He contributed articles on sports and culture to several Australian periodicals. His life story embodies the melding of athletic prowess with artistic sensitivity. He passed away in 1973, remembered for bridging sports and poetry.
1973 August Kippasto
1982day.year

Józef Nawrot

(1906 - 1982)

Polish-English footballer

Polish-English footballer
Polish-English football forward celebrated for his prolific goal-scoring in the interwar period.
Józef Nawrot was a talented Polish-English footballer who excelled as a forward during the 1920s and 1930s. Born in 1906, he began his career with local clubs before making a name at Wisła Kraków. Renowned for his sharp striking ability, he was a leading scorer in the Polish league. He earned caps for the Poland national team, contributing crucial goals in international competitions. Nawrot later played in England, showcasing his skills abroad and influencing cross-border football relations. He retired from professional play in the late 1930s and passed away on 24 September 1982.
Józef Nawrot
2002day.year

Mike Webster

(1952 - 2002)

American football player

American football player
Mike Webster was an American professional football center for the Pittsburgh Steelers, widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NFL history.
Born in Wisconsin in 1952, Webster anchored the Steelers' offensive line from 1974 to 1988, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and four Super Bowl titles. Nicknamed Iron Mike, he set a new standard for the center position with his durability and leadership. He concluded his playing career with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1989 after 15 seasons in the NFL. Following his retirement, Webster faced personal and health challenges that brought attention to the long-term effects of head injuries in football. In 1997, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats.
Mike Webster
2006day.year

Phil Latulippe

(1909 - 2006)

Canadian soldier and runner

Canadian soldier and runner
Phil Latulippe was a Canadian World War II veteran and long-distance runner who promoted fitness and community service.
Born in 1909, Latulippe served with distinction in the Canadian Army during World War II before dedicating himself to athletics and philanthropy. In his later years, he took up long-distance running, completing numerous marathons and setting records in his age category. A passionate advocate for healthy living, he organized races and community events to encourage seniors to stay active. Latulippe also established charitable initiatives to support youth sports and veterans. His commitment to physical fitness and community engagement earned him national recognition in Canada.
Phil Latulippe
2008day.year

Mickey Vernon

(1918 - 2008)

American baseball player and coach

American baseball player and coach
Mickey Vernon was an American Major League Baseball first baseman and coach, a two-time American League batting champion.
Born in 1918 in Pennsylvania, Vernon debuted with the Cleveland Indians in 1939 before becoming a star with the Washington Senators. He led the American League in batting average twice, in 1946 and 1953, and amassed over 2,600 hits during his 19-year playing career. After retiring, Vernon served as a coach and scout, sharing his expertise with future generations of players. He was known for his smooth swing, consistency at the plate and dedication to the game. Vernon passed away in 2008, remembered as one of baseball's most reliable hitters.
Mickey Vernon
2012day.year

Pierre Adam

(1924 - 2012)

French cyclist

French cyclist
French racing cyclist active in the vibrant post-war cycling scene.
Born in 1924, Adam competed in domestic and regional cycling events in France. While specific records of his achievements are limited, he was part of the vibrant French cycling community of the 1940s and 1950s. His dedication to the sport inspired fellow riders and local fans. He remained involved in cycling circles throughout his life. Adam passed away in 2012, remembered by enthusiasts of the era.
2012 Pierre Adam
2013day.year

Paul Dietzel

(1924 - 2013)

American football player and coach

American football player and coach
American football coach who led LSU to a national championship and later shaped programs at multiple universities.
Born in 1924, Dietzel played college football before embarking on a storied coaching career. He served as head coach at Louisiana State University from 1955 to 1961, leading the Tigers to an undefeated national championship season in 1958. He later coached at the United States Military Academy and the University of South Carolina, leaving his mark on each program. As an athletic director, he oversaw growth and development of collegiate athletics. Dietzel was known for innovative strategies and mentorship of student-athletes. He passed away in 2013, remembered as a influential figure in college football history.
2013 Paul Dietzel
2013day.year

Paul Oliver

(1984 - 2013)

American football player

American football player
American football safety who played in the National Football League during the late 2000s.
Born in 1984, Oliver excelled at college football before entering the NFL. He was drafted in the mid-2000s and played as a safety, contributing to defensive units with his tackling and coverage skills. During his career, he appeared in numerous regular-season games and was known for his hard-hitting play. After retiring, he remained connected to the sport through coaching and mentorship. Oliver's dedication to football inspired many young athletes. He passed away in 2013, remembered by teammates for his passion on the field.
Paul Oliver
2016day.year

Mel Charles

(1935 - 2016)

Welsh footballer

Welsh footballer
Legendary Welsh footballer known for his powerful play and international achievements.
Mel Charles was a celebrated Welsh footballer who played as an inside forward. He debuted for Swansea Town before starring at Arsenal, where his physical style and scoring ability impressed fans. Charles earned multiple caps for the Welsh national team, representing his country in the 1958 World Cup. His robust performances and leadership on the field made him a favorite among teammates and supporters. After retiring, he remained active in football through coaching and community engagement in Wales.
2016 Mel Charles
2016day.year

Vladimir Kuzmichyov

(1979 - 2016)

Russian footballer

Russian footballer
Russian footballer recognized for his midfield versatility and contributions to top clubs.
Vladimir Kuzmichyov was a professional Russian footballer who played primarily as a midfielder. He began his career with FC Moscow before playing for clubs such as Dynamo Moscow and Rubin Kazan. Known for his technical skill and tactical awareness, he contributed to several domestic cup runs. His versatility allowed him to adapt to various midfield roles, earning respect from coaches and peers. After his playing career, he continued to influence the sport as a youth coach until his untimely passing.
Vladimir Kuzmichyov