September 30

Born in Tartu, Estonia, Heino Kruus became one of the country's first prominent basketball figures. He competed at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics as part of the Soviet national team. After retiring as a player, he dedicated himself to coaching and developing youth talent in Estonia. Under his guidance, several Estonian clubs rose to prominence in national competitions. He played a key role in establishing coaching standards that influenced generations of Estonian players. Kruus's legacy endures as a foundational figure in the growth of basketball in his homeland.

Born in Springfield, Illinois, Roberts rose to prominence with the Philadelphia Phillies. Pitching with a devastating fastball and pinpoint control, he won 20 or more games in six consecutive seasons (1950–1955). An eight-time All-Star, he led the National League in wins and earned run average multiple times. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and later became a respected sportscaster. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976, Roberts remained a beloved figure in baseball. His contributions helped shape modern pitching and inspired future generations of pitchers.

Born in 1928, Willsey played football at the collegiate level before transitioning into coaching. He coached both amateur and professional teams in Canada and the United States. Known for his emphasis on fundamentals, he helped develop strong offensive and defensive units. Willsey led teams in regional championships, earning respect for his strategic approach to the game. Beyond the field, he mentored young coaches and contributed to football coaching clinics. His dedication to the sport left a lasting impact on the North American football community.

Born in 1932 in Niagara Falls, New York, Podres debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1953. He delivered a shutout in Game 7 of the 1955 World Series, securing the Dodgers' first championship in Brooklyn. Podres was a two-time All-Star and posted a career 3.53 ERA over 15 MLB seasons. After retiring as a player, he served as a pitching coach for several minor and major league teams. Podres was inducted into the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport. He passed away in 2008, leaving a legacy as one of the Dodgers' postseason heroes.

Born in 1934 in Chester, England, A'Court joined Liverpool FC in 1953 and made over 300 appearances. Known for his speed and dribbling, he scored 77 goals for the club across all competitions. A'Court earned five caps for the England national team and participated in the 1958 FIFA World Cup. After retiring in 1964, he managed Tranmere Rovers and Crewe Alexandra, bringing tactical innovation to both sides. He later served as a youth coach at Liverpool, mentoring the next generation of players. A'Court passed away in 2009, remembered as a beloved figure in Merseyside football.

Gary Hocking was born in 1937 in Southern Rhodesia and rose to prominence in the late 1950s as a motorcycle racer. He won the 350cc and 500cc World Championships in 1961, demonstrating remarkable skill and speed. Hocking's triumph at the Isle of Man TT further cemented his status among motorcycling greats. Known for his fearless riding style, he was a fan favorite on the Grand Prix circuit. His promising career was tragically cut short when he died in a 1962 crash while testing a car, leaving a lasting legacy in motorsport.

Harry Jerome overcame polio as a child to become one of Canada's most celebrated athletes. He equaled the 100m world record in 1960 and set a new mark in 1962, earning him international acclaim. Jerome won a bronze medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and multiple Commonwealth Games titles. After retiring, he became an educator, coach, and advocate for youth athletics. His legacy endures through the Harry Jerome Sports Foundation, which supports young athletes. Jerome's determination and achievements inspired generations in track and field.

Reine Wisell was a Swedish Formula One driver born in 1941. He began his career by winning the British Formula 3 championship in 1967. Wisell made his F1 debut with Team Lotus in 1970 and achieved a podium finish at his home Grand Prix. Over his career, he raced for Lotus and BRM before retiring from the top level in 1974. He later competed in touring cars and endurance events across Europe. Known for his speed and determination, Wisell remained active in motorsport until his passing in 2022, remembered as one of Sweden's pioneering racers.

Jimmy Johnstone was born in Lanarkshire in 1944 and became one of Celtic FC's most celebrated wingers. He spent over fifteen years at the club, making more than 500 appearances and scoring over 100 goals. As a member of the famed 'Lisbon Lions', he helped Celtic become the first British club to win the European Cup in 1967. His dazzling dribbling and creative flair earned him the nickname 'Jinky' and 23 caps for the Scotland national team. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame.

Red Robbins was an American professional basketball player who starred in the ABA during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He played for teams including the New Orleans Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Pipers, Memphis Tams, and Utah Stars. Robbins was a key contributor to the Pittsburgh Pipers' ABA championship win, averaging double figures in points and rebounds. Before turning professional, he excelled at Oklahoma Baptist University. After retiring, Robbins remained active in coaching and community programs until his passing in 2009, leaving a lasting mark on the league's formative years.

Jochen Mass is a German former racing driver who competed in Formula One and sports car championships. Born in Dorsten, Germany, in 1946, he raced in Formula One between 1973 and 1978, achieving a podium finish at the 1975 Austrian Grand Prix. Mass found greater success in endurance racing, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1989 with Sauber-Mercedes. He also claimed victories in events such as the Spa 24 Hours and the Nürburgring 24 Hours, demonstrating his versatility behind the wheel. After retiring, Mass remained involved in motorsport promotion and charity events. His adaptability and achievements across disciplines mark him as one of Germany’s prominent racing talents.