October 10

Lipman Pike, born in 1845, was among the earliest players to sign a professional baseball contract. He played for the Cincinnati Red Stockings and later managed and starred for several clubs. Known for his powerful hitting and speed on the bases, Pike led the league in triples and stolen bases. As one of the first Jewish athletes in professional sports, he broke barriers on and off the field. His pioneering career helped shape baseball’s transition into a professional sport.

Born in 1910, Ted Horn rose to prominence on the American open-wheel racing circuit in the 1930s. He achieved four consecutive top-five finishes at the Indianapolis 500 from 1936 to 1939. Horn won multiple AAA national championship events, earning respect for his consistency. His fearless driving style and mechanical insight made him a crowd favorite. Horn’s accomplishments secured his place in motorsports history.

Born in 1893 in Maryborough, Victoria, Cazaly began his Australian rules football career with South Melbourne in 1911. He earned a reputation for his high-flying marking skills and was selected to represent Victoria multiple times. After his playing days, he transitioned to coaching, leading teams such as St Kilda and Melbourne. His passionate leadership and tactical innovations helped shape the early development of the sport. Cazaly's name became synonymous with spectacular aerial play, immortalized in the popular wartime song "Up There, Cazaly." He died in 1963 and was later inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Born in 1870 in Ealing, London, Cooper dominated women's tennis in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She won five Wimbledon singles titles between 1895 and 1908 and was celebrated for her graceful playing style. At the 1900 Paris Olympics, she became the first female Olympic tennis champion, winning gold in both singles and mixed doubles. Cooper also served as a pioneering advocate for women's participation in competitive sports. Later in life, she remained involved in tennis as an official and mentor to young players. She died in 1966 and was posthumously inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Born in 1910 in Atlanta, Georgia, Ralph Metcalfe became one of the world's fastest sprinters in the early 1930s, winning silver medals in the 100 meters at both the 1932 and 1936 Olympic Games. After retiring from athletics, he worked for the Chicago Department of Recreation and Park before entering politics. In 1971, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat representing Illinois and served until his death in 1978. As a congressman, Metcalfe advocated passionately for civil rights and youth programs. His dual legacy as a pioneering African-American athlete and dedicated public servant endures.

Born in Vienna in 1906, Nickolaus Hirschl excelled as a wrestler, discus thrower, and shot putter. He represented Austria in national and international competitions during the interwar period. His versatility in both combat and athletics disciplines made him a standout sportsman. Hirschl’s dedication to training and competition earned him respect among his peers. Throughout his career, he remained committed to promoting athletics in his homeland. He passed away on October 10, 1991.

Born in 1957, Tommy Quaid emerged as a talented goalkeeper for the Limerick senior hurling team during the 1970s. His reflexes and leadership helped Limerick secure key victories in the Munster Championship. After retiring as a player, Quaid transitioned into coaching and team management. He guided club and county squads, imparting his passion and expertise to younger players. Quaid’s influence on Limerick hurling extended beyond his on-field achievements, fostering the sport’s growth in the region. He passed away on October 10, 1998.

Eddie Futch was born in 1911 and initially competed as a bantamweight boxer before turning to training. Over his career, he coached legendary fighters including Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, and Larry Holmes. Futch’s technical expertise and calm demeanor in the corner earned him respect across the boxing world. He was named Trainer of the Year multiple times by The Ring magazine. His innovative strategies and focus on fundamentals shaped modern boxing coaching. Eddie Futch passed away on October 10, 2001, and is remembered as one of the sport’s greatest trainers.

Ken Caminiti was an American professional baseball player who spent most of his career with the San Diego Padres. He won the National League MVP award in 1996 after hitting 40 home runs and driving in 130 runs. A three-time All-Star, he was known for his powerful bat and grit on the field. His career was later marred by revelations of performance-enhancing drug use. He passed away at age 41 in 2004, leaving a complicated legacy in baseball history.

Born in Gary, Indiana in 1935, Alex Karras starred as a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, earning four Pro Bowl selections. He won NFL Rookie of the Year in 1958 and helped lead the Lions to two NFL championship games. After retiring from football, Karras pursued professional wrestling, becoming a popular figure in the ring. He transitioned to acting, with memorable roles including Mongo in Mel Brooks's film "Blazing Saddles". Karras also appeared in the TV series "Webster", showcasing his comedic talents. Known for his boisterous personality and wit, he authored several books and remained a beloved sports and entertainment icon until his passing in 2012.

Valeri Karpov was a talented Russian professional ice hockey player. He starred for Traktor Chelyabinsk in the Soviet Championship League and the Russian Superleague. Karpov represented the Soviet Union and Russia in international competitions, winning medals. Known for his speed and precise shooting, he was a fan favorite in Chelyabinsk. He later coached youth hockey and worked to develop future talents in his hometown.

Lari Ketner was a versatile American athlete who competed in both football and basketball. He played at the collegiate level with standout performances in both sports. Ketner was selected in the NBA draft and spent time with NBA teams in the late 1990s. He also pursued opportunities in professional football before transitioning back to basketball. After retiring, he dedicated himself to mentoring youth through sports programs.