October 11

Tamanoumi Masahiro was a celebrated Japanese sumo wrestler born in 1944. He achieved the prestigious rank of Yokozuna, becoming the 51st grand champion of the sport. Known for his powerful charging style and technical skill, he captured multiple top-division tournament titles. Tamanoumi was respected for his dedication to rigorous training and his role as a mentor to younger wrestlers. His leadership within his stable helped elevate the status of sumo during the late 1960s. His untimely death at age 27 shocked the sumo community. Despite his brief career, he left a lasting legacy and remains a revered figure in sumo history.

Norm Cash was an American professional baseball player born in 1934 in Justice, Illinois. He spent the majority of his 16-season MLB career with the Detroit Tigers, winning four All-Star selections and leading the American League in batting average in 1961. Cash was a key member of the Tigers' 1968 World Series championship team and is remembered for his powerful hitting and reliable defense. After retiring from baseball, he transitioned to sportscasting and remained a popular figure among baseball fans. Known for his personable nature and love of the game, Cash left a lasting impression on the Tigers organization. He finished his career with 377 home runs and a .271 batting average. Cash's contributions to baseball continue to be celebrated by Tigers supporters and historians alike.

Born in 1943 in Barbados, Keith Boyce made his Test debut for the West Indies in 1969. A right-arm fast bowler, he was known for his pace and aggressive style on the field. Boyce played in 20 Test matches and 6 One Day Internationals, taking key wickets. He delivered a standout performance against England in 1971, earning accolades for his skill. After retiring from cricket, Boyce remained involved in coaching and mentoring young athletes. His talent contributed to the dominance of West Indies cricket during his era.

Born in Sunshine, Victoria, in 1919, Keith Ross Miller rose to fame as an all-rounder in Australian cricket. During World War II, he served as a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force, flying dangerous missions in the European theatre. After the war, he became one of Australia's greatest Test cricketers, renowned for his effortless batting and cunning leg-spin bowling. His charismatic personality and competitive drive made him a beloved figure both on and off the field. Miller captained Australia in several matches and inspired future generations of athletes. He passed away in 2004, leaving a lasting legend in the sport and as a war hero.

Born in Pasadena, California, in 1972, Cory Lidle debuted in MLB with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1997. Over his career, he played for several teams including the New York Yankees, establishing himself as a reliable starting pitcher. Known for his durability and strong work ethic, Lidle earned respect from teammates and fans alike. His career highlights included a near no-hitter and consistent double-digit win seasons. Off the field, he was an avid pilot, sharing a passion for aviation with fellow players. In 2006, Lidle tragically died in a plane crash in New York City, leaving a legacy of perseverance and love for the game.

Helmut Haller was born in 1939 and began his professional career with BC Augsburg before moving to Serie A, where he played for Bologna and Juventus. Known for his elegant dribbling and playmaking skills, Haller helped Bologna win the Mitropa Cup in 1961 and was a key figure in Juventus’s domestic campaigns. He earned 33 caps for West Germany, appearing in the 1958, 1962, and 1966 FIFA World Cups and finishing as a runner-up in 1966. Later, he returned to Germany to play for FC Köln before retiring and transitioning into coaching. Haller’s legacy endures as one of the most talented German midfielders of his generation. He passed away in 2012, remembered for his flair and contributions to both club and country.

Champ Summers was born in 1946 in Atlanta, Georgia, and made his MLB debut at age 28 with the San Francisco Giants. Over his career, he played for the Giants, Astros, Reds, Tigers, Padres, and Athletics, earning a reputation as a reliable pinch hitter with impressive power. His best season came in 1980 with the Oakland Athletics, where he hit .297 with 12 home runs. Summers’s late entry into the majors and his resilience inspired many aspiring athletes. After retiring as a player, he remained involved in baseball through coaching and community outreach. Summers died in 2012, remembered for his perseverance and impact on the game.

María de Villota was a Spanish racing driver best known for becoming the first woman to test a Formula One car with the Marussia F1 Team. She began her racing journey in karting and progressed through Spanish Formula Three and DTM support series. In July 2012, she made history by completing an official F1 test drive at the Duxford airfield. The following day, a tragic accident during a straight-line test left her with severe head injuries and the loss of her right eye. After months of rehabilitation, she became an outspoken advocate for road safety and continued to work in motorsport. Her unexpected death in 2013 shocked the racing world, but her courage and pioneering spirit remain an inspiration to aspiring female drivers.

Carmelo Simeone was an Argentine footballer known for his strong defensive skills and leadership on the field. Born in Buenos Aires in 1933, he began his professional career with Vélez Sársfield before transferring to Boca Juniors in 1956. As a central defender, he helped Boca secure six Argentine Primera División titles during his eight-year tenure. Simeone also earned 22 caps for the Argentina national team, contributing to their victory in the 1957 South American Championship. Renowned for his tactical awareness and uncompromising style of play, he became a fan favorite at La Bombonera stadium. After retiring as a player in the mid-1960s, he remained involved in football in various coaching and mentoring roles. His legacy endures as one of Boca Juniors' most respected defenders of the 20th century.

Dean Chance was a left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball renowned for his outstanding 1964 season, earning him the Cy Young Award. He made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Indians in 1961 before being traded to the Minnesota Twins and later the Los Angeles Angels. During his tenure with the Angels, Chance posted a remarkable 20-win season in 1964, showcasing his control and tenacity on the mound. He went on to play for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, and Washington Senators. After retiring as a player in 1970, Chance served as a pitching coach and manager in various minor league organizations. His career statistics include 128 wins, a 3.67 ERA, and over 1,400 strikeouts. Remembered for his competitive spirit and consistency, he was inducted into the Angels Hall of Fame in 1995.