October 20

Jack Peddie (1876-1928) was a Scottish footballer who played as an inside forward in the early professional era. He represented clubs including Hibernian, Newcastle United, and Manchester United, showcasing his scoring talent. Peddie scored regularly in both the Scottish and English leagues, earning praise for his technique and pace. Over his career, he made over 150 league appearances and found the net more than 60 times. His performances helped elevate the competitive standards of the Football League. After hanging up his boots, he contributed to the game as a coach and talent scout. Peddie’s career reflects the emergence of football as a major spectator sport.

Ken Farnes (1911–1941) emerged as one of England’s most promising cricket bowlers in the mid-1930s. He made his Test debut in 1934 and took 50 wickets in 16 matches, earning praise for his pace and swing. Farnes also captained Essex County Cricket Club, demonstrating leadership on and off the field. With the outbreak of World War II, he joined the Royal Air Force as a pilot officer. Serving in Coastal Command, he undertook dangerous anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic. Farnes was killed in action in 1941, and his tragic loss cut short what many believed would have been an exceptional sporting career.

Michalis Dorizas (1890–1957) was born in Greece and later moved to the United States to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He represented Greece in the javelin throw at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, showcasing his athleticism on the international stage. Beyond track and field, Dorizas played football at MIT, earning recognition for his versatility and strength. He graduated with engineering honors and balanced his sporting pursuits with an academic career. Dorizas remained active in athletics as a coach and mentor, contributing to sports development in both Greece and the U.S. His cross-disciplinary achievements exemplify the scholar-athlete ideal of the early 20th century.

Gunnar Nilsson was born in 1948 in Örebro, Sweden, and began racing in local championships. He climbed the ranks through Formula 3 and Formula 2 before joining Team Lotus in 1977. Nilsson achieved his first and only Grand Prix win at the 1977 Belgian Grand Prix in wet conditions. Shortly after, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer but continued to race while undergoing treatment. His courage and determination earned widespread respect within the motorsport community. Nilsson succumbed to the disease in 1978, and his legacy lives on through his daring performances and philanthropic efforts.

Jack Lynch was an Irish statesman and sportsman who held the office of Taoiseach twice, from 1966 to 1973 and 1977 to 1979.\nBorn in Cork in 1917, he first gained acclaim as a champion in both Gaelic football and hurling.\nAfter qualifying as a lawyer, Lynch entered politics, representing Fianna Fáil in Dáil Éireann.\nAs Taoiseach, he guided Ireland through economic challenges and the early years of the Northern Ireland conflict.\nHe also championed Ireland's entry into the European Economic Community in 1973.\nLynch is remembered for his calm leadership style and dual legacy in Irish politics and athletics.

Chuck Hiller made history in the 1962 World Series as the first National League player to hit a grand slam in the Fall Classic. He played second base for the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets between 1961 and 1968. After retiring as a player, he dedicated himself to coaching and managing in both the minor and major leagues. Hiller worked with teams like the Milwaukee Brewers and Texas Rangers, nurturing young talent. His lifelong commitment to baseball left an enduring mark on the sport he loved.

Born in Tallinn in 1911, Arnold Viiding dominated Estonian athletics in the 1930s. He won a silver medal in shot put at the 1938 European Athletics Championships. Viiding represented Estonia at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, showcasing his strength on the international stage. Following World War II, he emigrated and remained active in athletics, coaching and mentoring young throwers. His achievements paved the way for future generations of Estonian field athletes.

Max McGee played college football at Tulane University before joining the NFL in 1954. He won back-to-back NFL championships with the Green Bay Packers under coach Vince Lombardi. Despite feeling unprepared, McGee caught the first touchdown pass in Super Bowl I, cementing his place in sports lore. After retiring, he transitioned to broadcasting as a color commentator for NFL games. His affable personality and on-field exploits made him a cherished figure in American football.

Gene Hickerson (1935–2008) was an American professional football guard who played for the Cleveland Browns from 1958 to 1973. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections and was a key blocker in the Browns’ powerful rushing attack. Known for his strength, technique, and durability, he helped lead the team to multiple championship games. After retiring, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 72.

Iztok Puc (1966–2011) was a Slovenian-born professional handball player recognized as one of the greatest left backs in the sport. He won the World Championship with Yugoslavia in 1986 and with Croatia in 1995, and secured an Olympic gold medal with Croatia at the 1996 Atlanta Games. He later represented Slovenia in international competitions, contributing to their European and World Championship campaigns. At club level, he starred in top European leagues in Spain, France, and Germany. Known for his powerful shots, tactical intelligence, and leadership, he remains a legend in European handball.

Dave May (1943–2012) was an American professional baseball outfielder. He debuted in MLB with the Milwaukee Braves in 1963 and later became a cornerstone of the Milwaukee Brewers lineup. In 1973, he earned an All-Star selection after batting .303 with 25 home runs and 93 RBIs. May played for the Brewers, Braves, and Orioles over a 13-year career, amassing 134 home runs. Known for his clutch hitting and versatility in the outfield, he remains a celebrated figure in Brewers history.

Don James (1932–2013) was a prominent American college football coach and former player. He played quarterback at the University of Miami before beginning his coaching career as an assistant. James became head coach at Kent State University and later at the University of Washington, where he built a powerhouse program. In 1991, his Huskies won the national championship and he was named Coach of the Year. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, James is remembered for his leadership and integrity.