November 17

Jack Worrall was an Australian footballer, cricketer, and pioneering coach who shaped early sports coaching in Australia. Born in 1860 in Victoria, he played Australian rules football for Carlton and later coached the club with great success. In cricket, he captained Victoria and represented Australia in Test matches during the 1880s. Worrall introduced structured training methods and tactical approaches to both football and cricket. His leadership and innovation earned him recognition as one of Australia’s first professional coaches. He left a lasting legacy on the development of organized sports coaching in Australia.

Mort Cooper (November 6, 1913 – November 17, 1958) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played in the Major Leagues from 1938 to 1955. He was instrumental in the St. Louis Cardinals' 1942 World Series championship, earning the National League Most Valuable Player Award that season. Renowned for his devastating curveball and fierce competitiveness, Cooper was selected to two All-Star games. During World War II, he served in the United States Coast Guard, temporarily stepping away from baseball. After returning to the sport, he continued to excel with both the Cardinals and the Boston Braves. Following his playing days, he contributed to the game as a coach and scout, influencing future generations.

Born in 1906 in St. Louis, Missouri, Derringer made his MLB debut with the Cardinals in 1931. He won the National League ERA title in 1939 and played a pivotal role in the Cincinnati Reds’ 1940 World Series victory. Over his 15-season career, he compiled a 223-179 record with a 3.44 ERA and earned three All-Star selections. Renowned for his tenacity on the mound and his durability, he led the league in wins and innings pitched multiple times. After retiring in 1945, he remained a beloved figure in both St. Louis and Cincinnati baseball communities. He died in 1987 at the age of 80, leaving a legacy as one of the era’s most reliable pitchers.

Born in 1903 in Almelo, Netherlands, Bouman excelled in national and international tennis competitions. In 1927, she became the first—and to date only—Dutch woman to claim a Grand Slam singles title at the French Championships. She also competed in the 1924 and 1928 Olympics, earning a bronze medal in mixed doubles in 1928. After retiring, Bouman contributed to sports journalism and advocated for women’s athletics in the Netherlands. Her achievements paved the way for future generations of Dutch tennis players. She passed away in 1998 at the age of 94.

Mikael Ljungberg (1970-2004) was a Swedish Greco-Roman wrestler who won Olympic gold in the 97 kg category at the Sydney 2000 Games. He also captured World Championship titles in 1993 and 1997, establishing himself as one of Sweden's all-time great wrestlers. Ljungberg served as a national team manager after retiring from active competition. His technical skill and competitive spirit inspired many in the wrestling community. He was honored with the prestigious Svenska Dagbladet Gold Medal in recognition of his sporting accomplishments. Ljungberg's career remains a benchmark for aspiring wrestlers in Sweden and beyond.

Alexander Ragulin (1941-2004) was a Soviet ice hockey defenseman who starred for CSKA Moscow and the Soviet national team. He won three Olympic gold medals (1964, 1968, 1972) and multiple World Championship titles. Known for his strong defensive play and leadership on the ice, he was a cornerstone of the USSR's hockey dominance. Ragulin was honored with the Order of the Red Banner of Labour for his sporting achievements. After retiring, he contributed to coaching and development of young players. He was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame for his lasting impact on the sport.

Ferenc Puskás (1927–2006) was a Hungarian footballer and manager widely regarded as one of the greatest goal scorers in history. He starred for Budapest Honvéd, scoring over 500 goals in the Hungarian league, and later became a key figure at Real Madrid, netting 242 goals in 262 appearances. As captain of the Hungarian national team, Puskás led the "Mighty Magyars" to an Olympic gold medal in 1952 and a World Cup final in 1954. Known for his powerful left foot and clinical finishing, he claimed the European Cup three times with Real Madrid. After retiring as a player, he enjoyed a managerial career across clubs in Spain, Greece, and South America. Puskás’ legacy endures through the Puskás Award, established by FIFA to honor the most beautiful goal of the year. His passion for the game and remarkable scoring records continue to inspire football fans around the world.

Bo Schembechler (1929–2006) was an American football player and coach who became a legendary figure in college football. He played guard at Miami University under coach Woody Hayes before serving as an assistant coach under Hayes at Ohio State. In 1969, Schembechler took over as head coach at the University of Michigan, leading the Wolverines to 13 Big Ten championships in 21 seasons. His teams earned 11 Rose Bowl appearances, and he amassed a career record of 194–48–5, making him one of the winningest coaches in college history. Schembechler was celebrated for his motivational leadership, famously emphasizing "The Team, The Team, The Team" mantra. After retiring in 1989, he remained a beloved figure in Ann Arbor, continuing as athletic director and mentor to future coaches. His impact on the sport is honored annually with awards and by the enduring loyalty of Michigan’s football community.

Pete Newell (1915–2008) was an American basketball player and coach inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He led the University of San Francisco to its first NCAA championship as an assistant coach before head coaching at the University of California, Berkeley. In 1959, Newell guided the California Golden Bears to the NCAA title, earning him Coach of the Year honors. After retiring from college coaching, he founded the esteemed 'Big Man Camp,' training future NBA stars in post play and fundamentals. Newell also coached the gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic basketball team at the 1960 Rome Games. His innovative teaching methods and emphasis on fundamentals reshaped modern basketball coaching. Newell’s influence endures through the countless players and coaches who attended his camps and adopted his philosophies.