November 18

Victor Hémery was one of the leading pioneers of motor racing during the early 20th century. Racing for manufacturers such as Benz and Gobron-Brillié, he won major events like the 1905 Gordon Bennett Cup. In 1909, he set a land speed record of 106.5 mph at Brooklands, becoming the first to exceed 100 mph on a track. Hémery's daring driving and technical feedback helped advance automotive engineering. He remained involved in racing and automobile development until his retirement.

Craig Wood (1901-1968) was an American golfer who became the first player to win both the Masters Tournament and the U.S. Open in a single year, 1941. Before his triumphs, he famously finished as runner-up in each of golf's four majors, earning a reputation for consistency. Wood also captained the U.S. Ryder Cup team and contributed to the sport during its Golden Age. His steady play and sportsmanship made him a respected figure in golf history.

Born in New South Wales, Hey began his first-grade career with Western Suburbs in 1932, quickly earning a reputation as a dynamic halfback. He represented Australia on the 1933–34 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain, impressing fans with his speed and ball-handling. In England, he starred for Warrington, helping the club reach multiple Challenge Cup finals. After returning to Australia, Hey transitioned into coaching, leading several clubs and nurturing future stars of the game. His innovative approach to strategy and his emphasis on skill development influenced generations of rugby league players and coaches.

Born in Tsuruoka, Japan, Haguroyama made his professional debut in the late 1930s and quickly rose through the ranks. Renowned for his powerful pushing and thrusting techniques, he dominated the top division in the early 1940s. He secured multiple Makuuchi division championships and became a symbol of strength and discipline. After retirement, Haguroyama served as a coach and mentor, guiding young wrestlers at the Dewanoumi stable. His legacy endures in sumo history as one of the sport's most formidable and respected Yokozuna.

Born in Lake Park, Georgia, Burkhart debuted as a pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals in the early 1940s, appearing in World Series games. After retiring from playing in 1949, he transitioned to umpiring and joined the National League staff in 1957. Over more than two decades, he officiated numerous All-Star Games and World Series matchups. Known for his authoritative presence and consistency, Burkhart earned respect from players and managers alike. His dual career as a player and umpire gives him a unique place in baseball history as both competitor and arbiter of the game.

Ron Suart (1920–2015) was an English football player and manager active in the mid-20th century. As a player, he was a reliable defender for Blackpool, featuring in the 1953 FA Cup Final. After retiring, he managed Blackpool for nearly a decade, guiding them in the First Division. Suart later took managerial roles at other English clubs, bringing his tactical knowledge to new teams. He remained a respected figure in English football history.

Marjorie Gestring (1922–1992) was an American springboard diver who won Olympic gold at age 13. At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, she became the youngest female gold medalist in Olympic history. Her graceful technique and composure under pressure earned her international acclaim. After competing, Gestring performed in exhibition dives and inspired future generations of athletes. Her record as a teenage champion remains a remarkable milestone in Olympic sport.

Born in St. Louis, Sievers debuted with the St. Louis Browns in 1949. He was named the American League Rookie of the Year and became a five-time All-Star. Sievers led the AL in home runs in 1957 and won the Gold Glove as an outfielder. He played for the Washington Senators, Chicago White Sox, and Kansas City Athletics over a 17-year career. Known for his powerful swing, he retired in 1965 with 318 home runs and 1,239 RBIs. After retirement, he scouted and coached in professional baseball before his death in 2017.

Born in North Platte, Nebraska, McDevitt signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1953. He made his major league debut in 1956 and threw a no-hitter against the New York Giants on September 13. McDevitt split his career between the Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Minnesota Twins over five seasons. He was part of the Dodgers' roster during their final season in Brooklyn and their move to Los Angeles. Known for his control and poise on the mound, he compiled a career 26–24 record with a 4.16 ERA. After retiring, he worked as a coach and sales representative until his death in 2010.

Karl Schranz (born 1938) is an Austrian former alpine ski racer who dominated the sport in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He won the overall FIS Alpine Ski World Cup titles in 1969 and 1970 and accumulated numerous downhill and giant slalom victories. Schranz competed in three Winter Olympics (1960, 1964, 1972), narrowly missing medals due to eligibility controversies. Known for his fearless approach and resilience, he continued racing into his thirties, defying the norms of his era. After retiring, Schranz contributed to skiing through coaching and administrative roles. He was inducted into the International Ski Racing Hall of Fame and remains celebrated as one of Austria's greatest ski racers.

Born in 1941 in Blue Island, Illinois, he was the son of racing legend Tony Bettenhausen. He began in go-karts before moving to USAC championship cars, achieving multiple podium finishes at the Indianapolis 500. Bettenhausen also excelled in dirt track racing and won several USAC National Midget titles. He competed in CART events into the 1980s and was admired for his fearless driving style. His dedication and achievements left a lasting legacy in American motorsport.

Kongō Masahiro (1948–2014), born Masahiro Yoshizawa, was a Japanese sumo wrestler who achieved the rank of Ōzeki, the second-highest in the sport. He made his professional debut in 1963 and reached the top makuuchi division in 1969, earning a reputation for strength and agility. Kongō captured two top division tournament championships (yūshō) in his career, showcasing his skill in open competition. Known for his powerful tsuki and oshi techniques, he consistently performed at a high level against elite opponents. After retiring in 1977, he served as a sumo elder (toshiyori) under the name Hidenoyama and coached younger wrestlers. His contributions to sumo earned him respect in the stables he led and among the broader sumo community.