November 19

Billy Sunday was born in 1862 in Iowa and began his career as a professional baseball outfielder with the Chicago White Stockings. After retiring from sports, he experienced a religious conversion and entered the ministry under the influence of evangelist Dwight L. Moody. Sunday became known for his dynamic and theatrical preaching style, traveling the country to lead large-scale revival campaigns. He spoke directly to working-class audiences, using plain language, dramatic gestures, and modern illustrations. His sermons often addressed social issues such as alcohol abuse, leading him to support the Prohibition movement. Over his career, Sunday preached to tens of millions of people and influenced American religious life profoundly. He also wrote books and pamphlets that circulated widely. Billy Sunday died in 1935, remembered as one of America’s most influential evangelists.

Born in Havana in 1888, José Raúl Capablanca demonstrated prodigious chess talent from a young age. He earned the title of World Chess Champion by defeating Emanuel Lasker in 1921. Capablanca was celebrated for his intuitive style, rapid play, and mastery of endgames. He remained undefeated in serious competition for eight years and influenced generations of players. After losing the title to Alexander Alekhine in 1927, he continued to compete and tour internationally. Capablanca authored influential books on chess strategy and tactics. He passed away in 1942, leaving a legacy as one of the greatest chess masters of all time.

Thomas Clay was born in 1892 in Nottingham, England. He played as a defender for clubs including Nottingham Forest and Notts County, earning a reputation for dependable tackling and leadership. After retiring from playing in the 1920s, Clay turned to coaching, mentoring youth teams and developing training programs. His emphasis on discipline and teamwork influenced a generation of English footballers. Clay also served as an assistant manager for several lower-division clubs. He remained involved in local football until his death in 1949. His legacy lives on in the communities he helped cultivate through sport.

Evert van Linge was a Dutch sportsman and architect born in 1895. As a footballer, he competed at the national level, showcasing his talent on the field. Off the pitch, he pursued architecture, contributing to Dutch building projects in the early 20th century. He exemplified the combination of athletic discipline and creative design in his dual careers. His life story highlights the intersection of sports and architecture.

Bunny Ahearne began his career as an ice hockey player before moving into sports administration. He served as president of the International Ice Hockey Federation from 1960 to 1980. Under his leadership, ice hockey expanded globally and achieved Olympic recognition. Ahearne was instrumental in organizing international tournaments and fostering cooperation among national federations. He was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame for his lifelong contributions to the sport.

Born in 1910, Adrian Conan Doyle was the youngest son of legendary writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He pursued his own adventures as a competitive race car driver, participating in events across Europe. An avid explorer, he led expeditions to remote regions and documented his travels in books and articles. In addition to adventure writing, Doyle dedicated himself to preserving and promoting his father's literary legacy, co-founding the Sherlock Holmes Society of London. His passion for speed, exploration, and literature made him a multifaceted figure of his time. Doyle balanced thrill-seeking with scholarly work until his death in 1970.

Roy Campanella began his professional baseball career in the Negro Leagues before joining the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1948. He won the National League MVP award three times (1951, 1953, 1955) and was known for his powerful hitting and defensive skills. Campanella played a key role in breaking racial barriers in Major League Baseball alongside Jackie Robinson. His career ended prematurely in 1958 due to a car accident that left him paralyzed. Afterward, he became a coach and advocate for people with disabilities, leaving a lasting impact on the sport until his death in 1993.

Born in 1922 in Belgrade, Rajko Mitić became one of the greatest footballers in Yugoslav history. He starred as a prolific forward for Red Star Belgrade, scoring over 300 goals for the club. Mitić also captained the Yugoslav national team and led them to a silver medal at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. After retiring as a player, he turned to coaching, nurturing young talent and promoting the sport across the region. His passion and dedication earned him legendary status, and Red Star Belgrade's stadium is named in his honor. Even decades after his passing, Mitić’s influence remains deeply felt in Serbian football.

Dara Singh started his career in wrestling, earning the nickname "King of Catch" with his powerful style and multiple championship wins across India and abroad. Transitioning to films in the 1950s, he starred in over 100 Hindi movies, often playing heroic roles that showcased his athletic prowess. Singh entered politics in 1998, representing the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha. His charisma and dedication made him a cultural icon, bridging sports, cinema, and public service. He remained active in each field until his passing in 2012.

Kurt Nielsen was born in Copenhagen and rose to prominence in the 1950s, becoming the first Danish player to reach a Grand Slam singles semifinal at Wimbledon in 1953. He twice reached the men’s doubles finals at Wimbledon, showcasing his versatile skills on grass courts. After retiring from competition, Nielsen served as an international tennis referee and lent his expert voice as a sportscaster for major tournaments. His contributions to tennis spanned over five decades, earning him a place among Denmark’s sporting legends.

Kurt Hamrin was born in Stockholm and emerged as one of Sweden’s greatest forwards, starring for clubs like Juventus, ACF Fiorentina, and AC Milan in the 1950s and 1960s. He scored over 190 goals in Serie A, winning the European Cup with AC Milan in 1963. Hamrin was a key member of Sweden’s national team, earning a silver medal at the 1958 FIFA World Cup. After retiring as a player, he worked as a scout, sharing his keen eye for talent. He passed away in 2024, leaving a lasting legacy in European football.

Valentin Ivanov played as an attacking midfielder for the Soviet Union, earning over 60 caps and scoring 26 goals between 1955 and 1962. He helped the USSR win gold at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and the inaugural European Nations’ Cup in 1960. At club level, he starred for Torpedo Moscow, leading them to multiple league titles. After retiring, Ivanov turned to coaching, guiding teams in Russia and abroad. His technical skill and vision made him one of the most respected figures in Soviet football history until his death in 2011.