November 26

Bill Doak (1891–1954) was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals. He debuted in 1912 and recorded 151 career wins over 14 seasons, becoming one of the era's most reliable hurlers. Doak's smooth delivery and control made him a consistent performer on the mound. In 1920, he proposed adding a web between the thumb and forefinger of the fielding glove, a design that was adopted by Rawlings and is still used today. After retiring as a player, Doak served as a coach and remained active in baseball circles. His contributions both on and off the field left a lasting impact on the game.

Born in 1920, Yoshibayama Junnosuke made his professional debut in the early 1940s and rose quickly through the ranks. He was promoted to Ōzeki in 1950 and became the 43rd Yokozuna in 1953 after winning two top division championships. Known for his strength and technique, he won a total of five championships before retiring in 1958. After his active career, he served as an elder and coach, contributing to the development of future sumo talents.

Pete DePaolo rose to prominence by winning the 1925 Indianapolis 500 and securing the AAA National Championship the same year. Known for his fearless driving style, he later served as a team manager and racing official, shaping the sport's governance. DePaolo's contributions on and off the track left a lasting impact on American auto racing history.

Born in 1901, Max Euwe combined his talents as a mathematician and chess master to achieve the highest pinnacle of the game. He won the World Chess Championship in 1935 and later served as president of FIDE, promoting chess worldwide. Euwe earned a doctorate in mathematics and authored numerous influential books on chess theory. His dual career bridged the worlds of science and competitive chess, leaving a legacy in both fields.

Bob 'Badger' Johnson began his hockey career as a player before becoming one of the NHL’s most charismatic coaches. Born in 1931 in Ontario, he coached teams across North America and Europe, emphasizing skill, teamwork, and joy in the game. His coaching philosophy 'Have fun!' endeared him to players and fans alike. In 1991, he guided the Pittsburgh Penguins to their inaugural Stanley Cup championship. Tragically, Johnson died of a brain hemorrhage shortly after the title win, making him the first coach to pass away after winning the Cup. He is remembered as an innovator and a beloved mentor.

Isaac Gálvez was born in 1975 and became a prominent figure in both track and road cycling. He won multiple medals at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships and competed in prestigious road races with teams like ONCE and Illes Balears. Gálvez was celebrated for his sprinting power and tactical intelligence. In November 2006, during the Six Days of Ghent event, he tragically died following a collision on the velodrome track. His death prompted widespread tributes throughout the cycling community. Gálvez is remembered as a passionate athlete who pushed the limits of the sport.

Herb McKenley (1922–2007) was one of Jamaica's greatest sprinters, earning silver medals in both the 100m and 400m at the 1948 London Olympics and claiming gold and silver in the 4×400m relay at the 1952 Helsinki Games. He set world records in the 400m and helped establish Jamaica's reputation as a sprint powerhouse. After retiring from competition, McKenley served as a coach and athletics administrator, mentoring future champions and shaping track and field programs internationally. Inducted into the IAAF Hall of Fame, his remarkable speed and sportsmanship inspired generations of athletes.

Peter Marsh (1948–2012) was an Australian table tennis athlete who competed nationally during the 1960s and 1970s. He secured multiple state championships and represented Australia in regional international competitions. After retiring from active competition, Marsh dedicated himself to coaching, nurturing young talent and promoting the sport in schools and community clubs. His efforts helped establish strong local programs and inspired a new generation of players. Marsh's commitment to table tennis left a lasting impact on Australia's sporting community.

Gilles Tremblay was born in 1938 in Normandin, Quebec, and debuted with the Montreal Canadiens in 1960. Playing left wing, he tallied 125 goals and 190 assists over his NHL career, contributing to five consecutive Stanley Cup victories from 1965 to 1969. After retiring in 1969, he became a bilingual sportscaster for Radio-Canada, known for his lively commentary. Tremblay covered major hockey events and mentored younger broadcasters, helping popularize hockey in French Canada. His voice became synonymous with the sport, and he was celebrated for his passion and deep knowledge of the game. He passed away in 2014, leaving a legacy as both a champion player and influential broadcaster.

Guy V. Lewis was born in 1922 in Arp, Texas, and played basketball at the University of Houston before becoming head coach in 1956. Over his 30-year tenure, he compiled over 600 wins and guided the Cougars to multiple Final Four appearances. Lewis coached legends such as Elvin Hayes, Clyde Drexler, and Hakeem Olajuwon, defining the high-flying 'Phi Slama Jama' era. His teams reached the NCAA championship games in 1983 and 1984, captivating fans with their fast-paced style. A four-time National Coach of the Year, Lewis was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. He mentored countless players and coaches before his death in 2015, leaving a lasting impact on college basketball.