December 04

Jesse Burkett was born in Ohio in 1868. Nicknamed 'Crab', he was known for his exceptional hitting skills in Major League Baseball. Burkett played for teams like the Cleveland Spiders and St. Louis Cardinals. He led the National League in batting average multiple times and won a batting title in 1901. After his playing career, he managed teams and coached younger players. In 1946, he was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Burkett passed away in 1953, remembered as one of the great early sluggers.

Joe Corbett was born in Massachusetts in 1875. He made his MLB debut as a pitcher for the Washington Senators in 1895. Corbett was known for his fastball and recorded a no-hitter in 1897. After his playing days, he transitioned to coaching and mentoring young athletes. He contributed to baseball development at the collegiate level. Corbett died in 1945, remembered for his contributions to early professional baseball. His achievements highlight the growth of the sport's pitching strategies.

Charlie Spencer was born in 1899 and enjoyed a playing career in the English Football League throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Known for his consistent performances on the field, he became a respected figure in the league. After retiring, he pursued a successful managerial career, leading several Football League clubs. Spencer was admired for his tactical insight and ability to guide young talent. His dedication to the sport spanned both his playing and managerial days, leaving a lasting mark on English football until his death in 1953.

Eagle Keys was a distinguished football player and coach who made a lasting impact on the Canadian Football League. Born in 1923 in Massachusetts, he played college football at Wake Forest and later joined the Calgary Stampeders. After retiring as a versatile player, Keys transitioned to coaching, becoming head coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1965. His leadership guided the Roughriders to three Grey Cup titles in 1966, 1967, and 1972. Keys later coached the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, emphasizing strategic innovation on both offense and defense. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1982 for his contributions as player and coach. Keys passed away in 2012, remembered as one of the CFL's most successful and respected figures.

Alex Delvecchio is a Canadian ice hockey legend born in 1931. He spent his entire 24-season playing career with the Detroit Red Wings, winning three Stanley Cups. Delvecchio won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year and was a 13-time NHL All-Star. After retiring as a player, he served as coach and general manager for the Red Wings organization. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding career. Delvecchio remains one of hockey’s most enduring figures, known for skill, leadership, and loyalty.

Dick Ricketts was an American professional athlete notable for competing in both Major League Baseball and the National Basketball Association. He pitched for the St. Louis Browns during the 1955 MLB season after a standout collegiate career at Duquesne University. That same year, he joined the Rochester Royals as a forward in the NBA, balancing dual professional sports commitments. Ricketts was recognized for his athleticism and versatility on both the baseball diamond and the basketball court. Following his playing career, he completed his university studies and transitioned into a career in the insurance business. He maintained ties to sports through youth coaching and community involvement. Ricketts's dual-sport achievement remains a rare feat in the history of American athletics.

Born in 1941 in Hinsdale, Illinois, Riessen excelled at Northwestern University before turning professional in 1969. He captured eight singles titles and an impressive fifty-three doubles championships over his career. In 1969, he helped lead the U.S. team to victory in the Davis Cup, showcasing his skills in both singles and doubles play. Known for his powerful serve and aggressive net play, he achieved a career-high ranking inside the ATP top 20. Following his playing days, Riessen transitioned to coaching, mentoring young players and contributing to the sport's development. He was inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Hall of Fame, recognizing his lasting impact on tennis.

Born in 1944, Migault made his Formula One debut with BRM in 1972, participating in several Grands Prix with teams like March and Tyrrell. Although he did not score championship points in F1, he gained valuable experience in top-level single-seater racing. He then transitioned to sports car racing, where he became a regular competitor at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other endurance events, earning several class podium finishes. Migault's technical skill and consistency made him a respected driver in the European racing community. He also competed in the World Sportscar Championship and various national series throughout the 1970s. After retiring from competition, he remained involved in motorsport as a mentor to younger drivers. He passed away in 2012, remembered for his dedication and contributions to French endurance racing.

Rick Middleton (born December 4, 1953, in Cannington, Ontario) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey forward and broadcaster. He made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers in 1974 before becoming a prolific scorer for the Boston Bruins. Middleton earned three All-Star selections and led the league in goals during the 1982–83 season. Known for his smooth skating and playmaking ability, he ranked among the top forwards of the 1980s. After retiring in 1988, Middleton joined Hockey Night in Canada as a color commentator. He remains active in coaching youth hockey and is celebrated for his impact on the sport in Canada.

Jean-Marie Pfaff began his professional career with SK Beveren, where he won the Belgian Golden Shoe in 1978. He joined Bayern Munich in 1982 and helped the club secure two Bundesliga titles over four seasons. Pfaff earned 64 caps for the Belgian national team, featuring in the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cups and Euro 1980. Known for his agility, reflexes, and charismatic personality, he was voted UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year in 1987. After retiring in 1995, Pfaff transitioned to coaching and briefly managed several clubs. He remains a celebrated figure in Belgian football and is frequently involved in charity matches and UEFA events.

Dave Taylor began his professional career with the Los Angeles Kings in 1977, spending a decade with the franchise. Renowned for his playmaking ability, he tallied 746 points in 995 regular-season games. Taylor was a four-time NHL All-Star and helped lead the Kings to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 1993. After retiring in 1995, he joined the Washington Capitals as an assistant coach and later worked in NHL management. He was inducted into the Kings Hall of Fame for his contributions on and off the ice. Taylor remains active in youth hockey development programs and community outreach.