December 13

Born Louis Monk in 1913 in Mississippi, Archie Moore rose from humble beginnings to become one of boxing's all-time greats. Nicknamed "The Old Mongoose," he held the world light heavyweight championship from 1952 to 1962, setting a record for knockouts. Moore faced legends such as Rocky Marciano and Sonny Liston, showcasing endurance, skill, and unorthodox tactics. In later years, he appeared in films like The Greatest and the TV series The Big Valley, demonstrating his versatility as a performer. A dedicated mentor, he trained future champions and remained a beloved figure in both sports and entertainment until his death in 1998.

Larry Doby (1923–2003) broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in the American League when he debuted with the Cleveland Indians in 1947, days after Jackie Robinson's debut in the National League. A seven-time All-Star and a key contributor to the Indians' 1948 World Series championship, he was known for his powerful hitting and athletic outfield play. Doby finished his career with a .283 batting average, 253 home runs, and 970 RBIs. After retiring as a player, he served as a coach, scout, and executive, dedicating his life to the growth of the game. His pioneering achievements paved the way for countless athletes of color.

John Curtis Martin enjoyed a ten-year career in Major League Baseball, debuting with the Chicago White Sox in 1962. Known for his versatility behind the plate and in the outfield, he was instrumental in the White Sox pennant-winning season of 1964. That year, Martin's two-run double in the final game secured Chicago's first American League title in four decades. He later played for the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox, finishing his career with a .253 batting average. After retiring from baseball, Martin stayed active in his community, mentoring young athletes and coaching little league teams.

Ron Taylor began his career as a left-handed relief pitcher for teams including the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and Chicago White Sox. He was part of the 1969 'Miracle Mets' squad and contributed to their World Series title. After leaving baseball, Taylor pursued medical studies, earning his MD and specializing in cardiology. He served as chief of cardiology at Vancouver General Hospital, where he advanced research in heart disease prevention. Taylor's dual achievements in professional sports and medicine have made him a unique figure in both fields.

Gus Johnson was a dynamic power forward whose athleticism and intensity made him a standout in the NBA during the 1960s. Playing for the Baltimore Bullets, Cincinnati Royals, and Milwaukee Bucks, he earned five All-Star selections and led the league in rebounding during the 1966–67 season. Renowned for his thunderous dunks and scrappy defense, Johnson was a fan favorite and helped popularize the modern high-speed style of play. He retired in 1971, leaving behind a legacy of passion and perseverance that led to his posthumous induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Jenkins debuted in Major League Baseball with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1965 before finding success with the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers. He won the National League Cy Young Award in 1971 after posting a league-best 24 wins and a 2.77 ERA. Jenkins was the first Canadian player elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. Over his 19-season career, he compiled 284 wins, 3,192 strikeouts, and was known for his control and durability. After retiring, he served as a special assistant to the Cubs’ president and remained active in baseball development programs.

Board burst onto the international scene at the 1966 European Championships, winning bronze in the 400m and gold in the 4x400m relay. At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, she earned silver medals in both the 400m and 4x400m relay, setting personal bests. In 1969, she became the first woman to run the 400m in under 52 seconds, capturing two European Indoor titles. Her promising career was cut short when she fell ill with cancer and died in 1970 at age 22. Board's achievements inspired future generations of British female athletes, and she is remembered for her determination and grace on the track.

Born Maurice Joseph Mickens, he adopted the name Muhsin Kenon after converting to Islam in 1976. Kenon played 15 seasons in the NBA from 1976 to 1990, suiting up for teams including the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls. Known for his scoring ability and defensive skill as a guard, he averaged over 11 points per game in his career. He was selected to the NBA All-Star Game in 1978 and played a key role in helping the Hawks reach the playoffs multiple times. After retirement, Kenon has been involved in community programs and basketball coaching initiatives.

Bob Gainey is a retired Canadian ice hockey center and coach renowned for his exceptional defensive play. He served as captain of the Montreal Canadiens, leading them to five Stanley Cup titles in the late 1970s and mid 1980s. After retiring as a player, Gainey transitioned to executive roles, including general manager of the Vancouver Canucks and president of the Minnesota Wild. His strategic vision and leadership helped reshape the defensive forward position in professional hockey. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992 in recognition of his contributions to the sport.

Phil Hubbard is an American former professional basketball forward who starred at the University of Michigan as an All-American. He was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 1978 NBA draft and went on to enjoy a nine-season career in the league with the Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, and Golden State Warriors. Known for his rebounding and inside scoring, Hubbard became a valuable role player for each team. After retiring from the NBA, he turned to coaching, leading Skyline High School's basketball program in Oakland. He later served as an athletic director at the University of Michigan, mentoring young athletes and contributing to community sports initiatives.

Richard Dent is an American former NFL defensive end best known for his standout performance with the Chicago Bears, where he was named Super Bowl XX MVP. A dominant pass rusher, Dent recorded 137 career sacks and earned recognition as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1985. After retiring from playing, he contributed to the sport through coaching and philanthropic work focused on youth sports development. Dent was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in league history.

Gary Zimmerman is an American former NFL offensive tackle inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. He enjoyed a 14-season career with the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos, winning Super Bowl XXXII with Denver. Zimmerman was renowned for his athleticism, size, and exceptional pass-blocking skills. Following his retirement, he served as president of the NFL Players Association and remained active in initiatives promoting player welfare. His impact on the offensive tackle position set a new standard for strength and agility on the field.