December 25

Pud Galvin was one of baseball's first great pitchers, active in the 1870s and 1880s. He was the first major league pitcher to win 300 games, ending his career with 364 victories. Galvin was known for his durability, often pitching both games of a doubleheader. After retiring as a player, he managed teams in various minor leagues. His pioneering achievements earned him posthumous recognition in baseball history.

Born in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1878, Louis Chevrolet developed an early passion for mechanics and racing. He emigrated to the United States and gained fame as a pioneering race car driver in the 1910s. Chevrolet co-founded the Chevrolet Motor Car Company in 1911 alongside William C. Durant. Although he left the company early due to disagreements, the brand became a cornerstone of General Motors. His technical expertise and competitive spirit influenced automotive engineering and motorsports. Chevrolet passed away in 1941, remembered as a key figure in the American automobile industry.

Samuel Berger was an American heavyweight boxer who captured the gold medal at the 1904 St. Louis Olympic Games. Born in Chicago in 1884, he rose to prominence in the early days of organized boxing in the United States. Berger compiled an impressive amateur and professional record, becoming a national champion. He was one of the first American Olympic boxing champions, helping to popularize the sport domestically. After retiring from competition, he remained a respected figure in boxing circles until his death in 1925.

Clarrie Grimmett was born in New Zealand in 1891 and later represented Australia in Test cricket. He revolutionized spin bowling by mastering the 'flipper' and popularizing the googly delivery. Grimmett took 216 wickets in 37 Test matches between 1925 and 1936, setting records for spin bowlers. His accuracy and variation made him a formidable opponent on any pitch. He was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame after his retirement and died in 1980.

Mike Mazurki (1907–1990) began his career as a professional wrestler known for his towering presence. After moving to Hollywood, he transitioned to film, debuting in the crime drama 'They Drive by Night' in 1940. Mazurki carved out a niche playing tough-guy roles in films like The Big Heat and Road House. His unique background and physical stature made him a memorable screen presence in over a hundred films and television shows. Despite his rugged persona, he was regarded as a reliable and amiable character actor. Mazurki's dual legacy spans both the wrestling ring and the silver screen.

Born in Ray City, Georgia, Jo-Jo Moore debuted with the New York Giants in 1930. Known for his consistent batting and speed, he posted a career average of .307 over 11 seasons. Moore earned two All-Star selections and contributed to the Giants' 1933 National League pennant. His graceful fielding in left field made him a fan favorite at the Polo Grounds. After retiring, he remained involved in baseball and local community sports programs. Moore's elegance at the plate and in the field secured his place in Giants history.

Ned Garver was a durable and effective pitcher born in 1925. He played 11 seasons in the Major Leagues, primarily with the St. Louis Browns. In 1951, despite his team's overall struggles, Garver won 20 games—a rare feat that remains unmatched. He was named to the All-Star team in 1954 and finished his career with a 129–157 record and a 3.73 ERA. After retiring, Garver remained active in baseball, sharing his knowledge with young players and fans.

Nellie Fox was a standout Major League Baseball player born in 1927. Over a 19-year career with the Philadelphia A's and Chicago White Sox, he was a 15-time All-Star and won the American League MVP award in 1959. Fox was renowned for his contact hitting and exceptional fielding, helping lead the White Sox to the 1959 pennant. After retiring as a player, he served as a coach and mentor. Fox was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997, leaving a legacy of excellence and sportsmanship.

Emmanuel Agassi (1930–2021) was an Iranian-American athlete who competed as a boxer for Iran in the 1948 and 1952 Summer Olympics before forging a successful coaching career. Born in Salmas, Iran, he represented his country on the international stage with distinction. After moving to the United States in the early 1950s, he transitioned to coaching, ultimately focusing on tennis. Agassi's disciplined training methods and innovative techniques influenced a generation of athletes, including his son, Andre Agassi. His work laid the foundation for modern coaching approaches in both boxing and tennis. Agassi's unique journey bridged two sports and two cultures, leaving a multifaceted legacy. He is remembered as both an Olympic competitor and a mentor to champions.

Armenak Alachachian (1930–2017) was a pioneering Armenian basketball player who helped lead the Soviet national team to the gold medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. Playing as a guard, he became one of the USSR's standout talents during the sport’s early international era. After retiring from competition, Alachachian transitioned to coaching in the Soviet league, where he mentored future generations of players. He later served as head coach for both the Soviet and Armenian national teams, contributing to basketball development in the region. His tactical acumen and leadership earned him recognition from FIBA and peers worldwide. Alachachian's influence helped popularize basketball in Armenia and the broader Soviet Union. He remains celebrated for both his on-court achievements and his coaching legacy.

Basil Heatley was a pioneering British long-distance runner renowned for his achievements in the early 1960s. He set a world record in the marathon in 1963 at the Polytechnic Marathon in London. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, he won the silver medal in the marathon, finishing behind Abebe Bikila. Heatley also excelled on the track, claiming multiple Amateur Athletic Association titles. His endurance and racing tactics influenced future generations of British runners. After retiring, he remained active in coaching and athletics administration. Heatley's legacy endures as one of Britain's greatest distance runners.

Noel Picard was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman who played in the National Hockey League during the 1960s and 1970s. He spent six seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, winning the Stanley Cup in 1965 and 1966. Picard was known for his physical style of play and reliable defensive skills. After Montreal, he played for the St. Louis Blues, where he reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1968 and 1969. Following his retirement, he remained involved in hockey as a coach and community figure in his hometown. Picard passed away in 2017, remembered as a stalwart of the Canadiens' legendary teams.