December 27

Born in 1946 in Le Mans, France, he turned to racing after initially pursuing engineering. In 1978, he founded Automobiles Jean Rondeau to build his own sports prototypes. His Rondeau M379B made history by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1980—the first driver-constructor overall victory since 1930. He competed internationally in events such as the World Sportscar Championship and 24 Hours of Daytona. His innovative designs and perseverance made him a legend in endurance racing. He tragically died in a road accident in 1985 at the age of 39.

Feliks Kibbermann (1902–1993) was a notable Estonian chess master and philologist. He gained recognition for his strategic prowess in national and international chess tournaments. Kibbermann also made significant scholarly contributions to the study of Uralic languages. His dual career bridged the worlds of mind sport and academic research. He published articles on Estonian linguistics while mentoring young chess players. His legacy endures in both the chess community and the field of philology in Estonia.

Evald Mikson (1911–1993) was an accomplished Estonian football goalkeeper. He earned over 20 caps for the Estonian national team between 1933 and 1938. Mikson was known for his agility, strong reflexes, and leadership on the field. During his club career, he played for JK Kalev Tallinn, helping secure national championships. After World War II, he emigrated and continued his involvement in football as a coach. His career represents a golden era of Estonian football before the Soviet occupation.

André Pilette (1918–1993) was a pioneering Belgian racing driver. He participated in 14 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix between 1951 and 1958. Pilette achieved his best result with a third-place finish at the 1953 Belgian Grand Prix. Racing in an era of raw speed and daring, he was admired for his skill and courage on the track. He also competed in sports car events and endurance races across Europe. Coming from a family of drivers, he continued the Pilette racing legacy started by his father.

Genrikh Kasparyan (1910–1995) was an Armenian chess master and prolific composer of endgame studies. He created over 600 compositions, many celebrated for their artistic beauty and strategic depth. Kasparyan won multiple championships in chess composition, earning international recognition. As a player, he held national titles and represented Armenia in team events. He authored influential books on endgame theory that remain classics among enthusiasts. His legacy as a composer has left an indelible mark on the art of chess composition.

Iván Calderón (1962–2003) was a Puerto Rican-American outfielder in Major League Baseball over nine seasons. He debuted with the Chicago White Sox in 1979 and also played for the Texas Rangers, Montreal Expos, Seattle Mariners, and New York Mets. Calderón was recognized for his exceptional speed on the bases and reliable defense in the outfield. He compiled a career batting average of .285 with 115 stolen bases and 41 home runs. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was killed in Puerto Rico at the age of 41. His dedication and athleticism left a lasting impact on both fans and teammates.

Born Elias Kenan Gomes in 1973, Catê made his professional debut with Figueirense. He became a key player for Palmeiras, helping the team win the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title. After retiring in his early thirties, he moved into coaching, leading youth teams and lower-division clubs. Known for his attacking flair and technical skill, he is remembered for his passion on the pitch. His dedication to developing young talent earned him respect off the field. He passed away in 2011, leaving a legacy in both Brazilian playing and coaching circles.

Born in Kincardine, Ontario in 1929, Wilson broke into the NHL with the Chicago Black Hawks before starring with the Detroit Red Wings. Known for his speed and playmaking, he helped the Red Wings capture the 1954 Stanley Cup. After retiring as a player, Wilson transitioned to coaching, leading teams in the American Hockey League. He served as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings in the NHL during the late 1970s. Wilson’s enduring passion for the game made him a beloved figure in both Canadian and American hockey communities. He died in 2011, remembered for his contributions on and off the ice.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Walther began his racing career in midget cars before moving to the USAC championship series. He made his debut at the 1973 Indianapolis 500, suffering a severe crash on the opening lap that left him with life-threatening injuries. After a long recovery, he returned to compete in sporadic USAC and CART events throughout the 1970s. Though he never captured a major victory, his perseverance and determination made him a fan favorite. He continued to be involved in motorsports until his death in 2012.

Born in Oslo in 1927, Stein Eriksen rose to international fame at the 1952 Winter Olympics in his hometown, where he won gold in the giant slalom and silver in the slalom. Known for his elegant style and innovative aerial maneuvers, he became one of the first skiers to incorporate freestyle elements into competition. After his racing career, Eriksen moved to the United States, where he served as a ski instructor and mountain ambassador at prestigious resorts such as Aspen and Deer Valley. He is credited with helping to popularize alpine skiing in North America and is often called the father of freestyle skiing. Eriksen received multiple honors, including induction into both the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and the FIS Hall of Fame. He continued to shape the sport with ski school programs and design input until his passing in 2015.

Dave Henderson played 15 seasons in Major League Baseball, suiting up for teams like the Seattle Mariners and Boston Red Sox. He is best remembered for his dramatic two-run homer in Game 5 of the 1986 American League Championship Series, a moment often dubbed one of the greatest clutch hits in postseason history. Henderson compiled a career .253 batting average with 160 home runs and 536 RBIs. After retiring, he transitioned into broadcasting, serving as a popular color commentator for the Mariners. Off the field, he was known for his engaging personality and mentorship of young players. Henderson remained a beloved figure in Seattle sports until his death in 2015.

Meadowlark Lemon became an international sensation as a showman for the Harlem Globetrotters, blending basketball skill with comedy and theatrics. Born in 1932 in Wilmington, North Carolina, he joined the Globetrotters in 1954 and entertained millions over his 22-year career. Nicknamed the 'Clown Prince of Basketball,' Lemon was famed for his playful ball-handling tricks and infectious laughter. After leaving the Globetrotters, he founded his own traveling team and later dedicated himself to ministry, preaching at churches across the country. He authored autobiographies and worked as a motivational speaker, sharing lessons of faith and teamwork. Lemon's legacy lives on through his contributions to sports entertainment and his commitment to charitable causes.