January 01

Born in Brooklyn in 1872, Willie Keeler became famous for his precision hitting and small stature, earning the nickname 'Wee Willie.' He starred for the Baltimore Orioles and later the New York Highlanders, leading the league in batting average twice. Keeler’s mastery of bunting and placement hitting revolutionized offensive strategy in baseball. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he collected over 2,900 hits and helped his teams to multiple pennants. Inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1939, Keeler’s legacy endures as one of the sport’s greatest contact hitters.

Charles Thomas Biass Turner was a pioneering Australian cricketer born in 1862. He played in 17 Test matches between 1888 and 1895, where his precision and movement earned him the nickname 'Terror'. At the domestic level, he dominated with his left-arm medium pace, taking over a thousand first-class wickets. Turner’s tactical mastery of swing and seam made him one of the most feared bowlers of his era. After retiring, he remained active in cricket administration and influenced generations of Australian bowlers.

Joaquín Rodríguez Ortega (1903-1984), popularly known as "Cagancho", was one of Spain’s most celebrated bullfighters. He emerged in the early 1920s, quickly gaining fame for his dramatic flair and fluid cape work. Cagancho performed at Spain’s most prestigious bullrings, including Madrid’s Las Ventas, where his fearless approach captured audiences' admiration. His elegant technique and brave spirit set new standards in the bullring and inspired future generations of matadors. Beyond his performances, he helped train aspiring bullfighters and shaped modern bullfighting aesthetics. His legacy endures as a defining figure of Spain’s bullfighting golden age.

Born on October 6, 1905, in Centerville, California. She rose to prominence in the 1920s, known for her powerful forehand and calm demeanor. She won multiple Grand Slam singles titles, including eight at Wimbledon and seven at the U.S. Championships. Wills held the world No.1 ranking for several years and remained undefeated in major finals for a decade. After retiring from competition in 1938, she served as a coach and captain of the U.S. Wightman Cup team. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1959. Her disciplined style and competitive spirit set a new standard for women's tennis.

Born on April 1, 1982, in Fort Worth, Texas. He excelled at Oklahoma State University, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors as a defensive back. Williams was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos and quickly became a standout starter. In his rookie season, he recorded four interceptions and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. Known for his energetic personality and charitable work off the field. On January 1, 2007, he was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Denver. His untimely death prompted tributes across the NFL and renewed calls to address gun violence.

Bob Anderson (1922–2012) was a three-time British sabre champion who represented Great Britain in the 1952 and 1956 Olympics. After retiring from competition, he became one of the world's foremost fight choreographers, designing sword-fighting sequences for iconic films such as Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and various James Bond movies. Anderson's blend of athletic skill and cinematic flair set a new standard for on-screen combat. He trained actors to perform realistic battles, leaving an indelible mark on action choreography in film. His pioneering work continued to influence generations of stunt performers and directors.

Tommy Mont (1922–2012) starred as a quarterback for the University of Maryland Terrapins before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, he returned to Maryland as an assistant coach and became head coach for the 1967 season, guiding the team with strategic acumen and passion. Mont was admired for his mentorship and development of young athletes. His dedication to the sport extended beyond the field, influencing coaching practices and athletic programs. He is remembered as a respected figure in American college football.

Don Larsen was born in 1929 in Michigan and debuted in MLB with the St. Louis Browns in 1953. He later pitched for the New York Yankees, where he made history on October 8, 1956, by throwing a perfect game in the World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers. This remains the only perfect game in postseason play and secured his place in baseball lore. Over a 15-year career he played with five teams and recorded 81 wins. Larsen's stoic demeanor on the mound and post-game autograph sessions endeared him to fans. He retired with a 3.78 ERA and was inducted into various baseball halls of fame. Larsen passed away on January 1, 2020, leaving behind an iconic legacy in sports history.

Barry McDonald was born in 1940 in Australia and quickly rose through the rugby ranks. He made his debut for the Wallabies in the mid-1960s and earned several caps playing at centre and wing positions. McDonald was admired for his powerful runs, tactical awareness, and unwavering defense. During international tours, he showcased his skill in matches across Europe and South Africa. After retiring from play, he dedicated himself to coaching at the club level, nurturing the next generation of players. His passion for the sport and mentorship left a lasting legacy within Australian rugby. McDonald passed away on January 1, 2020, remembered for his contributions on and off the field.

Floyd Little was born in 1942 in New Haven, Connecticut and played college football at Syracuse University, where he became one of the school's all-time leading rushers. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1967, Little revitalized the franchise and earned the nickname 'The Franchise' for his leadership and performance on the field. He was a three-time AFL All-Star and later a three-time Pro Bowl selection in the NFL after the merger. Little finished his professional career with over 6,100 rushing yards and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. After retiring he served as an executive with the Broncos and worked on charitable endeavors in Colorado. Little was celebrated for his charisma, community involvement, and pioneering role in shaping professional football. He passed away on January 1, 2021, remembered as one of the sport's most inspiring figures.

Dan Reeves was born in 1944 in Rome, Georgia and played as a running back for the Dallas Cowboys from 1965 to 1972, winning two Super Bowls. After retiring as a player, he embarked on a coaching career that spanned over three decades, serving as head coach for the Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Atlanta Falcons. Reeves led the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances and the Falcons to Super Bowl XXXIII. Known for his strategic mind and leadership, he collected over 200 wins as an NFL head coach. Reeves also worked as an assistant coach for several teams, including a stint with the Miami Dolphins. His influence extended to mentoring future coaches and players across the league. Reeves passed away on January 1, 2022, leaving a profound mark on professional football through his achievements on and off the field.