January 05

Maurice 'Rabbit' Maranville was born in 1891 in Massachusetts and debuted with the Boston Braves in 1912. Nicknamed 'Rabbit' for his agility and quickness, he played a key role in the Braves' miraculous 1914 World Series victory. Over a 19-season career, he was renowned for his defensive prowess at shortstop and versatility as an outfielder. Maranville later managed the Pittsburgh Pirates and continued to play professionally into his early 40s. His colorful personality and dedication to the game made him a beloved figure in baseball history. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1954, the year of his passing.

Rogers Hornsby was born in 1896 and emerged as one of baseball’s greatest hitters, boasting a career .358 batting average—the highest for any right-handed batter. He won seven batting titles and claimed the National League MVP award twice, in 1925 and 1929. A cornerstone of the St. Louis Cardinals’ success, Hornsby led the “Gashouse Gang” to a World Series championship in 1926. After his playing career, he managed multiple major league teams, applying his keen understanding of hitting and strategy. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1942, his legacy as both a player and manager endures. Hornsby’s fierce competitiveness and disciplined approach turned him into a model for generations of hitters. He passed away on January 5, 1963, leaving behind a record that still inspires baseball enthusiasts.

Herman 'Jackrabbit' Smith-Johannsen was a Norwegian-born skier whose passion for cross-country skiing helped popularize the sport in Canada and the United States. Emigrating to North America in the early 20th century, he organized ski clubs and led expeditions that opened hundreds of miles of trails. Known affectionately as 'Jackrabbit', he guided adventurers through rugged winter landscapes with boundless energy. Smith-Johannsen remained active on skis well into his centenarian years, living to age 111, and setting records as the oldest known skier. His advocacy led to the creation of ski resorts and winter recreation areas. Today, his legacy endures in the Nordic ski culture of North America and the annual ski festivals held in his honor.

Eusébio da Silva Ferreira was a Mozambican-born Portuguese footballer celebrated as one of soccer’s all-time great strikers. Born in 1942, he starred for Benfica and led them to multiple national and European titles. Nicknamed the “Black Panther,” he was renowned for his speed, technique, and powerful shot. Eusébio won the 1965 Golden Boot and finished as the top scorer in the 1966 World Cup. After retiring, he served as a football ambassador and manager, inspiring future generations. His legacy endures in stadiums, hall of fame inductions, and the hearts of fans worldwide.

Jean-Pierre Beltoise was a versatile French racing driver and former motorcycle champion. Born in 1937, he began his career in motorcycle Grand Prix racing before switching to Formula 1. Beltoise claimed victory at the 1972 Monaco Grand Prix driving for BRM. Known for his fearless driving style, he also competed in endurance racing and rally events. After retiring, he mentored young drivers and remained active in motorsport circles. His achievements are remembered as part of France’s rich automotive racing heritage.

Dragoslav Šekularac (1937–2019) was a legendary Serbian footballer renowned for his exceptional dribbling, vision, and creativity on the pitch. He rose to stardom at Red Star Belgrade, helping the team secure multiple national titles in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Known affectionately as 'Šeki', he earned 41 caps for Yugoslavia and represented his country at the 1960 European Nations' Cup. After his playing career, Šekularac transitioned into management, coaching teams across Europe and South America. His charismatic style and technical mastery made him a fan favorite wherever he went. Šekularac's contributions to the sport have been celebrated as part of Serbia's rich footballing heritage.

Colin Bell (1946–2021) was an iconic English footballer celebrated as one of Manchester City's greatest ever players. Nicknamed 'The King of the Kippax', he joined City in 1966 and became known for his remarkable stamina, passing range, and goal-scoring ability. Bell helped secure the First Division title in 1967–68 and lifted both the FA Cup and League Cup during his nine-year tenure. He earned 48 caps for England, representing his country at the 1970 and 1974 FIFA World Cups. After retiring, he remained a beloved figure among fans and was honored with a statue at the Etihad Stadium. His legacy endures as a benchmark for midfield excellence.