January 13

Thomas Lord was an English cricketer and entrepreneur who founded Lord's Cricket Ground, the 'Home of Cricket', in 1814. As a player, he represented Marylebone Cricket Club and helped popularize the sport among Londoners. Lord's initial ground in Dorset Square moved twice before settling in St John's Wood, shaping cricket's history. His vision and commitment provided a dedicated venue for the game, elevating its status nationally and internationally. Under Lord's stewardship, the MCC emerged as a leading cricket institution, codifying rules and standards. Today, Lord's remains a symbolic and administrative center for cricket, reflecting his enduring impact.

Born in Pennsylvania in 1887, McCarthy played as a catcher and infielder in Major League Baseball before turning to management. He took over the New York Yankees in 1931 and guided them to four consecutive World Series championships from 1936 to 1939. Under his leadership, the Yankees won three more titles in 1941, 1943, and 1947, setting a record for managerial success. McCarthy's calm demeanor, strategic insight, and emphasis on fundamentals made him one of baseball's greatest managers. He later managed the Boston Red Sox from 1948 to 1950 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1957. He passed away on January 13, 1978, leaving a lasting legacy in baseball history.

René Bonnet was a French automotive engineer and racing driver, best known for co-founding the sports car company Deutsch-Bonnet (DB). After World War II, he and Charles Deutsch designed lightweight sports cars that became competitive in endurance races. Bonnet's DB cars achieved successes at events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Mille Miglia. In 1961, he established his own company, Automobiles René Bonnet, focusing on fiberglass-bodied roadsters. His innovative engineering and aerodynamic designs influenced the development of European sports cars in the 1950s and 1960s. Bonnet's legacy lives on among classic car enthusiasts who celebrate his contributions to motorsport and automotive design.

Kevin Longbottom was an Australian rugby league player who starred as a fullback for the St. George Dragons during their dominant era in the 1960s. He earned acclaim for his try-scoring ability and accurate goal kicking, contributing to multiple premiership victories. Longbottom represented New South Wales in interstate competition and played for the Australian Kangaroos on the international stage. After retiring from playing, he remained active in rugby league as a coach and mentor to young athletes. His consistent performances and sportsmanship left a lasting impact on the Dragons club and its supporters. Longbottom is remembered as one of the key figures in St. George's record-breaking run of titles.

Marc Potvin (1967–2006) was a dynamic ice hockey center who played in the NHL during the early 1990s. He skated for teams including the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins, earning a reputation for grit and defensive prowess. After retiring as a player, Potvin transitioned into coaching, leading American Hockey League clubs like the Adirondack Red Wings and Grand Rapids Griffins. He was respected for his ability to mentor young talent and instill discipline. Potvin's passion for hockey extended to community outreach and youth development programs. His dedication to the sport earned him affection and respect from players and fans alike. Though his life was tragically cut short, his impact on the hockey world endures.

Danny Oakes (1911–2007) was a pioneering American race car driver whose career spanned over six decades. He competed successfully in midget cars and sprint cars, winning numerous track championships across the United States. Oakes was also an inventor, developing ignition systems and performance parts that improved racing safety and speed. Known for his mechanical expertise, he often maintained and tuned his own vehicles. Even into his 90s, Oakes remained active in the racing community, attending events and sharing his knowledge. He was celebrated for his humility, sportsmanship, and enduring passion for motorsport. Oakes's contributions to racing made him a beloved figure among drivers and fans alike.

Johnny Podres (1932–2008) was a standout left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball best known for his heroics in the 1955 World Series. He earned MVP honors by pitching shutouts in Games 3 and 7, delivering the Dodgers' first championship. Podres spent most of his career with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, compiling over 100 career wins. After his playing days, he served as a pitching coach for several MLB teams, where he mentored future stars. His calm demeanor and competitive spirit made him a respected clubhouse leader. Podres was also inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his achievements. His legacy endures in Dodgers lore and the history of postseason excellence.

Miljan Miljanić was a Serbian footballer turned manager who achieved success at club and international levels. Born in 1930, he played for BSK and Red Star Belgrade before retiring early due to injury. Miljanić became head coach of Red Star, winning multiple Yugoslav league titles and cup trophies. He went on to manage Real Madrid, securing La Liga championships and reaching the European Cup final. Later, he served as the head coach and president of the Football Association of Yugoslavia, guiding the national team through competitive tournaments. He died on January 13, 2012, leaving a legacy as one of Eastern Europe's most respected football figures.

Bobby Collins was a Scottish footballer who excelled as a midfielder with multiple clubs. He played over a decade at the top level, earning accolades for his tenacity and skill. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to management, leading teams in Scotland and England. He was respected for his tactical knowledge and ability to inspire players. His career left a lasting mark on British football culture. He is remembered as both a dedicated player and an influential manager.

Lawrence Phillips was a standout running back at the University of Nebraska, leading the Cornhuskers to two national championships. Drafted sixth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 1996, he also played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Carolina Panthers. Phillips was celebrated for his speed, power, and explosive running style on the field. His promising career was marred by a series of legal troubles, including convictions for assault and domestic violence. He served multiple prison sentences before his untimely death at age 40 in 2016. Despite his off-field issues, Phillips remains a memorable figure in both college and professional football history.

Phil Masinga began his career with Jomo Cosmos in South Africa before moving to Europe in 1994 to join Leeds United in the English Premier League. He became the first South African to score in the Premier League and later played for clubs including St. Gallen and Salernitana. Internationally, Masinga was a key member of Bafana Bafana, helping South Africa win the 1996 African Cup of Nations by scoring important goals. After retiring as a player, he served as president of the South African Football Players Union and worked as a coach. Masinga was admired for his physical presence, work ethic, and leadership on and off the pitch. He succumbed to cancer in 2019 at the age of 49, leaving a lasting impact on South African football.