February 08

Born in Livorno, Italy, in 1866, Italo Santelli excelled as a sabre fencer on the international stage. He settled in Hungary and introduced innovative footwork and blade control techniques. Santelli coached the Hungarian national team, leading them to dominance in Olympic fencing competitions. His teaching methods became the foundation of modern sabre instruction worldwide. Over a career spanning decades, he mentored generations of champions and instructors. Santelli's influence endures in fencing schools and clubs around the globe.

Born Cornelius McGillicuddy in 1862, Connie Mack began his Major League career as a catcher. He became the manager and part-owner of the Philadelphia Athletics in 1901. Mack guided the team to World Series championships in 1910, 1911, 1913, 1929, and 1930. Known as "The Tall Tactician," he set records for longevity and managerial wins in baseball. He owned the Athletics franchise for decades, shaping both team strategy and club operations. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, he remained connected to the sport until his death in 1956.

Born in 1925, Delmar Wesley Ennis debuted in MLB with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1946 after serving in World War II. Known for his consistent power and run production, he led the National League in RBIs in 1951 and starred for the Phillies’ "Whiz Kids" pennant team in 1950. Over a 16-year career, Ennis amassed 288 home runs and 1,249 RBIs, playing later for the St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds. Retiring in 1962, he remained a beloved figure in Philadelphia sports history until his death in 1996.

Corey Scott began his career as a professional stunt performer in the late 1980s, captivating audiences with his motorcycle jumps and precision riding. He set multiple world records for distance and height, thrilling crowds at fairs and special events across the United States. Known for meticulous preparation and fearless execution, Scott pushed the limits of what was thought possible on two wheels. Tragically, he died in 1997 during a planned stunt, but his fearless spirit continues to inspire stunt riders and extreme sports enthusiasts.

Sid Abel (1918–2000) was a legendary center for the Detroit Red Wings, forming part of the famed "Production Line" alongside Gordie Howe and Ted Lindsay. Over his 16-season playing career, he won three Stanley Cup championships and served as team captain. After retiring, Abel transitioned to coaching, leading teams such as the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. He later became a popular sportscaster and ambassador for the game, sharing his insight with hockey fans across North America. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1969, Abel's legacy endures through his records and contributions to professional hockey.

Derrick Thomas (1967–2000) was a dominant force in the NFL who spent his entire 11-year professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Renowned for his speed and agility, he set the single-season sack record in 1990 and became a ten-time Pro Bowl selection. Thomas led the Chiefs in sacks for nine consecutive seasons, earning All-Pro honors multiple times. Off the field, he founded the Derrick Thomas Third and Long Foundation, helping underserved youth. His career was tragically cut short by injuries sustained in a car accident, but his impact on the game and his charitable legacy continue to inspire fans and players alike.

Tony Malinosky made his lone Major League appearance with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1934 before his baseball dreams were delayed by global conflict. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II, putting his athletic career on hold to answer his country's call. After the war, he remained connected to the sport through coaching and community involvement. With a life spanning over a century, he was celebrated as one of the oldest living former MLB players at the time of his passing. His story captures the intersection of American sports history and wartime service.

Maicon Pereira de Oliveira was a Brazilian striker who began his professional career with Cruzeiro and later joined FC Sion on loan from FC Porto. Known for his height, strength, and aerial ability, he scored goals in both the Brazilian Serie A and the Swiss Super League. Maicon's life was cut short in 2014 when he was struck by lightning during an open-air training session in Switzerland. His sudden death at the age of 25 shocked the football world and led to tributes from teammates and fans alike. FC Sion honored his memory by observing moments of silence and wearing black armbands for subsequent matches.

Marty Schottenheimer was born in 1943 and began his career as a linebacker at the University of Pittsburgh. He transitioned to coaching, serving in various assistant roles before becoming head coach of the Cleveland Browns in 1984. Over his NFL career, he led the Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, and San Diego Chargers, consistently fielding competitive teams. Schottenheimer was known for his disciplined 'Martyball' philosophy, emphasizing strong defense and a steady running game. Despite amassing over 200 career victories, he never reached the Super Bowl. He passed away in 2021 at the age of 77.

Arto Heiskanen was born in 1963 and established himself as a skilled defenseman in Finland's top hockey league, the SM-liiga. Over his career, he played for teams such as HPK, Ilves, and Ässät, earning recognition for his solid defensive play and leadership on the ice. Heiskanen's consistent performance contributed to his teams' successes and made him a respected figure in Finnish hockey circles. After retiring as a player, he remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor for young athletes. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 59.

Dick Jauron was born in 1950 and began his football career as a standout safety at Boston University before playing in the NFL for the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, serving as defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears. Jauron was head coach of the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills, and Detroit Lions, known for his leadership and emphasis on discipline and defense. Throughout his career, he earned respect for developing strong defensive units and mentoring young players.