February 16

Born Charles Dawes Vance in 1891, he debuted in the majors in 1915 and found success with the Brooklyn Robins. Vance led the National League in strikeouts from 1922 to 1929 and won the 1924 MVP award. His dominant pitching style revitalized the Robins and thrilled baseball fans in the 1920s. After retiring, he remained active in baseball communities and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955. He died in 1961, leaving a legacy as one of the game’s most fearsome pitchers.

Born in 1903, Morgan Taylor won the gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1924 Paris Olympics. He went on to capture another Olympic title in the 110-meter hurdles at the 1928 Amsterdam Games. Taylor set multiple world records and was known for his powerful stride and technical skill. After retiring from competition, he coached future athletes and promoted track and field across the United States. Taylor's legacy endures in the world of athletics, and he is remembered for his contributions to hurdling innovation.

Walter Winterbottom began his career as an amateur goalkeeper before turning to coaching. In 1946, he became the inaugural manager of the England national football team, a position he held until 1962. Winterbottom introduced systematic training methods and youth development programs, elevating England's international performance. Under his leadership, the team reached the 1950 and 1958 World Cups. Later, he served as a FIFA technical director, promoting coaching education worldwide. Winterbottom's innovations in football coaching influenced generations of managers and players until his death in 2002.

Johnny Grunge, born Michael Durham in 1966, was one half of the legendary tag team The Public Enemy. Known for their hardcore style and tables matches, the duo gained fame in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Grunge's antics and charismatic presence made The Public Enemy fan favorites. He held multiple tag team championships and influenced the development of hardcore wrestling. After retiring from the ring, he remained involved in wrestling training and promotion. Grunge passed away in 2006, remembered for his impact on the sport's extreme era.

Born in Munich in 1925, Ernie Stautner became one of the NFL's most feared defensive tackles over a 14-season career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was selected to nine Pro Bowls and earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. In 1969, he became the first German-born player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After retiring as a player, he coached the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories as an assistant. Stautner is remembered for pioneering modern defensive techniques and leaving a lasting legacy in professional football.

Gary Carter was born in 1954 in Culver City, California, and made his MLB debut with the Montreal Expos in 1974. He earned 11 All-Star selections and won three Silver Slugger awards during his 19-year career. In 1986, he helped lead the New York Mets to a World Series championship with clutch hitting and defense. Carter was a beloved leader in the clubhouse, earning the nickname 'The Kid.' He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 and later worked as a coach and broadcaster, leaving a lasting impact on the sport until his death in 2012.

John Macionis was born in 1916 in Philadelphia and rose to prominence as a freestyle swimmer. He won two gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics as a member of the US relay teams, setting world records in the process. After his Olympic success, he served as a lieutenant in the US Navy during World War II. Known for his discipline and sportsmanship, he inspired future generations of athletes. Macionis is remembered for his combination of athletic excellence and dedicated military service until his death in 2012.

Colin Edwards was born in 1991 in Georgetown, Guyana, and rose through local youth football clubs. He made his debut for the Guyana national team at a young age, earning several caps in international competitions. Edwards was known for his speed and technical skills as a midfielder. He played professionally for clubs in the Caribbean and inspired young athletes in his homeland. His promising career was cut short by his untimely death in 2013, remembered for his passion and dedication to the sport.

Ken Farragut (1928–2014) was an American football center renowned for his collegiate career at the University of Washington, where he earned All-American honors. After serving in the Korean War, he joined the New York Giants and contributed to the team's offensive line in the early 1950s. Known for his powerful blocking and leadership on the field, Farragut helped the Giants compete in multiple postseason appearances. Following his NFL career, he remained active in his community in Washington state, mentoring young athletes and promoting youth sports. His legacy endures as a model of athletic excellence and dedication to the game.