February 27

Born in 1750 in Shinagawa, Edo (modern Tokyo), Tanikaze rose rapidly through sumo ranks. He became the second officially recognized yokozuna in 1781. Known for his exceptional strength and technical skill on the dohyo. His record included an unrivaled winning streak that lasted several years. Tanikaze’s style influenced the development of modern sumo techniques. He retired in 1795 and is celebrated as one of the sport’s earliest legends.

Born in 1871 in Holmfirth, Yorkshire, Schofield Haigh was a right-arm spin bowler and useful lower-order batsman for Yorkshire and England. He made his Test debut against Australia in 1896 and played ten Test matches, taking 36 wickets at an average under 22. Haigh was instrumental in Yorkshire's county championship successes, known for his precise control and subtle seam movement. After retiring from playing in 1911, he served as a first-class umpire, officiating in county matches for over two decades. Haigh's tactical acumen and sportsmanship earned him respect across cricket circles. He passed away in 1921, leaving behind a legacy as one of England's premier bowlers of his era.

Born in Shawinigan, Quebec, Plante debuted with the Montreal Canadiens in 1952. He won six Stanley Cups with Montreal and was named the NHL's top goaltender multiple times. In 1959, Plante became the first goalie to regularly wear a mask, revolutionizing player safety. He set records for shutouts and contributed to tactical innovations in puck handling. After retiring as a player, he coached teams in Europe and North America, furthering the sport globally. His pioneering spirit and skill earned him induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978.

Edwin Donald 'Duke' Snider was one of Major League Baseball's premier power hitters during the 1950s. As the center fielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers, he helped lead the team to two World Series championships in 1955 and 1959. Nicknamed 'The Duke of Flatbush,' Snider hit 407 career home runs and was selected to eight All-Star Games. After his playing career, he managed in the minor leagues and became a beloved sportscaster for the California Angels. Snider's dynamic playing style and charismatic personality made him a beloved figure in baseball history.

Ramon Dekkers was a pioneer in European Muay Thai, famously defeating elite Thai champions on their home turf. Nicknamed 'The Diamond' and 'Mr. Low Kick,' he combined relentless aggression with technical precision. Dekkers captured multiple world titles in various weight classes and inspired a generation of Western fighters. After retiring from competition, he founded a training gym in the Netherlands and mentored young athletes. His legacy endures as one of the most influential kickboxers in the history of the sport.

Terry Rand was an American basketball player born in 1934 who became a collegiate star at the University of Evansville. As a 6-foot-8 center, he led the Purple Aces to multiple NCAA Division II tournaments and earned All-American honors in the mid-1950s. In 1957, he was selected by the Minneapolis Lakers in the NBA draft but chose to pursue a career outside of professional basketball. Rand later worked in finance and remained active in his community. He was celebrated for his athletic prowess and sportsmanship during a formative era of college basketball. Following a legacy of excellence on and off the court, he passed away in 2014, remembered by fans and former teammates alike.

Steve Folkes was an Australian rugby league figure born in 1959 who excelled as both a player and coach. He spent his entire playing career at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, winning four premierships as a hard-working forward. After retiring in 1986, he transitioned to coaching and led the Bulldogs to a premiership title in 1995. Folkes also served as an assistant coach for the Australian national team and the New South Wales State of Origin side. Known for his toughness, tactical acumen, and leadership, he was respected across the rugby league community. He was awarded life membership at the Bulldogs for his outstanding contributions. Folkes passed away in 2018, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport he loved.

Born in 1937 in Leningrad, Boris Spassky emerged as a chess prodigy, winning the USSR Junior Championship in 1955. He claimed the World Championship title in 1969 by defeating Tigran Petrosian. Spassky's 1972 World Championship match against Bobby Fischer in Reykjavík captivated global audiences and remains one of the most famous contests in chess history. Known for his universal style, he excelled in both tactical and strategic play. After losing his title in 1972, Spassky continued to compete at the highest levels and later relocated to France, becoming a French citizen. Throughout his career, he contributed to the popularization of chess worldwide through exhibition matches and coaching. He passed away in 2025, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the game's legends.