March 04

Sam Langford (1883–1956) was a legendary Canadian-American boxer who competed across multiple weight classes from featherweight to heavyweight. Nicknamed “The Boston Tar Baby” for his resilience, Langford faced and defeated many of the top fighters of his era, including future Hall of Famers. Despite his dominance in the ring, racial barriers prevented him from receiving a world championship shot. His aggressive style, powerful punching, and adaptability earned him widespread respect among peers and historians. Langford’s remarkable record and enduring legacy have secured his place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Francis Joseph “Red” Murray (1884–1958) was a Major League Baseball outfielder who spent most of his career with the New York Giants. Renowned for his exceptional throwing arm and defensive skills, he contributed to the Giants’ pennant-winning teams in 1911 and 1912. Murray also had a productive bat, hitting over .300 multiple times and driving in key runs. After his tenure with the Giants, he played for the St. Louis Cardinals before retiring from professional baseball. His combination of speed, power, and fielding prowess made him one of the standout players of the Deadball Era.

Born in Chicago in 1888, Jeff Pfeffer made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1905. He became a mainstay on the mound for the Brooklyn Robins, leading the National League in wins and helping the team to a pennant. Over more than 20 seasons, Pfeffer compiled over 200 wins and was known for his endurance and fierce competitive spirit. A practitioner of the spitball, he was among the last pitchers to use the delivery legally. After retiring, he worked as a scout and coach until his death in 1972.

Born in Voss, Norway in 1888 and raised in Chicago, Knute Rockne starred as a player at Notre Dame before becoming its head coach in 1918. Over 13 seasons, he compiled a 105–12–5 record and captured three national titles. Rockne’s innovative use of the forward pass transformed the game and cemented his reputation as one of football’s greatest strategists. He mentored numerous players who went on to coaching and professional careers. His life was tragically cut short in a 1931 plane crash, but his influence on American football endures.

Born in Orient, Iowa, Vance began his major league career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1915 before finding success with the Brooklyn Robins (later the Dodgers) in 1922. Nicknamed 'The Dazzling Dazzy,' he led the National League in strikeouts every year from 1922 to 1928 and was named the 1924 NL Most Valuable Player. Standing over six feet tall, his powerful fastball made him one of the most feared pitchers of his era. In 1924, he set a then-record of 262 strikeouts and posted a career-high 28 wins. Vance retired in 1935 with 197 wins and 2,045 strikeouts in his career. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1955 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the game. Vance's legacy endures as one of the greatest pitchers of the 1920s and a pioneer of strikeout pitching.

Born in San Francisco in 1897, O'Doul made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates before establishing himself with the Brooklyn Robins and New York Giants. A left-handed hitter, he led the National League in batting average twice, posting .371 in 1929 and .398 in 1932. O'Doul retired with a career average of .349, ranking among the highest in MLB history. After his playing days, he managed the San Francisco Seals of the Pacific Coast League, winning two pennants. He became known as the 'Father of Japanese Baseball' for organizing exhibition tours and promoting the sport in Japan. O'Doul's efforts laid the groundwork for baseball's popularity in Asia and earned him international acclaim. He passed away in 1969, remembered as a batting legend and baseball ambassador.

Charles Goren was born in Philadelphia in 1901 and became one of the most influential figures in contract bridge. He introduced a point-count system that simplified bidding and became widely adopted by players around the world. Goren hosted newspaper columns, radio, and television programs, bringing bridge into mainstream American culture. He authored dozens of books and instructional pamphlets, making the game accessible to millions. Under his guidance, bridge clubs flourished, and competitive play expanded globally. Goren's system remains the foundation of modern bidding. He passed away in 1991, remembered as Mr. Bridge for his enduring influence on the game.

Georges Ronsse (1906–1969) was a Belgian professional road racing cyclist. Born in Tournai, he achieved international success by winning the UCI Road World Championships in 1928 and 1932. Ronsse also claimed victories in major classic races, including Paris–Roubaix and Liège–Bastogne–Liège. After retiring from competition, he became a team manager and mentor to younger riders. Known for his powerful riding style and tactical intelligence, Ronsse left a significant mark on cycling history. He is celebrated as one of Belgium’s great cycling champions.

Born in 1917, McCullough debuted with the Chicago Cubs as a skilled defensive catcher. His playing career was interrupted by military service in World War II, yet he returned to post impressive performances. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, serving under several MLB teams. McCullough was promoted to manager and guided the Washington Senators and Atlanta Braves. Known for his leadership and baseball intellect, he influenced many young players. He passed away in 1982, remembered for his contributions to the game.

Born in 1918, duPont emerged as one of the leading women’s tennis players of the 1940s and 1950s. She won multiple singles titles at the U.S. Nationals and Wimbledon. Partnering with Louise Brough, she claimed an impressive string of doubles championships. DuPont’s consistent baseline play and strategic acumen set her apart. After retiring, she remained active in coaching and tennis promotion. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in recognition of her achievements. She passed away in 2012, celebrated as a pioneer in women’s tennis.

Born in 1919, Baker began racing on dirt tracks before joining NASCAR in its early years. He won his first Grand National championship in 1956 and repeated the feat in 1957. Over his career, he notched 46 victories and became known for his technical skill and consistency. Following his driving days, he served as a team manager and mentor to rising talents. Baker’s success helped popularize stock car racing across the United States. He was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, honoring his pioneering impact. He passed away in 2002, leaving a legacy in American motorsport.

Philip 'Dinny' Pails was born in London in 1921 and emigrated to Australia as a child. He rose through the ranks to become one of the world’s leading players in the late 1940s. Pails won the men’s singles title at the 1950 Australian Championships in a grueling five-set final. He also represented Australia in Davis Cup competition, helping his team to a championship victory. Known for his powerful serve and aggressive net play, he achieved a top world ranking during his career. After retiring from tournament tennis, he coached young players and promoted the sport across Australia. His legacy endures through his contributions to tennis both on and off the court.