May 18

Denis Horgan was born in 1871 in County Cork, Ireland, and emerged as one of the world’s leading throwers in shot put and weight events during the 1890s. He set his first official shot put world record in 1896 and went on to break it several times. Horgan dominated British and Irish championships, claiming titles and medals across Europe. Although he won a silver medal in the weight throw at the 1908 London Olympics, his records stood as benchmarks for years. Known for his exceptional strength and technique, Horgan's influence helped shape modern throwing disciplines. He retired in the early 20th century, leaving behind a legacy of athletic excellence.

Johannes Terwogt, born in 1878, was a member of the Dutch rowing team at the 1900 Paris Olympics. He competed in the eight-man event, demonstrating strength and teamwork on the international stage. Although the Dutch crew did not secure a medal, Terwogt’s participation marked an early chapter in his nation’s Olympic history. He was active in local rowing clubs and helped promote the sport in the Netherlands through coaching and mentoring. Living until 1977, he witnessed the evolution of Olympic rowing from its early days to a global phenomenon. Terwogt's Olympic legacy remains part of the rich heritage of Dutch rowing.

Babe Adams, born in 1882, made his major league debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1906 and became a fixture of their pitching rotation for two decades. Known for his pinpoint control and mastery of the curveball, he won 194 games and led the Pirates to their first World Series title in 1909. Adams pitched a complete game on only one day's rest during the 1909 Series, securing a crucial victory. After retiring in 1926, he transitioned to sports journalism, covering baseball for the Pittsburgh Press. His deep understanding of the game, both on the mound and at the typewriter, cemented his status as a baseball legend in Pittsburgh. Adams passed away in 1968, leaving behind a storied athletic and literary legacy.

Born in 1896 in Sweden, Eric Backman gained prominence as a distance runner representing his country in international competitions. At the 1920 Antwerp Olympics, he won a silver medal in the 3,000-meter team race and helped secure a bronze in the cross-country team event. Backman was known for his endurance and disciplined training methods. He also competed in European championships and national meets, setting competitive times that placed him among Sweden's top athletes. After retiring from competition, he contributed to athletics as a coach and mentor to young runners. Backman passed away in 1965, remembered for his Olympic achievements and dedication to the sport.

Hedley Verity was a leading English cricketer renowned for his precise slow left-arm spin bowling. He took 1,956 first-class wickets at an average of under 15 runs apiece and claimed 144 Test wickets for England between 1931 and 1939. His performance of 10 wickets for 10 runs against Nottinghamshire in 1932 remains one of cricket's most extraordinary feats. During World War II, Verity served as an officer with the Green Howards regiment and fought in North Africa and Sicily. He sustained fatal injuries during the Allied landings at Salerno in 1943 and died shortly thereafter. His courage on the battlefield and excellence on the cricket field earned him widespread respect. Verity’s dual legacy lives on in both sports and military history.

Fred Perry was one of the most successful British tennis players in history, capturing three consecutive Wimbledon titles from 1934 to 1936. He also completed a career Grand Slam by winning the Australian, French, and U.S. Championships. Known for his aggressive style and powerful forehand, Perry dominated the sport during the 1930s. After retiring from amateur competition, he turned professional and remained a force in international tournaments. In 1952, he launched the Fred Perry sportswear line, creating iconic polo shirts and apparel marked by the laurel wreath logo. His dual achievements on the court and in business cemented his status as a sporting and cultural icon. Perry’s influence continues through both his record-setting career and his enduring fashion brand.

Ray Nagel played varsity football at the University of Utah before beginning a coaching career that spanned more than two decades. He served as head coach at Utah from 1958 to 1962, then led the University of Oregon team from 1963 to 1966. In 1968, Nagel became the head coach at the University of Iowa, guiding the Hawkeyes for six seasons amid challenging rebuilding years. After coaching, he transitioned to athletic administration and became the athletic director at the University of Hawaii, overseeing multiple sports programs. Known for his emphasis on athlete development and program building, Nagel left a lasting impact on collegiate athletics. He passed away in 2015.

Jack Sanford was born in 1929 in Oakland, California and signed by the New York Giants in 1953. He quickly rose through the minors, making his major league debut in 1954. In 1956, Sanford led the National League with 188 strikeouts and was selected as an All-Star in back-to-back seasons (1956 and 1957). He posted a career record of 111-72 with a 3.15 ERA over nine seasons, including a key role in the Giants' 1954 World Series championship. After retiring as a player, Sanford coached in the minors and scouted for several teams. He remained active in baseball circles until his death in 2000.

Born in 1931, Kalju Pitksaar emerged as one of Estonia's leading chess talents during the post-war era. He claimed multiple national championship titles and represented Estonia in international team competitions. Pitksaar was known for his strategic depth and endgame technique, earning respect among his peers. He contributed to the development of chess pedagogy in Estonia through coaching young players. Pitksaar's legacy endures in the growth of Estonian chess, which later produced world-class grandmasters. He passed away in 1995, leaving behind a record of dedication and passion for the game.

Born in 1933, Don Whillans emerged as a leading figure in the golden age of British rock climbing. Alongside Joe Brown, he completed groundbreaking first ascents on the Cuillin Ridge and the South Face of Annapurna. Whillans was admired for his gritty determination, innovative techniques, and straightforward climbing style. He challenged traditional mountaineering norms and inspired a generation of climbers worldwide. Whillans also wrote about his experiences, contributing to climbing literature and safety practices. He passed away in 1985, remembered as a fearless adventurer who pushed the limits of the sport.

Brooks Robinson was an American professional baseball player who spent his entire 23-year Major League career with the Baltimore Orioles. Known as "The Human Vacuum Cleaner" for his exceptional defensive skills at third base, he won 16 consecutive Gold Glove Awards and was a 15-time All-Star. He captured the 1964 World Series MVP and the American League MVP Award the same year. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983, Robinson remains one of baseball's most celebrated defensive legends. After retiring, he enjoyed a successful career as a sportscaster and ambassador for the Orioles organization.

Gino Brito rose to prominence in the 1960s as a charismatic tag team wrestler before transitioning to promotion. He co-founded Promotions Varoussac and later Lutte Internationale, boosting Montreal as a wrestling hotbed in the 1970s and 1980s. Brito promoted top international talents and fostered local stars, influencing the careers of icons like Dino Bravo. His efforts preserved Quebec wrestling traditions and left a lasting mark on Canadian sports entertainment. In recent years, he has been honored by wrestling halls of fame for his contributions to the industry.