June 28

Born in 1877 in Sydney, Victor Trumper rose to prominence as a talented batsman renowned for his grace at the crease. He made his Test debut in 1899 and quickly became a crowd favorite with his aggressive stroke play. Trumper captained New South Wales and represented Australia in 48 Test matches, scoring over 3,000 runs. He became the first player to score a Test century before lunch on the opening day. Despite his career being cut short by illness, his legacy influenced generations of cricketers worldwide.

Mickey Cochrane (1903–1962), nicknamed 'Black Mike', was a legendary Major League Baseball catcher. He won the American League MVP award in 1928 and 1934 while playing for the Philadelphia Athletics. Cochrane played a key role in leading the Athletics to consecutive World Series titles in 1929 and 1930. After his playing career ended following a head injury in 1937, he became player-manager of the Detroit Tigers. He guided the Tigers to their first World Series championship in 1945. Renowned for his leadership, defensive skills, and baseball intelligence, Cochrane was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1947.

Cy Morgan (1878–1962) was an American professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball. He made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers in 1909 and pitched for them until 1910. Known for his left-handed pitching, Morgan compiled a solid record over his brief career. After retiring from baseball, he remained involved in the sport at the local level. He is remembered as part of the early era of professional baseball.

Diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma at age 18, Fox had his right leg amputated but resolved to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research. In 1980 he embarked on the Marathon of Hope, averaging a marathon distance each day for 143 days and covering over 5,300 kilometers. Despite the eventual return of his cancer forcing him to stop in Thunder Bay, Ontario, he had already raised millions of dollars and captured the nation's heart. Fox's determination and message of hope led to the establishment of the Terry Fox Foundation, which has since raised over $750 million. His legacy endures through annual Terry Fox Runs held worldwide, and he remains a symbol of courage and selflessness.

Born in 1955, Nève built his reputation in national and European sports car championships, driving Porsche and other GT-class vehicles. He was known for his consistent performances and technical feedback that helped develop competitive race cars. Nève participated in the iconic 24 Hours of Spa, racing against some of the top endurance talents of his era. His career spanned the late 1970s and 1980s, a period of thriving GT competition in Europe. Nève's dedication to the sport earned him respect among fellow drivers and teams. He passed away in 1992, remembered by the motorsport community for his passion and skill behind the wheel.

Mikhail Tal was born in Riga in 1936 and emerged as a leading chess talent from a young age. He became the youngest winner of the Soviet Chess Championship at age 23 and went on to defeat Mikhail Botvinnik to claim the World Chess Championship in 1960. Tal’s games were celebrated for their bold sacrifices, tactical complexity, and creative flair. He earned the nickname "The Magician from Riga" for his unpredictable and dazzling attacks. Despite ongoing health challenges, he remained a formidable competitor and contributed prolifically to chess literature. His legacy endures through his collected games and opening variations that bear his name.

Born in Mississippi in 1927, Doris Sams became a standout player in the AAGPBL during its golden era. She captured the 1946 Rookie of the Year title and earned the 1947 Player of the Year award after an outstanding season. That same year, she pitched a perfect game and led her team to deep playoff runs. Renowned for her strong batting and defensive skills, Sams excelled both on the mound and in the outfield. After retiring from baseball, she dedicated herself to promoting women's athletics and coaching young players.

Born in 1927, Ted Hood began his career as a competitive sailor, winning multiple ocean races. In 1952, he founded Ted Hood Sails, pioneering innovations in sail design and materials. He later established Little Harbour Marine, building custom yachts celebrated for their craftsmanship and performance. Hood's influence extended to America's Cup campaigns and the offshore racing community, where his designs became industry standards. His dedication to both sport and entrepreneurship earned him induction into the America's Cup Hall of Fame.

Jim Brosnan was born in 1929 and debuted in MLB with the Chicago Cubs in 1954. Over his eight-year career, he pitched for the Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds, compiling a solid win-loss record. In 1960, he published 'The Long Season,' one of the first candid memoirs by a professional athlete, offering an unprecedented look at life in the majors. His follow-up book, 'Pennant Race,' further cemented his reputation as a thoughtful storyteller. Brosnan's blend of athletic skill and literary insight has influenced both baseball writing and sports journalism.

Born in Winnipeg in 1919, Stanowski showcased his talent in junior hockey leagues before debuting with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1939. During his tenure, he anchored the defense and helped secure four Stanley Cup championships throughout the 1940s. He paused his hockey career to serve in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II. After the war, he returned to the ice, continuing his steady defensive play and leadership on the blue line. He finished his NHL career with the New York Americans before retiring in 1951. He remained a beloved figure in the hockey community until his passing in 2015.

Born in Clarksville, Tennessee, in 1952, Summitt played college basketball at Tennessee under Coach Joe Foster. At age 22, she became head coach of the Lady Volunteers in 1974, transforming the program into a national powerhouse. Over 38 seasons, her teams won 1,098 games - the most in NCAA Division I history - and claimed eight national titles. Summitt was known for her relentless work ethic, leadership, and commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the court. She served as USA Basketball head coach, winning Olympic gold in 1984 and the inaugural women's World Championship in 1990. After retiring in 2012 due to early-onset Alzheimer's disease, Summitt continued to advocate for Alzheimer's awareness until her death in 2016. Her impact extends beyond wins, inspiring generations of women in sports.

Born in Frederick, Oklahoma, in 1931, Ryan played college football before embarking on a coaching career spanning college and the NFL. He gained fame as defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, helping engineer the Gang Green defense of the early 1980s. Ryan joined the Chicago Bears in 1985, implementing his famed 46 defense that overwhelmed opponents en route to a Super Bowl XX victory. He served as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 1986 to 1990 and of the Arizona Cardinals from 1994 to 1995. Known for his fiery personality and defensive genius, Ryan influenced generations of coaches with his aggressive schemes. He finished his career as a highly sought-after assistant and served as a television analyst before passing away in 2016. His defensive philosophies remain a blueprint in modern football.