July 09

Harry Heilmann was born in 1894 in San Francisco and debuted with the Detroit Tigers in 1914.\nHe won four American League batting titles with averages over .390, showcasing remarkable consistency.\nHeilmann retired early in 1932 due to arthritis but transitioned to broadcasting.\nAs a radio commentator, he brought insightful analysis and warmth to Tigers games.\nHis .342 career batting average ranks among the highest in MLB history.\nHeilmann's dual legacy as a player and broadcaster made him an enduring figure in baseball.

Don Beauman was born in 1928 and began racing sports cars on British circuits after World War II.\nHe progressed to Formula One, participating in several World Championship Grands Prix.\nBeauman drove for teams such as Connaught and achieved notable finishes in non-championship events.\nHis competitive spirit and technical skill earned respect among peers.\nTragically, he was killed in a crash at the Leinster Trophy in Ireland in 1955.\nDespite a brief career, Beauman is remembered for his passion and courage behind the wheel.

Bill Mosienko was a Canadian right winger who played 13 seasons for the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League. Nicknamed 'The Russian Rifle' for his powerful shot, he helped Chicago win three Stanley Cup championships. On March 23, 1952, he scored three goals in 21 seconds, setting an NHL record for the fastest hat-trick that still stands today. A six-time NHL All-Star, Mosienko retired in 1955 as one of the league's most respected veterans. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1965.

Mayo Kaan was an American bodybuilder who competed in regional and national contests during the 1940s and 1950s. Renowned for his well-proportioned and symmetrical physique, he appeared in leading fitness magazines of the era. Kaan toured the United States giving exhibitions and promoting health and strength training. Though some claimed he modeled for early comic book heroes, his legacy rests on his achievements in bodybuilding. After retiring from competition, he continued to influence fitness enthusiasts through seminars and coaching.

Yevgeny Grishin was a dominant Soviet speed skater and two-time Olympic champion. He won gold medals in the 500 m and 1500 m events at the 1956 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo and the 1960 Games in Squaw Valley. Grishin set numerous world and Olympic records, earning him recognition as one of the greatest sprinters in the sport. He also secured multiple titles at World and European Speed Skating Championships during his career. After retiring from competition, Grishin contributed to coaching and sports administration in Russia.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Alex Shibicky made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers in 1935. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful slapshot and innovative playing style. Shibicky helped the Rangers secure the Stanley Cup championship in 1940–41. Following a decade-long career in the NHL, he retired in 1946 with a legacy of influence on shooting techniques. Beyond his playing days, he served as vice-president of the NHL Players' Association, advocating for players' rights. His contributions to ice hockey endure in the sport's development of offensive skills.

Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Don Ackerman starred as a standout guard at the University of Tennessee. He signed with the New York Knicks and appeared in the 1951–52 NBA season. Although his professional career was brief, Ackerman represented the shifting landscape of post-war basketball. He returned to coach and mentor young athletes at the amateur level, sharing his passion for the sport. Ackerman's dedication to basketball extended beyond the court through community engagement and clinics. He passed away on July 9, 2011, remembered for his early role in professional basketball history.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Shin Jae-chul trained under pioneering masters of taekwondo. He emigrated to the United States in the late 1960s and established one of the first taekwondo schools in Detroit. Shin founded the Jae-Chul Shin's Moo Duk Kwan Association, which grew to include numerous dojangs across the country. He authored instructional manuals and produced training videos that introduced taekwondo techniques to a wider audience. Many of his students went on to compete internationally and teach the art form themselves. Shin passed away on July 9, 2012, remembered as a key figure in spreading taekwondo globally.

Born in Lexington, Tennessee, Roy "Chick" King signed with the Detroit Tigers organization in 1948. He made his MLB debut with the Tigers in 1954, appearing in games as an outfielder. King later played for the Kansas City Athletics, showcasing his reliable fielding abilities. Beyond the Major Leagues, he had an extensive career in minor league baseball, mentoring younger players. King's dedication to the sport was evident both on and off the field, as he coached in local leagues. He passed away on July 9, 2012, remembered for his passion for baseball and community involvement.