1891day.year

Rabbit Maranville

(1891 - 1954)

American baseball player and manager

American baseball player and manager
Legendary American baseball shortstop and later manager, renowned for his energetic play and long career in Major League Baseball.
Walter James "Rabbit" Maranville played 23 seasons in Major League Baseball between 1912 and 1935, primarily with the Boston Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates. Known for his speed, defensive prowess, and charismatic personality, he became one of the game's most beloved figures. Maranville helped the Braves win the 1914 World Series and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1954. After retiring as a player, he managed in the minor leagues, sharing his passion for the sport with younger generations. His nickname reflected both his agility on the field and his playful spirit.
1891 Rabbit Maranville
1909day.year

Piero Scotti

(1909 - 1976)

Italian race car driver

Italian race car driver
Italian racing driver who competed in endurance and Grand Prix events during the early 1950s.
Piero Scotti was born in Italy in 1909 and developed a passion for motorsport from an early age. He raced in iconic events such as the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans during the late 1940s and early 1950s. In 1952, Scotti made a Formula One appearance at the German Grand Prix driving an Alfa Romeo. Known for his technical skill and fearless driving style, he was respected on the European racing circuit. After retiring from competition, he authored articles on motorsport history and mentored aspiring Italian drivers. Scotti's contributions helped revitalize Italy's racing scene in the postwar era. He passed away in 1976, remembered as a dedicated and adventurous sportsman.
Piero Scotti
1926day.year

Maria Teresa de Filippis

(1926 - 2016)

Italian race car driver

Italian race car driver
Pioneering Italian racing driver who became the first woman to compete in Formula One.
Maria Teresa de Filippis was born in Naples in 1926. She began her racing career in sports cars before entering the Formula One arena in 1958. Driving for the Maserati team, she qualified for the 1958 Belgian Grand Prix, becoming the first woman to race in F1. Filippis competed in three Grand Prix seasons, earning respect for her skill and determination. She retired after the 1959 season but remained an advocate for women in motorsport. Her trailblazing efforts opened doors for future generations of female racing drivers. De Filippis passed away in 2016, celebrated as a motorsport pioneer.
1926 Maria Teresa de Filippis
1926day.year

Harry Lumley

(1926 - 1998)

Canadian ice hockey player

Canadian ice hockey player
Canadian Hall of Fame goaltender who won the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Harry 'Hap' Lumley was born in Owen Sound, Ontario in 1926. He debuted in the NHL at age 19 and quickly established himself with the Detroit Red Wings. Lumley won the Stanley Cup in 1950 with Detroit and again in 1951 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Known for his acrobatic style and consistent play, he was the youngest goalie to win the Cup at the time. He played 11 NHL seasons, also suiting up for teams like the Chicago Black Hawks and Boston Bruins. Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1980, Lumley is celebrated as one of Canada’s greatest netminders. He passed away in 1998, remembered fondly by fans and teammates alike.
Harry Lumley
1933day.year

Martino Finotto

(1933 - 2014)

Italian race car driver

Italian race car driver
Italian racing driver active in touring and endurance car championships.
Martino Finotto was an Italian racing driver renowned for his success in touring car and endurance events. He competed in the European Touring Car Championship and achieved podium finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In partnership with prominent teams and manufacturers, he showcased his skill behind the wheel of Porsche and BMW sports cars. His career spanned from the 1960s through the 1980s, earning him respect among peers. He passed away in 2014, leaving a legacy in Italian motorsport.
1933 Martino Finotto
1937day.year

Vittorio Brambilla

(1937 - 2001)

Italian race car driver

Italian race car driver
Italian Formula One driver nicknamed "The Monza Gorilla".
Vittorio Brambilla was an Italian Formula One driver known for his aggressive style and robust build, earning him the nickname "The Monza Gorilla." He competed in Grand Prix racing from 1974 to 1980, driving for teams like March and Surtees. Brambilla secured his sole Formula One victory at the 1975 Austrian Grand Prix in challenging wet conditions. His charismatic personality and determination made him a fan favorite at circuits across Europe. Born in 1937, he passed away in 2001, remembered as one of Italy's most entertaining F1 drivers.
1937 Vittorio Brambilla
1937day.year

Rudy LaRusso

(1937 - 2004)

American basketball player

American basketball player
American basketball forward known for his time with the Rochester Royals and San Francisco Warriors.
Rudy LaRusso was an American professional basketball player who starred in the NBA from 1959 to 1967. He played forward and center for the Rochester/Cincinnati Royals and later the San Francisco Warriors, earning two All-Star selections. LaRusso was instrumental in leading the Warriors to the 1964 NBA Finals with his scoring and rebounding prowess. After retiring as a player, he remained involved in the sport through coaching and youth development programs. Born in 1937, he died in 2004, remembered for his competitive spirit on the court.
Rudy LaRusso
1942day.year

Roy Fredericks

(1942 - 2000)

Guyanese-American cricketer and politician

Guyanese-American cricketer and politician
Guyanese-American cricketer renowned for his aggressive batting and later served in politics.
Born on November 11, 1942, in Berbice, British Guiana. Became a powerful left-handed opening batsman for the West Indies cricket team. Known for his explosive stroke play and memorable innings in Test matches. Retired from cricket in 1977 and moved into public service in Guyana. Served as Minister of Sport and Culture, promoting athletics nationwide. Remembered as a trailblazer in both sports and political arenas.
Roy Fredericks
1943day.year

Doug Frost

Australian swim coach

Australian swim coach
Australian swim coach who guided world-class athletes, including Olympic champions.
Born on November 11, 1943, in Australia. Recognized for coaching techniques that produced Olympic and world champions. Mentored swimmers such as Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett. Served as national head coach for the Australian swimming team. Known for innovative training programs emphasizing technique and endurance. Continues to influence the sport through coaching clinics and mentorship.
1943 Doug Frost
1946day.year

Al Holbert

(1946 - 1988)

American race car driver

American race car driver
Al Holbert was an American sports car racing driver and team owner who won multiple IMSA championships and endurance races.
Born in Abington, Pennsylvania, Al Holbert rose to fame as a three-time IMSA GT champion and Porsche factory driver. He secured victories at prestigious endurance races including the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring. Known for his skill and consistency behind the wheel, he helped establish Porsche's dominance in sports car racing. In the 1980s he founded Holbert Racing, nurturing new talent and furthering his legacy. Tragically, his life was cut short in a 1988 plane crash, but his impact on American motorsport endures.
1946 Al Holbert
1949day.year

Kathy Postlewait

American golfer

American golfer
Kathy Postlewait is an American professional golfer who competed on the LPGA Tour during the 1970s and 1980s.
Born in Rockford, Illinois, Kathy Postlewait turned professional in 1971 and joined the LPGA Tour. She recorded several top-10 finishes in major championships, showcasing her consistency and competitive spirit. Postlewait represented the United States in international competitions, contributing to team successes. Off the course, she advocated for youth golf programs and mentoring aspiring women golfers. Her dedication to the sport has influenced the next generation of female athletes.
Kathy Postlewait
1951day.year

Fuzzy Zoeller

American golfer

American golfer
American professional golfer who won the 1979 Masters Tournament and the 1984 U.S. Open.
Richard 'Fuzzy' Zoeller Jr. is an American professional golfer with nine PGA Tour victories, including two major championships: the 1979 Masters Tournament and the 1984 U.S. Open. He played collegiate golf at the University of Houston before turning professional in 1975. Known for his competitive drive and friendly demeanor, Zoeller became a fan favorite on tour. After his playing career, he served as an on-course commentator for ESPN and the Golf Channel. Zoeller has been active in charitable work, supporting junior golf programs and cancer research. He remains a respected figure in the golfing community for his achievements and sportsmanship.
Fuzzy Zoeller