Al Harrington
Basketball player; NBA All-Star
Played basketball professionally in the NBA for several teams, including the Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, and Golden State Warriors. Achieved notable success during the 2003-2004 NBA season with the Pacers, which culminated in an appearance as an NBA All-Star in 2009. Known for versatility as a forward and ability to score as well as rebound. Transitioned to a role as an entrepreneur after retiring from professional basketball.
Selected as an NBA All-Star in 2009
Played for the Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors
Other People Born on February 17th
Jibanananda Das
Bengali poet and author with significant works
Born
February 17th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
October 22nd, 1954 71 years ago — 55 years old
Contributed to Bengali literature through poetry and prose. Born on February 17, 1899, in Barisal, British India, produced various works that explored themes of nature, love, and the human condition. Gained prominence posthumously, with several collections published. His writing style blended modernist elements with traditional Bengali forms. Produced some of the most celebrated poems in Bengali literature.
Continue ReadingLindy Ruff
Hockey coach and former player
Born
February 17th, 1960 65 years ago
Played in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a defenseman for the New York Rangers and the Buffalo Sabres from 1979 to 1990. Transitioned to coaching after retirement, taking the role of head coach for the Buffalo Sabres, leading the team to multiple playoff appearances. Later served as head coach for the Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils, contributing experience and strategy to these organizations.
Continue ReadingRoger Craig
Baseball player, coach, World Series champion
Born
February 17th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 93 years old
A former professional baseball player, Craig played as a right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). He began his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals and later played for the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies. Transitioning into coaching and management, he served as the manager for several teams including the San Francisco Giants. During his managerial career, he led the Giants to a World Series championship in 1989. Craig's contributions to the game extended beyond playing, impacting the teams he led through strategic guidance.
Continue ReadingSadegh Hedayat
Iranian-French author and translator
Born
February 17th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
1951 74 years ago — 48 years old
An influential Iranian author and translator, this individual is recognized for contributions to Persian literature. The most notable work includes the novel "Blind Owl," which explores themes of existentialism and despair. The author's literary career also involved translating works from French to Persian, enriching the cultural dialogue between the two languages and countries. Considered a pivotal figure in modern Persian literature, the individual faced significant personal struggles, leading to a tragic end to his life in Paris.
Continue ReadingBuddy DeFranco
Clarinet player and bandleader
Born
February 17th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
December 24th, 2014 11 years ago — 91 years old
A prominent clarinet player and bandleader, contributions spanned several decades in the jazz genre. DeFranco gained recognition in the 1940s and 1950s, performing with notable orchestras and musicians. His innovative style helped to popularize the clarinet in jazz music, merging classical techniques with contemporary jazz. Collaborations with artists such as Art Tatum and Oscar Peterson highlighted his versatility and skill. DeFranco led various ensembles and recorded over 30 albums throughout his career.
Continue ReadingAlexander Obolensky
Rugby player and WWII pilot
Born
February 17th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
March 29th, 1940 85 years ago — 24 years old
Played rugby for England and made a significant contribution during World War II as a pilot. Achieved recognition for his performance in rugby union matches, notably in the 1939 match against Wales, where he scored two tries. His athletic career was cut short by the war, during which he served in the Royal Air Force and lost his life during a mission in 1943.
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