Ben Zobrist
Baseball player, World Series champion
Played Major League Baseball primarily as an infielder and outfielder. Achieved success with the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, and Kansas City Royals. Played a key role in the Cubs' 2016 World Series victory, ending a 108-year championship drought. Recognized for his versatility on the field, contributing to multiple positions throughout his career.
Won the World Series with the Chicago Cubs in 2016
Named World Series MVP in 2016
Selected for the All-Star game in 2005 and 2009
Other People Born on May 26th
Necip Fazıl Kısakürek
Turkish author and playwright
Born
May 26th, 1904 122 years ago
Died
May 25th, 1983 43 years ago — 78 years old
Born in 1904, engaged in poetry, playwriting, and social critique. Wrote influential works reflecting Islamic philosophy and Turkish nationalism. Founded the Turkish National Literature movement. Contributed to literature through journalism and activism. Left a significant legacy through poetry and political thought, shaping modern Turkish literature.
Continue ReadingWard Cunningham
Computer programmer, first wiki developer
Born
May 26th, 1949 77 years ago
An American computer programmer developed the first wiki software, known as WikiWikiWeb, in 1995. This innovation introduced a new method for collaboration and content management online. His work has influenced the development of various collaborative platforms, emphasizing the ease of editing and sharing information. Alongside contributions to wikis, involvement in agile software development methodologies showcased a commitment to improving programming practices.
Continue ReadingMuriel McQueen Fergusson
Canadian Speaker of the Senate
Born
May 26th, 1899 127 years ago
Died
April 11th, 1997 29 years ago — 97 years old
A Canadian lawyer and politician, served as the first female Speaker of the Senate from 1972 to 1974. Contributed to various legislative reforms and advocated for women's rights. Engaged in public service and participated in multiple committees, promoting equality and social progress. Resided in New Brunswick throughout much of life.
Continue ReadingRoy Dotrice
English actor and audiobook narrator
Born
May 26th, 1923 103 years ago
Died
October 16th, 2017 8 years ago — 94 years old
An English actor with a career spanning several decades, best recognized for distinct performances in theatre, television, and film. Achieved acclaim for portraying the character of Leopold Bloom in the original cast of the stage adaptation of 'Ulysses in Nighttown.' Gained significant recognition for narrating the audiobook series of 'A Song of Ice and Fire' by George R.R. Martin, which won multiple awards for outstanding narration. Also appeared in numerous television productions, including the miniseries 'World War II: Behind Closed Doors.'
Continue ReadingVilasrao Deshmukh
Indian lawyer and politician, Chief Minister
Born
May 26th, 1945 81 years ago
Died
August 14th, 2012 13 years ago — 67 years old
A prominent lawyer and politician, served as the 17th Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 2001 to 2003 and again from 2004 to 2014. Played a significant role in state politics and was a member of the Indian National Congress party. Held various ministerial positions, including Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. Advocated for farmers' welfare and development initiatives within the state.
Continue ReadingJack Kevorkian
Pathologist and assisted suicide advocate
Born
May 26th, 1928 98 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 2011 15 years ago — 83 years old
A pathologist and author, contributed to the euthanasia debate in the United States. Developed a machine known as the 'Mercitron' to assist terminally ill patients in self-administering lethal doses of medication. Conducted over 130 assisted suicides during the 1990s, bringing significant media attention to the topic. Wrote several books discussing the ethics of assisted suicide. Faced legal challenges, resulting in a 1999 murder conviction and a prison sentence that ended in 2007.
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