Billy Martin
Baseball player and manager with Yankees
Played as a second baseman in Major League Baseball, primarily with the New York Yankees, and later served as a manager for several teams, including multiple stints with the Yankees. Contributed to five World Series championships as a player with the Yankees from 1949 to 1953. After retiring as a player, shifted to coaching and managerial roles, gaining a reputation for his fiery demeanor and leadership style in the dugout. Also managed the Detroit Tigers, Texas Rangers, and Oakland Athletics during career in baseball management.
Played for New York Yankees, winning five World Series titles
Managed New York Yankees in multiple periods
Other People Born on May 16th
Mario Monicelli
Italian director and screenwriter of films
Born
May 16th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
November 29th, 2010 15 years ago — 95 years old
Monicelli contributed significantly to Italian cinema, particularly through the Commedia all'italiana genre. Directed iconic films such as 'Big Deal on Madonna Street' (1958) and 'The Organiser' (1963), showcasing a blend of humor and social commentary. His career spanned several decades, earning acclaim for innovative storytelling and unique character development. Worked with notable actors and writers, gaining recognition in international film festivals. He received numerous awards, including the David di Donatello and the Silver Ribbon, cementing a legacy in the film industry.
Continue ReadingBen Kuroki
American pilot and World War II sergeant
Born
May 16th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
September 1st, 2015 10 years ago — 98 years old
Served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Kuroki flew combat missions in the Pacific Theater and became the first Japanese American to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His military career included significant contributions to aerial bombing campaigns against enemy targets. After the war, Kuroki returned to civilian life and continued to advocate for Japanese American rights.
Continue ReadingPierre Cuypers
Dutch architect, designer of Rijksmuseum
Born
May 16th, 1827 198 years ago
Died
1921 104 years ago — 94 years old
An architect born in the Netherlands, played a significant role in shaping the architectural landscape of the country during the 19th century. Designed the Amsterdam Centraal railway station, which showcases a distinctive neo-Gothic style. Additionally, worked on the Rijksmuseum, the national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam, significantly impacting its design and aesthetic. His contributions to architecture also include various buildings in Amsterdam and beyond, embodying a blend of historical styles and modern needs.
Continue ReadingPafnuty Chebyshev
Mathematician and statistician, Chebyshev polynomials
Born
May 16th, 1821 204 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1894 131 years ago — 73 years old
A Russian mathematician and statistician, contributed significantly to number theory, approximation theory, and probability. Developed Chebyshev polynomials and established the foundation for Chebyshev's inequality in statistics. Authored several influential works and served as a professor at the University of St. Petersburg, where he influenced generations of mathematicians. The Chebyshev graph and Chebyshev approximation remain pivotal concepts in analysis and computational mathematics.
Continue ReadingRick Rypien
Ice hockey player, Winnipeg Jets
Born
May 16th, 1984 41 years ago
Died
August 15th, 2011 14 years ago — 27 years old
This Canadian ice hockey player played as a center in the National Hockey League (NHL). Rypien began his professional career with the Manitoba Moose before making his NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks. He became recognized for his role as an enforcer and was known for his toughness on the ice. During his time with the Canucks, Rypien contributed to the team's playoff presence. Later, he signed with the Winnipeg Jets for the 2011-2012 season before his career ended due to health issues.
Continue ReadingNílton Santos
Brazilian footballer, 1958 World Cup winner
Born
May 16th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
November 27th, 2013 12 years ago — 88 years old
A renowned Brazilian footballer, played as a left-back. Contributed significantly to the Brazilian national team, participating in the 1954 and 1958 World Cups. Instrumental in Brazil's victory in the 1958 World Cup held in Sweden. Spent the majority of his club career at Botafogo, becoming a key player and an emblematic figure of the team. His style and skills on the pitch influenced the modern full-back role in football.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 25th
Emmanuel Levinas
Philosopher known for Totality and Infinity
Born
January 12th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1995 29 years ago — 89 years old
Born in Lithuania and later becoming a French citizen, one contributed significantly to philosophy, particularly in ethics and existentialism. His most influential work, 'Totality and Infinity,' explores the nature of interhuman relationships and the ethical implications of existence. Levinas's ideas introduced a shift in philosophical thought, focusing on the primacy of the Other and advocating for a responsibility to others that precedes self-interest. Throughout academic career, served as a professor at various institutions, shaping the field of phenomenology and existential ethics.
Continue ReadingBill Hewitt
Canadian sportscaster and journalist
Born
December 8th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1996 28 years ago — 68 years old
Born in Canada, a significant figure in sports journalism. Credited with pioneering sports broadcasting in the country. Served as a sports commentator and analyst for major networks, contributing to the growth of sports media. Covered major sporting events and provided analysis for various sports. Worked with prominent figures in the sports industry and provided insights into Canadian sports culture.
Continue ReadingSaint Anastasia
Christian martyr and saint
Died
December 25th, 304 1720 years ago — None years old
A Christian martyr recognized for her steadfast faith during the Roman Empire. Lived during the early 4th century and faced persecution under Emperor Diocletian. Celebrated for charitable acts and healing abilities, with a particular emphasis on the care of the sick. Estimated death on December 25, 304, attributed to her unwavering devotion to her beliefs. Later canonized and venerated in both Western and Eastern Christian traditions, with many churches named in her honor.
Continue ReadingWilliam Haselden
English cartoonist and illustrator
Born
December 3rd, 1872 153 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1953 71 years ago — 81 years old
Contributed to various publications in the early 20th century. Worked primarily for The Daily Mirror and was recognized for the use of humor in social commentary through illustrations. Additionally, contributions included political cartoons that critiqued figures and events of the time. Haselden utilized his talent to capture the cultural zeitgeist, making his work both engaging and reflective of contemporary issues.
Continue ReadingEartha Kitt
Actress and singer of 'Santa Baby'
Born
January 17th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
December 25th, 2008 16 years ago — 81 years old
An actress and singer, gained prominence in the 1950s with a distinctive singing style and a captivating stage presence. Achieved significant acclaim for performances in theatrical productions and pop music. Portrayed Catwoman in the television series 'Batman' during the 1960s. Recorded the holiday classic 'Santa Baby,' which has become a seasonal favorite. Advocated for civil rights and spoke out against the Vietnam War, drawing attention to social issues in the United States.
Continue ReadingPatsy Donovan
Baseball player and manager, MLB career
Born
March 16th, 1865 160 years ago
Died
December 25th, 1953 71 years ago — 88 years old
Born in 1865, a prominent Irish-American baseball player and manager contributed significantly to Major League Baseball. His playing career spanned from 1885 to 1899, during which he played predominantly as an outfielder. Donovan spent time with several teams, including the Louisville Colonels and the Pittsburgh Pirates. He later took on managerial roles, including managing the Boston Braves. His strategies and understanding of the game left a mark in baseball history.
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