Calvin Griffith

Canadian-American businessman with MLB

Calvin Griffith - Canadian-American businessman with MLB
Born

December 1st, 1911
113 years ago

Died

October 20th, 1999
25 years ago — 87 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Canada

Links & References

A businessman who served as the owner of the Minnesota Twins in Major League Baseball from 1961 until 1984. Griffith played a significant role in the franchise's development and relocation from Washington, D.C. to Minnesota, becoming a key figure in securing the team's new stadium. The team won the World Series in 1965 during his ownership. Griffith was known for his operations within the MLB and his influence in the league's expansion efforts in the 1960s.

Owned the Minnesota Twins from 1961 to 1984

Led the franchise's move from Washington, D.C.

Oversaw the Twins' World Series appearance in 1965

Other People Born on December 1st

Archie MacLaren

English cricketer and captain
Born
December 1st, 1871 153 years ago
Died
1944 81 years ago — 73 years old

Played first-class cricket from 1888 to 1914, primarily for Lancashire and the England national team. Served as captain of England and led the team to several victories, including a successful Ashes series in 1903-04. Renowned for his aggressive batting style and innovative tactics on the field. His contributions as a captain and player significantly influenced the game during his era.

Continue Reading

Cyril Ritchard

Actor and singer in Peter Pan
Born
December 1st, 1898 126 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 79 years old

Born in Australia, an actor and singer achieved prominence in theater, especially in musical theater. Gained significant recognition for the role of Captain Hook in the original Broadway production of 'Peter Pan,' which showcased a memorable performance. Ritchard's talents extended beyond acting, as he also enjoyed a successful career in television and cabaret, captivating audiences with musical performances. His work in staged productions and adeptness at bringing characters to life solidified a place in entertainment history.

Continue Reading

Alicia Markova

Ballerina and choreographer with Sadlers Wells
Born
December 1st, 1910 114 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 2004 20 years ago — 94 years old

A prominent ballerina and choreographer, made significant contributions to ballet during the 20th century. Began training at the Royal Ballet School and soon joined the Vic-Wells Ballet, which later became the Royal Ballet. Collaborated with several renowned choreographers, showcasing talent in various roles. Established the English National Ballet, promoting ballet across the UK. Worked internationally, performing at prestigious venues and festivals, and advocating for the art form's growth. Later, transitioned to teaching and mentoring the next generation of dancers.

Continue Reading

François Van der Elst

Belgian footballer and UEFA Cup winner
Born
December 1st, 1954 70 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 63 years old

This footballer played primarily as a midfielder and had a significant career in the Belgian league and internationally. He joined Club Brugge in 1972, contributing to the team's success during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was part of the Club Brugge squad that reached the European Cup final in 1978. The team won the Belgian Cup multiple times, showcasing consistent performance throughout his tenure. His national team appearances included participation in the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship during the early 1980s, representing Belgium.

Continue Reading

Reggie Sanders

Baseball player with World Series titles
Born
December 1st, 1967 57 years ago

A professional baseball player, had a career spanning from 1986 to 2006. Played for multiple Major League Baseball teams, including the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, and Kansas City Royals. Achieved notable success by winning two World Series championships during tenures with the Florida Marlins and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Renowned for versatility in the outfield and base running skills, with a career batting average of approximately .273.

Continue Reading

DeSean Jackson

American football wide receiver & returner
Born
December 1st, 1986 38 years ago

Played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) primarily for the Philadelphia Eagles. Achieved significant success through multiple seasons, showcasing speed and agility. Contributed to the Eagles' victory in Super Bowl LII as part of the roster. Established a reputation for making impactful plays during games, including numerous touchdown receptions.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on October 20th

Naim Frashëri

Albanian-Turkish poet and translator
Born
May 25th, 1846 179 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1900 124 years ago — 54 years old

Born in 1846, a prominent poet and translator contributed significantly to Albanian literature. Active during the late 19th century, he wrote poetry that served to promote the Albanian language and culture. His works often addressed themes of national identity and sought to inspire a sense of unity among Albanians. Alongside poetry, engaged in translating significant works from Turkish and other languages into Albanian, expanding the literary landscape for his peers. His influence extended beyond literature, impacting the national awakening movement in Albania.

Continue Reading

Ronnie Van Zant

Singer-songwriter and Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman
Born
January 15th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1977 47 years ago — 29 years old

A prominent figure in Southern rock, contributed significantly to the genre as the lead vocalist and songwriter for the band Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band released several successful albums and became known for their anthems that captured the spirit of Southern life. Tragically, died in a plane crash in 1977, which cut short a rising career. His legacy continued to influence rock music well into the future.

Continue Reading

Paul Dirac

Theoretical physicist and Nobel laureate
Born
August 8th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
October 20th, 1984 40 years ago — 82 years old

An English-American physicist contributed significantly to the field of quantum mechanics. Developed the Dirac equation, which describes the behavior of fermions and predicted the existence of antimatter. Held a professorship at the University of Cambridge and became a fellow of the Royal Society. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1933 for his work on the foundations of quantum mechanics.

Continue Reading

Ambrose the Camaldulian

Italian theologian and writer
Died
October 20th, 1439 585 years ago — None years old

A prominent theologian and writer, contributed significantly to the Catholic Church's understanding of monasticism and spirituality. Established a reform in monastic life through the Camaldolese order, which emphasized eremitical and communal living. Authored several works focusing on the spiritual life, the nature of God, and the importance of ascetic practices. His teachings and writings influenced later Christian thought and monastic practices.

Continue Reading

Przemysław Gintrowski

Polish poet and composer of songs
Born
1951 74 years ago
Died
October 20th, 2012 12 years ago — 61 years old

A prominent figure in Polish music and literature, contributed to the culture through poetry and songwriting. Collaborated with leading writers and musicians, exploring themes of history and identity. Gintrowski gained recognition for his ability to intertwine poetic expression with musical composition. His works played a significant role in the Polish artistic movement during the late 20th century.

Continue Reading

Eva Ibbotson

Austrian-English children's book author
Born
January 21st, 1925 100 years ago
Died
October 20th, 2010 14 years ago — 85 years old

Born in Austria and later moving to England, an author specialized in children's and young adult literature. Popular works include 'A Company of Swans', 'The Secret of Platform 13', and 'Which Witch?'. The writing often featured elements of fantasy and whimsical storytelling. Many stories drew inspiration from personal experiences and the author's early life in Vienna. The author's works have been recognized for their imaginative plots and well-developed characters, appealing to a wide range of readers.

Continue Reading