Carlos Peña
Baseball player and 2008 All-Star
A Dominican-American baseball player, played as a first baseman and designated hitter. Made major contributions to teams in Major League Baseball (MLB) including the Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays, and Detroit Tigers. Achieved recognition during the 2008 MLB season when selected for the All-Star Game. Notable for power hitting and defensive skills, also played in the postseason for multiple teams.
Selected as an MLB All-Star in 2008
Hit 28 home runs for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2007
Helped lead the Texas Rangers to the postseason in 1999
Other People Born on May 17th
Channing Frye
Basketball player, NBA Champion
Born
May 17th, 1983 42 years ago
Born in 1983, this American basketball player played college basketball for the University of Arizona. Drafted in 2005 by the New York Knicks, played for several NBA teams, including the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Achieved significant success with the Cavaliers, contributing to the team's 2016 NBA Championship victory. Known for effective three-point shooting and strong offensive skills, played a pivotal role in the Cavaliers' playoff run during that championship season.
Continue ReadingChristine Nesbitt
Speed skater and Olympic champion
Born
May 17th, 1985 40 years ago
A speed skater from Canada, recognized for achievements in long track speed skating. Competed at the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver, capturing a gold medal in the 1000 meters event. Additionally participated in the 2014 Winter Olympics, securing a bronze medal in the 1500 meters. Earned multiple medals at the World Cup level and set various national records during a prominent career in the sport.
Continue ReadingAlbert
Duke of Prussia
Born
May 17th, 1490 535 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1568 457 years ago — 77 years old
Held the title of Duke of Prussia from 1525 until his death in 1568. Founded the Duchy of Prussia, which marked the establishment of a Protestant state. Oversaw the transition from a monastic state under the Teutonic Knights to a secular duchy. Engaged in political and military affairs during the Reformation period.
Continue ReadingJohanna Konta
Tennis player with Grand Slam success
Born
May 17th, 1991 34 years ago
Born in 1991, this Australian-English tennis player achieved significant success on the WTA tour. Starting her professional career in 2008, she reached her highest singles ranking of World No. 4 in July 2017. The player made history in 2016 by becoming the first British woman to reach the Australian Open quarter-finals in 36 years. In 2017, she became the first British female singles player to achieve a place in the WTA Finals since 1976. Her remarkable run at Wimbledon in 2018 culminated in a semi-final appearance, marking her as one of the prominent figures in women's tennis during her career.
Continue ReadingErik Satie
French composer known for Gymnopédies
Born
May 17th, 1866 159 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1925 100 years ago — 59 years old
Pianist and composer contributed significantly to the early 20th century music scene. Satie's compositions were marked by their unique tonality and innovative approach to harmony. His most famous works include the 'Gymnopédies', which showcased minimalist and atmospheric qualities. Additionally, Satie engaged in collaborations with other artists and was involved in the Dada and Surrealist movements, influencing subsequent generations of composers and musicians.
Continue ReadingFabian Giefer
German footballer, goalkeeper
Born
May 17th, 1990 35 years ago
Born in 1990, a professional footballer specialized in the goalkeeper position. Played for several clubs including Borussia Mönchengladbach and 1. FC Köln in the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga. Giefer also represented the German national team at the youth level. He started his professional career at SC Freiburg, where he made his debut in the competitive league. After a successful stint in youth leagues, transitioned to senior professional play, earning recognition for performances in key matches.
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