Earl Wilson

Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers

Earl Wilson - Baseball pitcher for the Detroit Tigers
Born

October 2nd, 1934
90 years ago

Died

April 23rd, 2005
20 years ago — 70 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United States

Links & References

Played Major League Baseball primarily as a pitcher from 1953 to 1967. Began career with the Detroit Tigers and later played for the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs. Achieved prominence in the 1960s as the first Black pitcher to start a game for the Tigers. Member of the Red Sox in the 1967 season, contributing to their pennant-winning team. Accumulated success in his career, including a notable season with a win-loss record of 22-10 in 1966.

First Black pitcher to start for the Tigers

Key player in the Red Sox's 1967 pennant race

Other People Born on October 2nd

Pelham Warner

Cricketer and manager with Sussex
Born
October 2nd, 1873 151 years ago
Died
1963 62 years ago — 90 years old

An English cricketer and manager contributed significantly to the sport during the early 20th century. Played for Sussex and became the county's captain. Transitioned into a managerial role after retiring from active play, overseeing various teams and promoting cricket. Held prestigious positions, including the role of Manager of the English cricket team. Instrumental in the development of cricket both on and off the field, influencing young players and promoting the game in different capacities.

Continue Reading

Maribel Verdú

Spanish actress in film and television
Born
October 2nd, 1970 54 years ago

Born on October 2, 1970, a Spanish actress gained prominence through various roles in Spanish cinema. Gained international recognition for performances in 'Y Tu Mamá También' and 'Pan's Labyrinth.' Established a successful career in both independent films and mainstream projects. Participated in numerous film festivals, receiving accolades for contributions to the film industry.

Continue Reading

Richard Hell

Singer-songwriter and bass player
Born
October 2nd, 1949 75 years ago

A prominent figure in the punk rock music scene, contributed significantly to the genre's development during the 1970s. Co-founded the bands Television and the Voidoids, helping to shape the New York City punk sound. Released several influential albums, including 'Blank Generation.' Also recognized for pioneering the aesthetic of punk fashion with a distinctive style that included torn clothing and spiky hair.

Continue Reading

Pattie Ruffner Jacobs

American suffragist and activist
Born
October 2nd, 1875 149 years ago
Died
1935 90 years ago — 60 years old

A prominent suffragist, significant contributions included advocacy for women's voting rights and involvement in various organizations dedicated to suffrage. Played a crucial role in the Alabama Equal Suffrage Association and worked closely with national suffrage movements. Actively campaigned for the passage of the 19th Amendment. Jacobs emphasized the importance of women's participation in political processes and organized campaigns to promote these ideals throughout Alabama.

Continue Reading

Johnnie Cochran

American lawyer and legal advocate
Born
October 2nd, 1937 87 years ago
Died
2005 20 years ago — 68 years old

Prominent figure in the American legal system, focused on civil rights and criminal defense. Gained national attention as the lead attorney in the O.J. Simpson murder trial. Advocated for police reform and justice for marginalized communities. Co-founded a law firm dedicated to addressing issues of social justice. The phrase, 'If it doesn't fit, you must acquit,' became widely recognized during the Simpson trial, highlighting memorable moments in the case.

Continue Reading

Connie Dierking

American basketball player, NBA All-Star
Born
October 2nd, 1936 88 years ago
Died
December 29th, 2013 11 years ago — 77 years old

Played professional basketball in the NBA, primarily for the Philadelphia Warriors. Competed during the 1960s and contributed to the team's performance as a center. Notable for participation in the 1962 NBA All-Star Game, where impressive skills were showcased. Played college basketball at the University of North Carolina before entering the professional league.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on April 23rd

Geoffrey Russell

English businessman and politician
Born
1921 104 years ago
Died
April 23rd, 2011 14 years ago — 90 years old

Held the title of 4th Baron Ampthill and served in various political capacities. Engaged in business ventures and contributed to public service through political roles. Managed family estates and responsibilities that came with the title. Involved in social and community initiatives, promoting local interests and advocacy.

Continue Reading

Ray Jackson

Australian activist for Aboriginal rights
Born
1941 84 years ago
Died
April 23rd, 2015 10 years ago — 74 years old

An activist focused on Aboriginal rights and recognition. Played a significant role in raising awareness about the struggles faced by Indigenous Australians. Co-founded the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in 1972, representing the ongoing fight for land rights and sovereignty. Advocated for justice and equality throughout his life, participating in various campaigns and demonstrations that aimed to address the issues affecting Aboriginal communities. His work contributed to the ongoing dialogue and activism surrounding Indigenous rights in Australia.

Continue Reading

Cesar Chavez

Labor union leader and civil rights activist
Born
March 31st, 1927 98 years ago
Died
April 23rd, 1993 32 years ago — 66 years old

Born in 1927, a prominent labor leader and civil rights activist dedicated to improving conditions for farm workers. Co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) in 1962, advocating for labor rights through nonviolent protests and strikes. Instrumental in garnering national attention for the plight of agricultural workers in the United States. His efforts included leading California grape boycotts, which resulted in improved wages and working conditions. Worked closely with other civil rights leaders to address social justice issues affecting marginalized communities.

Continue Reading

LeRoy T. Walker

Football coach with Olympic success
Born
1918 107 years ago
Died
April 23rd, 2012 13 years ago — 94 years old

Contributed significantly to American football as a coach at multiple levels, including high school, college, and professional teams. Served as a head coach at North Carolina Central University, achieving notable success and producing many future collegiate players. Coached the U.S. men's track and field team to gold medals at international competitions, including the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Worked as a professor and athletic director, influencing the development of future athletes and coaches through educational initiatives.

Continue Reading

P. L. Travers

Author of 'Mary Poppins' series
Born
August 9th, 1899 125 years ago
Died
April 23rd, 1996 29 years ago — 96 years old

An Australian-English author and actress, created the character Mary Poppins, a magical nanny who appears in a series of children's books. The first book, 'Mary Poppins', was published in 1934 and became widely popular, leading to several sequels. Travers also collaborated with Walt Disney on the adaptation of her work into the beloved 1964 film, which introduced the character to a new generation. Throughout her life, Travers had a complex relationship with the film adaptation and expressed discontent with some artistic choices made by Disney.

Continue Reading

James Earl Ray

American assassin of Martin Luther King Jr.
Born
March 10th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
April 23rd, 1998 27 years ago — 70 years old

Involved in criminal activities during early years, committed the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Captured in June 1968, received a 99-year prison sentence. Initially confessed to the crime but later recanted. Despite numerous appeals and attempts to seek a trial, remained in prison until death. His actions led to significant national and international conversations about civil rights and racial tensions in the United States.

Continue Reading