Joe West

Baseball umpire and crew chief

Joe West - Baseball umpire and crew chief
Born

October 31st, 1952
73 years ago

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United States

Links & References

An American baseball umpire, contributed over 40 years of officiating in Major League Baseball (MLB). Debuted in 1976, served as crew chief for multiple World Series and All-Star Games. West became the first umpire to wear a microphone during games, enhancing communication and transparency. He totaled over 5,000 regular-season games and received recognition for longevity in officiating.

Officiated more than 5,000 MLB games

Served as crew chief for multiple World Series

Was the first umpire to wear a microphone

Other People Born on October 31st

Abraham Wald

Mathematician known for decision theory
Born
October 31st, 1902 123 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1950 74 years ago — 48 years old

A mathematician and economist contributed to the field of statistics and decision theory. In the 1940s, worked on statistical methods for wartime applications, including the development of techniques to analyze aircraft damage. Proposed the concept of survivorship bias, emphasizing the need to examine failures rather than just successes. This work has had lasting implications in various fields including economics, military strategy, and operations research.

Continue Reading

Marco van Basten

Dutch footballer and manager
Born
October 31st, 1964 61 years ago

Played as a forward, achieving significant success in the 1980s and 1990s. Gained prominence at Ajax, winning multiple Eredivisie titles and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup. Transferred to AC Milan, winning four Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League titles. Earned the Ballon d'Or three times, showcasing exceptional skill and scoring ability. Represented the Netherlands national team, leading them to victory in the 1988 UEFA European Championship, where he scored a memorable goal in the final against the Soviet Union. Later transitioned to management, imparting knowledge and experience in various coaching roles.

Continue Reading

Julia Peterkin

American author of Scarlet Sister Mary
Born
October 31st, 1880 145 years ago
Died
August 10th, 1961 64 years ago — 80 years old

An American author wrote about African American life in the rural South during the early 20th century. Scarlet Sister Mary, published in 1928, earned the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1929. Her works often explored themes of culture, spirituality, and heritage. Peterkin's unique perspective contributed to the literary representation of Southern black communities. She published several other works, including children's books and poetry, reflecting her diverse interests and experiences in the South.

Continue Reading

Michael Collins

American astronaut and Apollo 11 pilot
Born
October 31st, 1930 95 years ago
Died
April 28th, 2021 4 years ago — 90 years old

An American astronaut played a key role in the Apollo 11 mission, which successfully landed the first humans on the Moon in 1969. Serving as the command module pilot, operated the command module Columbia while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin explored the lunar surface. His contributions to space exploration extended beyond Apollo 11, with earlier missions including Gemini 10. Later, engaged in public advocacy for space exploration and education, emphasizing the importance of scientific progress.

Continue Reading

John Candy

Canadian comedian and actor in film
Born
October 31st, 1950 75 years ago
Died
March 4th, 1994 31 years ago — 43 years old

A prominent figure in comedy and film, this individual starred in multiple successful movies during the 1980s and early 1990s. Iconic roles included performances in 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles', 'Uncle Buck', and 'Cool Runnings'. The blend of humor and heart characterized the individual's work, making these films memorable for audiences. Alongside acting, contributions to television included work on 'SCTV', which showcased various comedic talents through skits and characters.

Continue Reading

Roger Manganelli

Singer-songwriter and bass player
Born
October 31st, 1974 51 years ago

A Brazilian-American musician played bass for the band Less Than Jake and contributed as a songwriter. The band gained popularity in the 1990s and became associated with the ska-punk genre. The band released several albums, including 'Hello Rockview' and 'Borders & Boundaries,' which received widespread acclaim and solidified their place in the punk music scene. Manganelli's work with the band features a distinctive sound that combines contemporary punk elements with ska influences.

Continue Reading