John Olerud

Baseball player, two-time MLB All-Star

John Olerud - Baseball player, two-time MLB All-Star
Born

August 5th, 1968
56 years ago

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United States

Links & References

An accomplished first baseman in Major League Baseball, a career spanned from 1989 to 2005. Played for teams including the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Seattle Mariners. Achieved notable success with the Blue Jays, contributing to their World Series championships in 1992 and 1993. Renowned for a strong batting average and defensive skills, demonstrated consistent performance throughout career. After retiring, continued involvement in baseball as a coach.

Winning two World Series titles with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993

Earning two All-Star selections

Achieving a .295 career batting average

Other People Born on August 5th

Jonathan Silverman

American actor in Weekend at Bernie's
Born
August 5th, 1966 58 years ago

An actor and producer associated with television and film, noted for performances in both comedic and dramatic genres. Gained fame in the 1989 film 'Weekend at Bernie's' and its sequel 'Weekend at Bernie's II'. Appeared in television series including 'The Single Guy' and 'Community'. Also known for roles in various TV movies and stage productions.

Continue Reading

Betty Oliphant

Ballerina, co-founder of National Ballet School
Born
August 5th, 1918 106 years ago
Died
July 12th, 2004 20 years ago — 85 years old

An influential ballerina, contributed significantly to the ballet community in Canada. Co-founded Canada's National Ballet School in 1959, providing a platform for ballet education and nurturing talent. Served as the director of the school for many years, helping to establish rigorous training programs and fostering a new generation of dancers. Contributed to the growth of ballet in Canada through teaching and choreography, shaping the nation's dance landscape.

Continue Reading

Neil Armstrong

Aerospace engineer and astronaut
Born
August 5th, 1930 94 years ago
Died
August 25th, 2012 12 years ago — 82 years old

Born on August 5, 1930, an American pilot and engineer joined NASA and became the first person to set foot on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission. After achieving a Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering, flew as a naval aviator before transitioning to test pilot. Participated in several significant aerospace missions, including Gemini 8 and Apollo 11. The Moon landing on July 20, 1969, marked a historic achievement in space exploration, and the phrase 'That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind' became iconic.

Continue Reading

Erich Kleiber

Austrian conductor and opera director
Born
August 5th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
January 27th, 1956 69 years ago — 65 years old

Conductor and opera director achieved recognition for expertise in leading orchestras and productions in major operas. Led the Vienna State Opera, producing significant works such as 'Die Fledermaus' and 'Der Rosenkavalier.' Contributed to the development of music performance and education during a turbulent period in Europe. Worked with various esteemed orchestras and performed internationally, influencing future generations of conductors.

Continue Reading

Pat Smear

Guitarist for Nirvana and Foo Fighters
Born
August 5th, 1959 65 years ago

Guitarist and songwriter contributed significantly to rock music. Joined the band Nirvana in 1993, performing on their last studio album, 'In Utero'. Later became a member of Foo Fighters, featuring on several albums and tours, helping to shape the band's sound during its rise in the 1990s and 2000s. Recognized for performances that blended punk and alternative rock styles, and has collaborated with various artists across different genres.

Continue Reading

Oskar Merikanto

Finnish composer and conductor.
Born
August 5th, 1868 156 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1924 101 years ago — 55 years old

A prominent Finnish composer and conductor, contributed significantly to the development of Finnish classical music. Played a vital role in the establishment of the Finnish National Opera. Created notable works that include operas, symphonic poems, and choral music. Emphasized the use of Finnish folk themes and melodies in compositions, reflecting the national identity.

Continue Reading