Jorge Polanco
Dominican baseball player, Minnesota Twins All-Star
A professional baseball player originating from the Dominican Republic, played as a shortstop in Major League Baseball for the Minnesota Twins. Debuted in 2014 and became a key contributor to the team. Achieved an All-Star selection in 2019 following a season with significant offensive and defensive contributions. Helped the Twins secure the American League Central Division title in 2020, showcasing consistent performance and skills on the field.
Selected as an All-Star in 2019
Contributed to Minnesota Twins' 2020 AL Central Division title
Other People Born on July 5th
John Howard Northrop
Nobel Prize-winning American chemist
Born
July 5th, 1891 134 years ago
Died
May 27th, 1987 38 years ago — 95 years old
An American chemist made significant contributions to the study of proteins and enzymes. Birth occurred on July 5, 1891. The development of methods for purifying enzymes led to the isolation of the first crystalline enzyme, pepsin. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1946, alongside the recognition for work on the structure of enzymes and their roles in biological processes. Had a distinguished career in academia, with positions at various institutions, influencing future generations of scientists.
Continue ReadingRobert Bacon
American Colonel and Secretary of State
Born
July 5th, 1860 165 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1919 106 years ago — 58 years old
Served as the 39th United States Secretary of State from 1909 to 1911. Held the position of a Colonel during World War I. Also engaged in politics and business, participating in various diplomatic missions and negotiations. Worked alongside prominent figures in shaping early 20th-century foreign policy. After leaving public office, continued contributions to the business sector and maintained involvement in governmental affairs.
Continue ReadingVeronica Guerin
Investigative journalist and author
Born
July 5th, 1958 67 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1996 29 years ago — 37 years old
An investigative journalist focused on organized crime in Ireland. Worked for the Sunday Independent and The Sunday Tribune, exposing drug trafficking and making significant contributions to journalism. Her reporting on the Dublin drug trade led to increased public awareness of drug-related issues. Guerin's relentless pursuit of the truth earned her numerous accolades, but ultimately, she faced violent retaliation for her work. In 1996, she was tragically murdered, prompting national outcry and significant changes in Irish law enforcement and politics regarding crime and safety.
Continue ReadingWilliam John Macquorn Rankine
Scottish physicist and engineer with Rankine cycle
Born
July 5th, 1820 205 years ago
Died
December 24th, 1872 153 years ago — 52 years old
Contributions included work in thermodynamics, particularly the formulation of the Rankine cycle, which assesses the efficiency of heat engines. Developed concepts in the area of civil engineering and made significant strides in the understanding of energy and its transformations. Authored several influential texts that laid the groundwork for modern thermodynamic principles and provided a comprehensive theory of heat engines. Rankine's work bridged the gap between physics and engineering, fostering advancements in both fields.
Continue ReadingP. T. Barnum
Circus co-founder and showman
Born
July 5th, 1810 215 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1891 134 years ago — 80 years old
An American businessman and politician, this individual co-founded The Barnum & Bailey Circus, which became known as 'The Greatest Show on Earth.' Initially gaining prominence as a showman with the exhibition of curiosities, this figure embraced entertainment and spectacle as a business model. The circus encompassed a wide variety of acts, including performances by acrobats, clowns, and animal acts. Alongside the success of the circus, this person was also involved in politics, serving as the mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Through strategic marketing and sensationalism, this individual cultivated a significant legacy in the entertainment sector.
Continue ReadingBernardus Johannes Alfrink
Dutch cardinal and church leader
Born
July 5th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1987 38 years ago — 87 years old
Served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church, contributing significantly to church matters in the Netherlands. Played a key role in the Second Vatican Council, advocating for reforms and modernization within the church. Actively worked on ecumenical dialogue, fostering relations between different Christian denominations. Appointed as Archbishop of Utrecht, overseeing the Catholic community in the Netherlands, and engaging in various national discussions concerning social and moral issues.
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