Josh Gibson
Baseball player with Negro League standout
Played as a catcher for the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords. Regarded as one of the greatest power hitters in baseball history during the Negro Leagues. Recorded an estimated 800 home runs over his career, though official statistics remain incomplete due to the era in which he played. Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972, recognizing his contributions to the sport and excellence on the field. Played in several All-Star games, showcasing talent that transcended barriers in the sport.
Played for the Homestead Grays
Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame
Other People Born on December 21st
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
American football safety, Pro Bowl selection
Born
December 21st, 1992 33 years ago
Played college football at the University of Alabama, contributing to a national championship in 2012. Selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. Competed as a safety for the Packers and made the Pro Bowl in 2016. Later played for teams including the Washington Football Team and the Chicago Bears, bringing experience and skills to defensive units. Notable for strong tackling and interception abilities throughout the professional career.
Continue ReadingPeter Mohyla
Ruthenian Orthodox metropolitan and saint
Born
December 21st, 1596 429 years ago
Died
1646 379 years ago — 50 years old
Born in 1596, a significant figure in the Ruthenian Orthodox Church. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of educational institutions, including the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Focused on church reforms and the promotion of Orthodox Christianity in Eastern Europe. Engaged in theological debates and advocated for the unification of Orthodox and Catholic churches during a time of political turmoil. Passed away in 1647 and recognized as a saint in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Continue ReadingDanny Duffy
Baseball pitcher for Kansas City Royals
Born
December 21st, 1988 37 years ago
Drafted in the third round of the 2007 MLB Draft, played for the Kansas City Royals from 2011 to 2021. Duffy made significant contributions to the team's pitching rotation. In 2015, helped the Royals clinch the World Series title, claiming the championship after a 30-year drought for the franchise. Recorded a career-high 188 strikeouts in a single season and achieved a 3.94 earned run average over his career in the major leagues.
Continue ReadingNic Maddinson
Australian cricketer and captain
Born
December 21st, 1991 34 years ago
An Australian cricketer, recognized for both domestic and international play. Made his international debut in 2016 in a T20 match against Sri Lanka. Played first-class cricket for teams such as Victoria and New South Wales. Served as captain for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League. Achieved a notable performance by scoring a century in the 2021-22 Sheffield Shield.
Continue ReadingOtis
Professional wrestler, WWE Superstar
Born
December 21st, 1991 34 years ago
A professional wrestler with notable performances in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Rose to prominence as part of the tag team Heavy Machinery, which included his partner Tucker Knight. Achieved recognition for entertaining matches and charismatic personality. Competed in various high-profile events including WrestleMania, showcasing wrestling skills and comedic timing. Also held the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship, contributing to the division's popularity.
Continue ReadingLuke Brooks
Australian rugby league player
Born
December 21st, 1994 31 years ago
Played as a halfback in the National Rugby League (NRL) for the Wests Tigers. Made his first-grade debut in 2013 and quickly established himself as a key player for the team. Contributed to the Wests Tigers' attack with significant playmaking skills and tactical awareness. Selected for the NSW State of Origin squad in 2019, representing New South Wales at the elite level.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 20th
Ōnomatsu Midorinosuke
Sumo wrestler, 6th Yokozuna
Born
1794 231 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1852 173 years ago — 58 years old
Achieved the rank of Yokozuna in sumo wrestling, establishing a legacy in the sport. Competed during the Edo period, contributing to the popularity of sumo through notable tournaments. Played a significant role in shaping the competitive landscape of sumo wrestling during the mid-19th century.
Continue ReadingAndrew Volstead
U.S. Congressman and 18th Amendment architect
Born
October 31st, 1860 165 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1947 78 years ago — 86 years old
Served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Minnesota from 1903 to 1923. Played a significant role in the passage of the Volstead Act, which defined the legal parameters of Prohibition. Held the position of Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Authored the Volstead Act to support the enactment of Prohibition under the 18th Amendment, implementing nationwide alcohol prohibition from 1920 until its repeal in 1933.
Continue ReadingJonas Trinkūnas
Lithuanian ethnologist and academic
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
January 20th, 2014 11 years ago — 75 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of ethnology and folklore studies in Lithuania. Provided comprehensive analyses of Lithuanian folk traditions and cultural practices. Engaged in academic research and published works that shed light on the historical and sociological aspects of Lithuanian culture. Served as a professor and mentor to many students in the field of ethnology.
Continue ReadingJohn Hervey
English politician and 1st Earl of Bristol
Born
August 27th, 1665 360 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1751 274 years ago — 85 years old
Served as a prominent English politician during the early 18th century. Held the title of 1st Earl of Bristol and was active in the House of Lords. Played a significant role in political affairs and was involved in various legislative matters. His influence extended through his family connections and peerage, establishing a legacy in British nobility.
Continue ReadingPaul Bocuse
French chef with culinary contributions
Born
February 11th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
January 20th, 2018 7 years ago — 91 years old
A prominent figure in the culinary world, this chef revolutionized French cuisine in the 20th century. He was a pioneer of the Nouvelle Cuisine movement, which emphasized fresh ingredients and lighter dishes. Operating the prestigious restaurant L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges, he earned three Michelin stars, a distinction maintained for over five decades. The chef trained many renowned chefs and established the Bocuse d'Or, an international cooking competition that celebrates culinary excellence.
Continue ReadingZénobe Gramme
Engineer and inventor of the Gramme machine
Born
April 4th, 1826 199 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1901 124 years ago — 74 years old
An engineer who developed the Gramme machine, which was the first practical electrical generator to produce direct current. This invention significantly contributed to the widespread use of electricity in the late 19th century. The Gramme machine efficiently converted mechanical energy into electrical energy, facilitating advancements in various industries and applications. The machine gained substantial recognition in the field of electrical engineering, influencing future designs and technologies. Throughout the career, focus remained on electrical generators and innovations that supported the emerging electrical industries, leaving a lasting legacy in engineering.
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