Lefty Gomez

Baseball pitcher and Hall of Famer

Lefty Gomez - Baseball pitcher and Hall of Famer
Born

November 26th, 1908
116 years ago

Died

February 17th, 1989
36 years ago — 80 years old

Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United States

Links & References

A prominent baseball pitcher, played for the New York Yankees from 1930 to 1942. Achieved significant success in Major League Baseball, recognized for contributions to the Yankees' numerous championships during the 1930s and early 1940s. Selected to the All-Star team multiple times and won the American League MVP award in 1934. Contributed to the Yankees' winning five World Series titles and is remembered for his pitching prowess and charismatic personality.

Winning five World Series titles with the New York Yankees

Earning the American League MVP award in 1934

Being selected to multiple All-Star teams

Other People Born on November 26th

Frances Dee

American actress in classic cinema
Born
November 26th, 1909 115 years ago
Died
March 6th, 2004 21 years ago — 94 years old

Active primarily during the 1930s and 1940s, an actress featured in notable films including 'Little Women' and 'Of Human Bondage'. Gained recognition for performances that showcased a range of emotions and character depth. Collaborated with significant figures in film and worked in both leading and supporting roles throughout career. Transitioned from silent films to talkies, adapting to changing industry demands.

Continue Reading

Wayland Flowers

American puppeteer and actor
Born
November 26th, 1939 85 years ago
Died
1988 37 years ago — 49 years old

Gained prominence as a puppeteer and actor, achieving recognition through work on television. Created the character Madame, renowned for sharp wit and campy humor. Appeared on 'The Merv Griffin Show' and 'Hollywood Squares', showcasing talent and bringing puppetry to a broader audience. Influenced the art of puppetry in entertainment, setting a benchmark for future performers in the field.

Continue Reading

Betta St. John

American actress, singer, dancer in musicals
Born
November 26th, 1929 95 years ago
Died
2023 2 years ago — 94 years old

Born in 1929, an accomplished actress, singer, and dancer, contributed to various musicals during the mid-20th century. Starred in productions such as 'Kiss Me, Kate' and 'The King and I'. Worked alongside notable figures in theater and made appearances in television shows including 'The Ed Sullivan Show'. Parlayed talents into a successful career in entertainment spanning several decades.

Continue Reading

Rudolph Koenig

Physicist known for sound experiments
Born
November 26th, 1832 192 years ago
Died
1901 124 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1832, this physicist focused on acoustics and measurements involving sound waves. Conducted extensive research on the properties of sound and vibration, contributing greatly to the understanding of wave phenomena. Developed various instruments, including the Koenig's tuning fork, which provided a reliable reference pitch for tuning musical instruments. This invention significantly improved the accuracy of sound measurements. Contributed to academic thought in the field of physics, impacting the study of sound and its applications in both practical and theoretical contexts.

Continue Reading

Ilona Staller

Porn actress, singer, and politician
Born
November 26th, 1951 73 years ago

Born in Hungary and later becoming an Italian citizen, a career in adult films initiated in the late 1970s, achieving significant popularity and a notable following. In addition to an acting career, involved in music, releasing several singles. Transitioned into politics, serving as a member of the Italian parliament in the 1990s, where advocacy for various social issues took place. The multifaceted career spanned several fields, showcasing a unique combination of entertainment and political engagement.

Continue Reading

Gisela Stuart

Politician and academic
Born
November 26th, 1955 69 years ago

Played a significant role in British politics, serving as a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2017. Held various positions within the Labour Party and contributed to discussions on health and education policies. Actively involved in the campaign for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, serving as co-chair of the Vote Leave campaign. Pursued a career in academia, focusing on political studies and policy analysis.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 17th

Adolphe Quetelet

Belgian mathematician and social statistician
Born
February 22nd, 1796 229 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1874 151 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent figure in the development of social statistics and the study of human behavior, contributions included the establishment of the concept of 'l'homme moyen' or the average man. Utilized statistical methods to analyze social phenomena, influencing both sociology and demography. Founded the Belgian Statistical Society and authored several works that laid the groundwork for modern statistics. Worked on applications of statistical analysis in various fields, emphasizing the importance of data in understanding societal trends.

Continue Reading

Ferdinando Carulli

Italian guitarist and composer
Born
1770 255 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1841 184 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent guitarist and composer, contributed significantly to guitar music during the 19th century. Developed a comprehensive body of work that included études and chamber music, influencing future generations of guitarists. Actively composed and performed throughout Europe, particularly in Paris, where many of his works gained popularity. Pioneered a classical guitar style that blended technical skill with melodic expression, establishing standards for pedagogical material for the guitar.

Continue Reading

Friday Hassler

American race car driver, 1955 USAC champion
Born
1935 90 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1972 53 years ago — 37 years old

Competed in auto racing during the mid-20th century. Achieved success in the United States Auto Club (USAC) circuit. Won the USAC National Championship in 1955. Participated in various prestigious races, demonstrating skill and competitiveness. His career included experiences driving for several notable teams in the racing community.

Continue Reading

Berry L. Cannon

American aquanaut and ocean researcher
Born
1935 90 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1969 56 years ago — 34 years old

Pioneered deep-sea exploration and contributed to the understanding of underwater habitats. Participated in the Hydra Project in the 1960s, which focused on the effects of pressure on human physiology. Conducted various experiments to explore underwater living conditions. Contributed to advancements in underwater diving technology and oceanographic research. Worked towards improving the safety and effectiveness of underwater operations.

Continue Reading

Albert I of Belgium

King of Belgium and World War I leader
Born
April 8th, 1875 149 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1934 91 years ago — 58 years old

Albert I served as the king of Belgium from 1909 until his death in 1934. His reign was marked by significant events, particularly during World War I, when Belgium was invaded by Germany in 1914. Albert I demonstrated strong leadership, mobilizing the Belgian army and maintaining resistance against German forces. After the war, he worked on rebuilding the war-torn nation and focused on promoting national unity. His commitment to reform and social justice during the interwar period earned him respect among the populace. Albert I died while climbing in the Ardennes mountains, leading to an outpouring of national mourning.

Continue Reading

Karpoori Thakur

Indian politician, 11th Chief Minister of Bihar
Born
January 24th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1988 37 years ago — 64 years old

An educator and politician, served as the 11th Chief Minister of Bihar in India. Held office twice, first from 1970 to 1971 and again from 1977 to 1978. Instrumental in implementing policies aimed at social justice and educational reforms. Advocated for the rights of backward classes and worked toward improving their access to education and job opportunities.

Continue Reading