Paul Mirabella
Baseball pitcher with Texas Rangers
Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball during the 1980s. Made appearances for teams such as the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees. Known for contributions to each team's pitching staff, achieving a professional playing career that spanned several seasons.
Played for the Texas Rangers
Appeared with the New York Yankees
Other People Born on March 20th
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Gospel singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
March 20th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
1973 52 years ago — 58 years old
A pioneering figure in gospel music, this artist combined traditional hymns with popular music elements, influencing the development of rock and roll. Recorded the hit song 'This Train' and became a prominent figure in the gospel genre. Performed extensively in the 1930s and 1940s, gaining a loyal audience through live performances and recordings. Collaborated with various musicians, helping bridge the gap between gospel and secular music.
Continue ReadingMaud Menten
Canadian physician and biochemist
Born
March 20th, 1879 146 years ago
Died
July 17th, 1960 65 years ago — 81 years old
Contributions to biochemistry included work on enzyme kinetics and histochemistry. Collaborated with Leonor Michaelis to describe the Michaelis-Menten equation, a foundational principle in enzyme kinetics. Menten's research also advanced understanding of enzyme reactions and tissue staining techniques. Held a faculty position at the University of Toronto and published many scientific papers throughout a career spanning several decades.
Continue ReadingAbraham Beame
104th Mayor of New York City
Born
March 20th, 1906 119 years ago
Died
February 10th, 2001 24 years ago — 94 years old
Served as the 104th Mayor of New York City from 1974 to 1977. Faced significant challenges during tenure including financial crisis and urban decline. Implemented measures to tackle fiscal issues and supported city services amidst economic hardships. Prior to mayoralty, held various roles in public service including as a member of the New York City Board of Estimate. Engaged in various policies aimed at urban development and community improvement.
Continue ReadingIsmail Gasprinski
Crimean Tatar educator and politician
Born
March 20th, 1851 174 years ago
Died
1914 111 years ago — 63 years old
An influential educator, publisher, and politician, contributed to the intellectual revival of the Crimean Tatar community. Founded the first Tatar-language newspaper, 'Tercüman', which played a significant role in promoting modern education and cultural awareness. Actively engaged in political movements advocating for the rights and reforms for Crimean Tatars. Helped establish schools and educational institutions to advance Tatar language and literature, fostering a sense of national identity among the Tatar people.
Continue ReadingHugh MacLennan
Canadian author and educator
Born
March 20th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
1990 35 years ago — 83 years old
An influential Canadian author and educator contributed to Canadian literature through novels, essays, and poetry. Teaching at McGill University and other institutions fostered a new generation of writers. The work focused on Canadian identity and the complexities of national consciousness. Prominent novels include 'Two Solitudes' and 'The Watch That Ends the Night', which explore themes of cultural conflict in Canada. As an educator, facilitated discussions on literature and culture, shaping the intellectual landscape of the country.
Continue ReadingFredric Wertham
Psychologist and comic book critic
Born
March 20th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 86 years old
A German-American psychologist and author, this individual played a significant role in the early discourse around comic books and their effects on children. The publication of a book in 1954, titled 'Seduction of the Innocent,' argued that comic books were contributing to juvenile delinquency and led to widespread public concern. This prompted congressional hearings on the comic book industry. The work influenced the eventual establishment of a self-regulatory body for comic books, the Comics Code Authority, which limited content in comic books for several decades. Accusations against comic books sparked a larger cultural conversation about media and its impact on youth.
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