Philip Humber
Baseball player, perfect game pitcher
Debuted in Major League Baseball in 2006, playing for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, Chicago White Sox, and the New York Yankees. Recorded a perfect game on April 21, 2012 against the Seattle Mariners while serving as a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox. This achievement marked the 21st perfect game in MLB history.
Pitched a perfect game on April 21, 2012
Debuted in MLB with the New York Mets
Played for the Chicago White Sox
Other People Born on December 21st
Joe Paterno
American football coach at Penn State
Born
December 21st, 1926 99 years ago
Died
January 22nd, 2012 14 years ago — 85 years old
A college football coach, led the Penn State Nittany Lions for 46 seasons. Achieved the most wins in NCAA Division I football history at the time of retirement. Coached the team to two national championships and numerous bowl game victories. Developed a reputation for his commitment to academic integrity and player development throughout his tenure.
Continue ReadingPeter Mohyla
Ruthenian Orthodox metropolitan and saint
Born
December 21st, 1596 429 years ago
Died
1646 380 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 ReadingZdeněk Fibich
Czech composer, known for Poem
Born
December 21st, 1850 175 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1900 126 years ago — 49 years old
A prominent Czech composer and poet, contributions spanned opera, symphonic, and chamber music. Major works include the opera 'Šárka' and the symphonic poem 'Poem', which showcased the lyrical qualities of the Czech musical landscape. Worked alongside musical circles in Prague, influencing the transition from Romanticism to early Modernism in Czech music. His compositions often integrated dramatic narratives and folkloric elements, reflecting contemporary trends and personal expression.
Continue ReadingJosh Gibson
Baseball player with Negro League standout
Born
December 21st, 1911 114 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1947 79 years ago — 35 years old
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.
Continue ReadingErnest de Munck
Belgian cellist and composer
Born
December 21st, 1840 185 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1915 111 years ago — 74 years old
Ernest de Munck contributed to the world of classical music as a distinguished cellist and composer. Active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, his works primarily focused on chamber music and orchestral compositions. De Munck's skills on the cello gained recognition, and he performed with notable ensembles. His compositions, while less frequently performed today, showcased his command of melody and harmony.
Continue ReadingThomas Bracken
Journalist, poet, and politician
Born
December 21st, 1843 182 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1898 128 years ago — 54 years old
Born in Ireland and later settling in New Zealand, contributed significantly to literature and politics. Bracken's poetry often reflected the themes of nationalism and the landscape of New Zealand. He served as a member of the New Zealand Parliament and was a prominent advocate for the cultural identity of the nation. His most celebrated work includes the poem 'God Defend New Zealand', which was later adopted as one of the national anthems. His efforts in journalism helped shape public discourse in 19th-century New Zealand.
Continue Reading