Ray Sadecki
Baseball player with St. Louis Cardinals
Sadecki was a professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball. Debuted in 1960 and played until 1975. Represented teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals, the San Francisco Giants, and the New York Mets during his career. Achieved success as a starting pitcher and contributed to his teams' efforts in various seasons.
Won the 1964 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals
Selected as an All-Star in 1964
Other People Born on December 26th
Raja Pervaiz Ashraf
Politician and former Prime Minister of Pakistan
Born
December 26th, 1950 74 years ago
Served as the 17th Prime Minister of Pakistan from June 2012 to March 2013. Prior to this role, held positions as Minister for Water and Power and was active in the Pakistan Peoples Party. Oversaw government operations during a challenging economic period.
Continue ReadingHenry Miller
Author of Tropic of Cancer
Born
December 26th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
June 7th, 1980 45 years ago — 88 years old
Born in 1891, this American author and painter gained prominence through innovative literary works that blended autobiography and fiction. His book 'Tropic of Cancer,' published in 1934, was initially banned in the United States due to its controversial content but later became a celebrated classic. Miller's writing often explored themes of sexuality, freedom, and the artistic experience. Throughout his life, he also produced a significant body of visual art, contributing to the understanding of the interplay between writing and visual creativity.
Continue ReadingJean François de Saint-Lambert
French soldier and philosopher, poet
Born
December 26th, 1716 308 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1803 222 years ago — 86 years old
A soldier and philosopher from France, contributed significantly to 18th-century literature and philosophical thought. Developed a notable reputation in the realms of poetry and philosophy, producing works that discussed love, nature, and the human condition. In addition to literary contributions, served in the military and participated in various campaigns, showcasing a commitment to both artistic expression and martial duty. His influence extended to friendships with prominent figures of the Enlightenment, engaging in intellectual discourse that shaped contemporary thought.
Continue ReadingWilliam Stephens
Engineer and 24th Governor of California
Born
December 26th, 1859 165 years ago
Died
April 25th, 1944 81 years ago — 84 years old
Served as the 24th Governor of California from 1913 to 1915. Worked as an engineer and significantly contributed to the state's infrastructure development. Engaged in politics, leading various initiatives focused on public welfare and development during his tenure. After leaving office, remained active in engineering and civic projects until his passing.
Continue ReadingArthur Percival
English General and Singapore Defender
Born
December 26th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
January 31st, 1966 59 years ago — 78 years old
Served as a British Army officer, particularly during World War II. Commanded the garrison in the defense of Singapore against Japanese forces in 1942. Surrendered to the Japanese, marking the largest capitulation in British military history. After the war, held various posts in the British military and contributed to post-war military planning. Authored accounts of military strategy and operations in his later years.
Continue ReadingMark Starr
English professional wrestler
Born
December 26th, 1962 62 years ago
Died
2013 12 years ago — 51 years old
Debuted in professional wrestling in the mid-1980s. Competed in various promotions including World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Featured in memorable feuds and tag team matches throughout career. Known for technical wrestling style and contributions to tag team divisions. Retired from in-ring competition in the early 2000s.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on November 17th
Rahim Moeini Kermanshahi
Iranian poet and songwriter
Born
1926 99 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2015 10 years ago — 89 years old
An influential Iranian poet and songwriter, contributed significantly to Persian literature and contemporary music. His poetry often reflected themes of love, hope, and cultural heritage. Worked in collaboration with musicians and artists to create memorable songs that resonated with audiences in Iran and beyond. He also engaged in various literary and artistic endeavors that celebrated Persian culture. Kermanshahi left a lasting legacy through his lyrical works and continued to inspire future generations of poets and musicians until his death in 2015.
Continue ReadingFerenc Puskás
Hungarian footballer and coach
Born
April 1st, 1927 98 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2006 19 years ago — 79 years old
A prominent figure in football, excelled as a forward, played for Budapest Honvéd and Real Madrid. Achieved considerable success at Real Madrid, winning multiple European Cups. Managed several teams after retiring as a player, including the Hungarian national team. Puskás contributed to football's global appeal and left a lasting legacy in the sport.
Continue ReadingZeke Bella
American baseball player, 1948 All-Star
Born
1930 95 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2013 12 years ago — 83 years old
An American baseball player played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball. Debuted in 1946 and played for the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Giants. Achieved an All-Star selection in 1948, showcasing remarkable talent during his career before retiring in 1953. After retirement, remained involved in baseball through various mentoring roles.
Continue ReadingMirra Alfassa
French-Indian spiritual leader
Born
February 21st, 1878 147 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1973 52 years ago — 95 years old
A spiritual leader established an ashram in Pondicherry, India. Founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and developed the Integral Yoga philosophy, combining spiritual growth with a deep understanding of human nature and societal evolution. The organization attracted followers worldwide and emphasized personal transformation as a means to contribute to global consciousness.
Continue ReadingSyd Field
Screenwriter and producer, 'Screenplay'
Born
1935 90 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2013 12 years ago — 78 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of screenwriting, particularly through the development of the three-act structure. Authored several influential books on screenplay writing, including 'Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting', which became a standard reference for aspiring writers. Taught screenwriting in various universities and workshops, helping shape the careers of many writers in the industry. Worked as a consultant and mentor for numerous movie projects, establishing a reputation as a leading expert in storytelling and screenplay structure.
Continue ReadingGeorge Stephen Morrison
American admiral and naval officer
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
November 17th, 2008 17 years ago — 89 years old
Served in the United States Navy and attained the rank of admiral. Participated in World War II and the Vietnam War, commanding naval forces during significant operations. Oversaw naval operations during the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964, which escalated U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Later served as commander of the U.S. Naval Forces in the Pacific. Retired from the Navy in 1975 and continued to contribute to military and naval discussions until passing in 2008.
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