Roberto Clemente
Baseball player and humanitarian

Born
August 18th, 1934
91 years ago
Died
December 31st, 1972
52 years ago — 38 years old
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
A prominent baseball player in Major League Baseball, primarily with the Pittsburgh Pirates, achieved notable success during his career. Played 18 seasons and was a 15-time All-Star. Won four batting titles and earned two World Series championships in 1960 and 1971. Active in humanitarian efforts, especially focused on assisting those in need in Latin America. Tragically lost in a plane crash while delivering aid to Nicaragua in 1972.
2 World Series championships with Pittsburgh Pirates
15-time All-Star selection
Achieved 3,000 hits in MLB
Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously
Other People Born on August 18th
Hans van Mierlo
A prominent Dutch politician who co-founded the Democrats 66 party. Served as Deputy Prime Minister from 1994 to 1998 in the cabinet of Wim Kok. Van Mierlo played a significant role in Dutch politics during the 1990s, advocating for liberal reforms. His career included various ministerial roles, particularly in the field of education and integration policies. He remained active in politics until his retirement.
Continue ReadingGodfrey Evans
Played for Kent County Cricket Club and England national team. Made contributions as a wicket-keeper and batsman during the 1940s and 1950s. Participated in several Test matches, showcasing skills behind the stumps. His career with Kent spanned over two decades, gathering a substantial record of dismissals.
Continue ReadingAshikaga Takauji
Established the Ashikaga shogunate in Japan, leading to a period known as the Muromachi period. Initially served the Kamakura shogunate before opposing it. His military strategies and political acumen played a pivotal role in the downfall of the Kamakura shogunate. Took control of Kyoto, marking the beginning of a new era in Japanese governance. Implemented policies that shaped the political landscape during his reign.
Continue ReadingLiz Cambage
A professional basketball player, born in 1991, has played for various teams in the WNBA, including the Dallas Wings and the Las Vegas Aces. Cambage represented Australia in international competitions, earning a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. As one of the tallest players in the WNBA, she has been noted for her scoring ability and rebounding skills.
Continue ReadingLavr Kornilov
A prominent military figure during World War I, this individual played a significant role in the Russian Army. Commanded the 8th Army on the Eastern Front and earned a reputation for his leadership capabilities. In 1917, led troops in the provisional government and later attempted a coup against it, which resulted in his arrest. After his release, he commanded anti-Bolshevik forces during the Russian Civil War. He died in 1918 while attempting to lead forces against the Red Army.
Continue ReadingRobert Huth
An accomplished footballer, celebrated for contributions in the English Premier League. Played as a defender for teams such as Chelsea, Middlesbrough, and Leicester City. Achieved notable success with Leicester City during the 2015-2016 season, culminating in winning the Premier League title. Also represented the German national team, participating in various international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on December 31st
Malcolm Campbell
Acclaimed as a race car driver, this individual set multiple world speed records in the early 20th century. Competed primarily on land and achieved a notable milestone by becoming the first person to surpass the 300 mph mark in a car. The land speed records were established using vehicles such as the Blue Bird and the latest models from the Auto Union. The pursuit of speed led to significant advancements in automotive engineering during this era.
Continue ReadingFloyd Cramer
A prominent American pianist, contributions spanned multiple genres, with a specific influence in country music. Significant work in developing the Nashville sound during the 1960s, blending traditional country with pop elements. A session musician, played on numerous hits and worked with many artists in the country music scene. Released several solo albums and achieved success on the Billboard charts. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame for contributions to the genre.
Continue ReadingSir John Wray
Served as a politician during the English Civil War, actively supporting the Roundheads. Represented the constituency of Wootton Bassett in Parliament. Significant involvement in political reforms and the legislative process of the period.
Continue ReadingZviad Gamsakhurdia
Gamsakhurdia served as the first president of Georgia following its independence from the Soviet Union. An anthropologist by training, contributions included advocating for the preservation of Georgian culture and identity. Elected president in 1991, his tenure faced numerous challenges, including political turmoil and civil unrest. In 1992, Gamsakhurdia was deposed in a coup and spent time in exile before returning to Georgia. His leadership style sparked controversy and divided the public, ultimately leading to a significant political crisis in the country. Gamsakhurdia's political legacy encompasses his efforts to establish a democratic government and promote national sovereignty for Georgia.
Continue ReadingS. Arthur Spiegel
Served as a captain in the United States Army during World War II. Later pursued a legal career, becoming a notable lawyer in Ohio. Appointed as a federal judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, serving from 1973 until retirement in 1997. Made significant contributions to the legal system and presided over various important cases throughout tenure.
Continue ReadingGiovanni Michelucci
An architect and urban planner, contributions included the design of significant landmarks in Italy. The primary work, Firenze Santa Maria Novella railway station, emphasized functionalist design principles while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Michelucci’s approach merged modernist concepts with traditional elements, shaping urban spaces. His work extended to various projects, including public buildings and infrastructure, reflecting a commitment to integrating architecture with urban planning.
Continue Reading