Rudy York
Baseball player and manager with the Tigers
Played professional baseball primarily as a first baseman in Major League Baseball from 1934 to 1946. Played for the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Athletics. Achieved significant success, earning All-Star selections in multiple years. Transitioned to coaching and managing in the minor leagues after retirement, contributing to the development of future players.
Played for the Detroit Tigers from 1934 to 1945
Had a career batting average of .265 with 277 home runs
Selected as an All-Star in 1943 and 1944
Other People Born on August 17th
Jiang Zemin
Chinese politician and former president
Born
August 17th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
November 30th, 2022 3 years ago — 96 years old
Born in 1926, served as an engineer before entering politics. Held the position of General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party from 1989 to 2002 and was the President of the People's Republic of China from 1993 to 2003. Played a significant role in modernizing China's economy and integrating it into the global market during a period of considerable growth. His leadership was characterized by a focus on technological advancement and maintaining the Communist Party's grip on power amidst reforms. Oversaw the handover of Hong Kong from British to Chinese rule in 1997, which marked a significant moment in Chinese history.
Continue ReadingMoses Majekodunmi
Nigerian physician and politician
Born
August 17th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
2012 13 years ago — 96 years old
A prominent physician and politician in Nigeria, dedicated a significant part of his career to healthcare and public service. Contributed to the establishment of health policies and advanced the medical profession in the country. Actively engaged in the political landscape, promoting health initiatives and social welfare during his tenure. Made efforts towards improving healthcare access and quality in Nigeria, impacting the national health system.
Continue ReadingCharles I of Austria
Emperor and last monarch of Austria-Hungary
Born
August 17th, 1887 138 years ago
Died
1922 103 years ago — 35 years old
Born in 1887, served as Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary from 1916 until 1918. His reign occurred during World War I, a tumultuous period that contributed to the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Following defeat in the war, faced political unrest and was forced to abdicate in 1918. Spent subsequent years in exile and made attempts to regain the throne in Hungary. Later, accepted into the Catholic Church and was canonized by the Catholic Church. Died in 1922 on the island of Madeira.
Continue ReadingMark Salling
American actor and musician, Glee star
Born
August 17th, 1982 43 years ago
Died
January 30th, 2018 7 years ago — 35 years old
Salling rose to prominence as an actor and musician in the late 2000s. He gained widespread recognition for portraying Noah Puckerman in the television series 'Glee', which ran from 2009 to 2015 and focused on a high school glee club. In addition to acting, he released music, including an album titled 'Smoke Signals'. His career experienced significant challenges subsequent to personal controversies and legal issues that garnered media attention. After his passing in January 2018, his work continued to be discussed in the context of the show and its cultural impact.
Continue ReadingJorge Posada
Baseball catcher and five-time All-Star
Born
August 17th, 1971 54 years ago
A celebrated baseball catcher, played for the New York Yankees from 1995 to 2011. Contributed significantly to the team's success during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Won five Gold Glove Awards and was selected to the All-Star team five times. Helped the Yankees secure four World Series championships in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. Recorded over 1,500 hits and ranked among the franchise's top catchers in several offensive categories.
Continue ReadingHarve Bennett
Screenwriter and producer for Star Trek
Born
August 17th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
February 25th, 2015 10 years ago — 84 years old
Contributed as a writer and producer to multiple Star Trek films and television series. Engaged in the production of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, which became one of the most successful films of the franchise. Involvement with Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home further solidified a prominent role in the development of the franchise. Worked extensively in television and produced shows including The Six Million Dollar Man and The Bionic Woman, both of which gained significant viewership during their runs.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 5th
Josiah Thomas
Miner and Australian politician
Born
April 28th, 1863 162 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1933 92 years ago — 69 years old
An English-Australian miner and politician contributed to mining and legislative developments in Australia. Held various political offices, including in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. Advocated for workers' rights and the mining community. Actively participated in local governance and addressed issues affecting miners, including labor conditions and community welfare. Engaged in initiatives to improve infrastructure and support for mining areas, shaping local policies.
Continue ReadingEusebius Amort
Theologian and academic
Born
November 15th, 1692 333 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1775 250 years ago — 82 years old
Eusebius Amort contributed significantly to theology and academic instruction in the 18th century. Amort's works focused on dogmatic theology, and he played a key role in several ecclesiastical and educational reforms within the church. As a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, he authored multiple texts aimed at improving theological education and providing clarity on doctrinal issues. Amort engaged in discussions about the role of faith and reason, influencing theological thought during his time. His scholarly efforts contributed to a deeper understanding of Catholic doctrine.
Continue ReadingHans Litten
German lawyer known for legal resistance
Born
June 19th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1938 87 years ago — 34 years old
A German lawyer and jurist, focused on anti-Nazi legal defense, particularly represented political dissidents. Gained attention for cross-examining Adolf Hitler during a trial in 1931, which highlighted the regime's oppressive tactics. Faced persecution by the Nazi regime, leading to imprisonment and eventual death in a concentration camp in 1938. Litten's work signified legal challenges against totalitarianism.
Continue ReadingWilliam Cullen
Physician and chemist known for clinical thermometry
Born
April 15th, 1710 315 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1790 235 years ago — 79 years old
Contributed significantly to the fields of medicine and chemistry in the 18th century. Developed a systematic approach to clinical observation and introduced methods for measuring body temperature. Established the first medical school at the University of Edinburgh, which became a model for medical education. Published influential works, including 'First Lines of the Practice of Physic', which detailed clinical treatments. His teachings influenced a generation of physicians.
Continue ReadingOtto Strandman
Estonian lawyer, 1st Prime Minister
Born
November 30th, 1875 150 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1941 84 years ago — 65 years old
Served as the first Prime Minister of Estonia from 1918 to 1919 during the critical period following the establishment of independence. Played a significant role in shaping the early government and legal framework of the newly independent state. Contributed to national politics and legal matters as a prominent lawyer, influencing the legal landscape of Estonia.
Continue ReadingNorma Candal
Puerto Rican-American actress in telenovelas
Born
April 10th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2006 19 years ago — 78 years old
An actress gained recognition in the entertainment industry through roles in various telenovelas. Notable performances included leading roles in 'Cassandra' and 'Los Díaz de Sábado.' With a career spanning several decades, contributions to the genre inspired many aspiring actors. She became a prominent figure in American and Latin American television, celebrated for her performances and dedication to the craft.
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