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
Harve 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 ReadingColin James
Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
August 17th, 1964 61 years ago
A prominent figure in Canadian music, this artist gained recognition for a blend of blues, rock, and folk influences. Debut album released in 1988, achieving significant chart success and earning multiple awards. Over three decades, released numerous albums, securing a strong fan base and critical acclaim. Collaborated with various artists and producers, contributing to the evolution of the Canadian music scene. The artist continues to perform and produce new music, maintaining a presence in the industry.
Continue ReadingEd McCaffrey
American football player and sportscaster
Born
August 17th, 1968 57 years ago
A former professional American football player and sportscaster, made significant contributions on the field as a wide receiver. Played for the San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos during a career spanning from 1991 to 2003. Won three Super Bowl championships, including Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII with the Broncos. Transitioned to broadcasting after retirement, providing analysis and commentary on various sports networks.
Continue ReadingPrincess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld
German Princess, mother of Queen Victoria
Born
August 17th, 1786 239 years ago
Died
1861 164 years ago — 75 years old
Born into the Saxe-Coburg family, this princess married Edward, Duke of Kent, the fourth son of King George III. The union produced one daughter, who later became Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. The princess served a pivotal role in the family circle, fostering connections between the German and British royal families. Her lineage had a lasting influence on European monarchies. She passed away in 1861.
Continue ReadingNicola Porpora
Italian composer and educator
Born
August 17th, 1686 339 years ago
Died
March 3rd, 1768 257 years ago — 81 years old
A prominent figure in 18th-century music, Porpora achieved significant recognition as a composer and vocal teacher. His work includes numerous operas, sacred music, and cantatas, which were influential in the development of Italian opera. Porpora was a key figure in the Neapolitan opera scene and contributed to the education of several renowned singers of the time, including Farinelli. His compositions were noted for their melodic beauty and complex vocal lines, showcasing the capabilities of the singers he trained.
Continue ReadingEderson Moraes
Brazilian football goalkeeper, Manchester City
Born
August 17th, 1993 32 years ago
A Brazilian football goalkeeper, he gained recognition for his exceptional skills and contributions to both club and national teams. Starting his professional career at São Paulo FC, he later moved to Portugal to play for Ribeirão and then para Benfica, where he showcased remarkable talent. In 2017, he joined Manchester City, becoming a key player under manager Pep Guardiola. He played a crucial role in the team's multiple Premier League title wins and their first UEFA Champions League title in 2023. On the international stage, he represented Brazil, participating in the Copa America and the FIFA World Cup.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 5th
Pervez Musharraf
Pakistani military officer and politician
Born
August 11th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2023 2 years ago — 79 years old
Served as a military officer in the Pakistan Army and rose to the rank of General. Assumed the presidency of Pakistan in 2001 after leading a coup d'état in 1999. Implemented various economic reforms during presidency while also facing challenges from terrorism and political dissent. Stepped down in 2008 amidst political pressure. His tenure was marked by significant controversies and legal proceedings following his exit from power.
Continue ReadingThomas Carlyle
Scottish philosopher and historian
Born
December 4th, 1795 230 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1881 144 years ago — 85 years old
A prominent Scottish philosopher and historian, contributed significant works in literature and social criticism. Authored 'Sartor Resartus', a philosophical novel that explored themes of individuality and society. Wrote 'The French Revolution: A History', which analyzed the events and impact of the French Revolution. His essays and lectures on topics like heroism and leadership influenced Victorian thought and literary culture.
Continue ReadingKirk Douglas
American actor and producer
Born
December 9th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2020 5 years ago — 103 years old
An iconic American actor achieved recognition for performances in film and television. Gained prominence with the 1951 film "Ace in the Hole" and delivered a memorable performance in "Spartacus" in 1960, which also marked his role as a producer. Douglas's career spanned over seven decades, and he established a reputation for portraying strong characters. Received the Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1996. Authored several books detailing his life and experiences, showcasing a multifaceted career in the entertainment industry.
Continue ReadingVal Logsdon Fitch
Physicist, Nobel Prize winner
Born
March 10th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
February 5th, 2015 10 years ago — 91 years old
Accomplished physicist and academic contributed significantly to the field of particle physics. Conducted pivotal experiments on the violations of parity conservation in weak interactions. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1980 for work on the decay of K mesons. Held a faculty position at Princeton University, influencing generations of students and researchers.
Continue ReadingEmilie Flygare-Carlén
Swedish author of popular novels
Born
August 8th, 1807 218 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1892 133 years ago — 84 years old
An author from Sweden, focused on novels that often depicted life in rural Sweden. Many works captured the essence of Swedish culture and society during the 19th century. One of the most recognized works included the novel 'Norrtullsligan', which illustrated the struggles of women and societal expectations. Her writing reflected strong female characters and themes of class and morality. Contributed significantly to Swedish literature and is remembered for her pioneering role as a woman novelist in that era.
Continue ReadingJohannes Blaskowitz
German general during World War II
Born
July 10th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1948 77 years ago — 64 years old
Served as a general in the German army during World War II, holding significant command positions. Participated in military operations across various fronts and led troops in the invasion of Poland and the Eastern Front. After the war, faced prosecution for war crimes. Contributed to the strategic planning and execution of military campaigns, influencing the course of the war during his service.
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