Toni Stone
Professional baseball player, first female in MLB.
Born
Died
1996
30 years ago — 75 years old
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
Became the first woman to play in a major men's professional baseball league. Played in the Negro Leagues for the San Francisco Sea Lions and Indianapolis Clowns. Demonstrated exceptional skill and determination as an infielder. Her career in the Negro Leagues spanned from 1950 to 1954, contributing to the integration of women into professional sports.
First woman to play in a major men's baseball league
Played for San Francisco Sea Lions
Played for Indianapolis Clowns
Other People Born on July 17th
Berenice Abbott
American photographer with urban landscapes
Born
July 17th, 1898 127 years ago
Died
December 9th, 1991 34 years ago — 93 years old
Prominent photographer specialized in capturing urban life and architecture in the early to mid-20th century. Focused on documenting New York City, capturing its dynamic changes with clarity and detail. Transitioned from working under Man Ray in Paris to returning to the United States, where projects emphasized the contrast between old and new cityscapes. Created the series 'Changing New York', exploring the transformations of the city through a comprehensive photographic survey. Later contributed to the broader field of photography with her commitment to innovative techniques and aesthetics.
Continue ReadingArt Linkletter
Television host of 'People Are Funny'
Born
July 17th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
May 26th, 2010 16 years ago — 97 years old
Born in 1912, a Canadian-American television and radio host gained prominence during the mid-20th century. He hosted the popular television show ‘People Are Funny’, which ran from 1949 to 1961. The show featured various comedic segments and games, engaging viewers with its light-hearted format. Linkletter also hosted ‘Kids Say the Darndest Things’, showcasing children's humorous and candid responses to questions. His career in broadcasting spanned several decades and included numerous guest appearances and special programs. Linkletter published several books and remained a significant figure in the entertainment industry until his later years.
Continue ReadingLucio Tan
Businessman and educator, airlines mogul
Born
July 17th, 1934 91 years ago
Born in 1934, a Chinese-Filipino businessman founded the LT Group, which has interests in various sectors including beverage, tobacco, and banking. Established Philippine Airlines, serving as an influential figure in the country's aviation industry. Also engaged in education, supporting various institutions and initiatives. Tan's business acumen and strategic investments contributed to the growth of several industries in the Philippines, making a significant economic impact.
Continue ReadingMohammad Hasan Sharq
Afghan politician and former prime minister
Born
July 17th, 1925 100 years ago
Served as prime minister of Afghanistan during a critical period in the 1960s. Focused on modernization and development initiatives aimed at improving the Afghan economy and infrastructure. Oversaw significant changes in education and health sectors. Played a key role in the establishment of diplomatic relations with several countries, enhancing Afghanistan's international presence. Worked within a challenging political landscape, navigating tensions with both external powers and internal factions.
Continue ReadingEphraim Shay
Engineer who designed Shay locomotive
Born
July 17th, 1839 186 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1916 110 years ago — 76 years old
An engineer developed the Shay locomotive, a type of steam engine that proved vital for logging and freight transport on mountainous terrain. This innovative design featured a unique gear-driven system, providing better traction and stability on steep grades. The Shay locomotive became widely used in the timber industry, significantly impacting the efficiency of lumber transport. The manufacturing of Shay locomotives continued long after the initial design, with production spanning several decades.
Continue ReadingCory Doctorow
Author and activist focused on digital rights
Born
July 17th, 1971 54 years ago
An author and activist, contributed extensively to discussions on technology, copyright, and digital rights. Founded the website Boing Boing and served as a co-editor of the site. Wrote several novels, including 'Little Brother' and 'Homeland', which explore the implications of surveillance and authoritarianism in the digital age. Engaged in advocacy for open access and progressive copyright reform through various organizations. Regularly speaks on issues surrounding technology and civil liberties.
Continue Reading