Wally Pipp
Baseball player and journalist
Played as a first baseman in Major League Baseball. Spent most of career with the New York Yankees. Helped the team to a championship in 1921. Pipp's consecutive game streak ended when a young player named Lou Gehrig took his place, marking a significant moment in baseball history. After retiring from playing, transitioned to a career in journalism, covering sports.
Played for the New York Yankees
Won the 1921 American League championship
Had a record 2,130 consecutive game streak end
Other People Born on February 17th
Philipp Franz von Siebold
German physician and botanist
Born
February 17th, 1796 229 years ago
Died
October 18th, 1886 139 years ago — 90 years old
A prominent German physician and botanist, significant contributions were made to the study of Japanese flora and fauna. Conducted extensive research during a period of Western interest in Japan, focusing on the country's plant life. Established one of the first botanical gardens dedicated to Japanese species in Europe and contributed to the understanding of Japanese medicine. Published influential works that detailed the medicinal properties of various plants, enhancing Western knowledge of Eastern botanical practices.
Continue ReadingFrancis
French Grand Chamberlain of the King
Born
February 17th, 1519 506 years ago
Died
November 27th, 1620 405 years ago — 101 years old
Served as Grand Chamberlain in the court of King Francis I of France during the 16th century. Managed the royal household and oversaw various ceremonial functions. Played a key role in the administration of the court and contributed to the organization of state events and royal ceremonies. Worked to maintain the prestige and order of the royal household amidst the complexities of court politics.
Continue ReadingOtto Stern
Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
February 17th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1969 56 years ago — 81 years old
Born in Germany, a physicist contributed significantly to molecular beam experiments and atomic physics. Emigrated to the United States in 1933 due to the rise of the Nazi regime. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1943 for the development of the molecular beam technique, which allowed for precise measurements of atomic and molecular properties. Served as a faculty member at several institutions, including the Carnegie Institute of Technology, where research focused on spin resonance and behavior of molecules in magnetic fields.
Continue ReadingJohn Pinkerton
Scottish antiquarian and cartographer
Born
February 17th, 1758 267 years ago
Died
March 10th, 1826 199 years ago — 68 years old
Born in 1758, this individual contributed significantly to the fields of antiquarian studies and cartography. He authored various works that explored historical geography and numismatics. Notable works include 'Ancient Scottish Poems' and 'A Modern Atlas'. His contributions to map-making include the development of accurate maps of Scotland that were recognized for their detail and precision. His studies also encompassed historical texts, providing insights into Scotland’s past and cultural heritage.
Continue ReadingRon Goodwin
Composer and conductor of film scores
Born
February 17th, 1925 100 years ago
Died
January 8th, 2003 23 years ago — 77 years old
This individual was an English composer and conductor, recognized for contributions to film music. Early work included composing for various television programs and films during the 1950s. The most prominent achievements included scores for films such as 'Where Eagles Dare' and 'Battle of Britain'. Goodwin collaborated with renowned orchestras, and his compositions often combined traditional orchestration with innovative arrangements. In addition to film work, contributions to concert music were made, with works performed internationally. The ability to blend orchestral strength with popular styles defined much of this composer’s work.
Continue ReadingRaf Vallone
Footballer and actor, notable in Italy
Born
February 17th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
October 31st, 2002 23 years ago — 86 years old
Born in Italy in 1916, a successful footballer played primarily as a forward. Represented several clubs, including Inter Milan and Genoa, achieving recognition in Serie A. Transitioned into acting and appeared in international films, gaining acclaim in the 1951 movie 'Three Coins in the Fountain' and the 1954 classic 'The Cheetah'. Vallone's contributions to both football and cinema established a multifaceted legacy.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 11th
Wally Osterkorn
American basketball player, NBA champion
Born
1928 98 years ago
Died
January 11th, 2012 14 years ago — 84 years old
A professional basketball player, achieved significant success in the National Basketball Association. Played for the Chicago Stags and the Detroit Pistons during the 1940s and 1950s. Contributed to winning an NBA championship with the Stags in 1947. After his playing career, he transitioned to coaching and education.
Continue ReadingJenő Buzánszky
Hungarian footballer and coach
Born
1925 101 years ago
Died
January 11th, 2015 11 years ago — 90 years old
Played as a defender and was part of the legendary Hungarian national team during the 1950s. Achieved success with Váci Izzó SC and later with Vasas SC, winning multiple Hungarian league titles. Coached various teams, contributing to the development of football in Hungary. His career included participation in the 1954 FIFA World Cup.
Continue ReadingMuhammad Habibur Rahman
Bangladeshi jurist and politician
Born
December 3rd, 1928 97 years ago
Died
January 11th, 2014 12 years ago — 85 years old
Served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh from 1996 to 1997. Played a significant role in the country’s legal system and governance. Contributed to the establishment of various legal institutions and reforms in Bangladesh. Held various positions in the judiciary, including roles in the Supreme Court. Engaged in political affairs and played a prominent part in the country's democratic processes.
Continue ReadingGuido Forti
Businessman and founder of Forti Racing Team
Born
1940 86 years ago
Died
January 11th, 2013 13 years ago — 73 years old
An Italian businessman established the Forti Racing Team, which competed in various motorsport events. The team participated in the Formula 3000 Championship, where it achieved a notable presence. Forti Racing not only contributed to the motorsport scene in Italy but also provided a platform for young drivers to advance their careers. The team aimed to develop talent in a highly competitive environment.
Continue ReadingOscar Straus
Austrian composer of operettas
Born
March 6th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1954 72 years ago — 83 years old
Born in Vienna, a prolific composer contributed significantly to the operetta genre in the early 20th century. Works included well-received compositions that showcased wit and melody, blending traditional and contemporary styles. His notable operettas reflected the cultural zeitgeist of his time, capturing audiences across Europe. Resided in Berlin during the rise of the Nazi regime and fled to the United States. Continued to compose and perform throughout his life.
Continue ReadingSkirgaila
Grand Duke of Lithuania
Died
January 11th, 1397 629 years ago — None years old
Ruled as Grand Duke of Lithuania during the late 14th century. Oversaw significant territorial expansion and consolidation of power in the region. Engaged in various military campaigns to strengthen the Lithuanian state against external threats, particularly from the Teutonic Order. Skirgaila's reign included key alliances and diplomatic efforts to enhance Lithuania's influence in Eastern Europe.
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