Walt Dropo

Basketball and baseball player

Walt Dropo - Athletes & Sports Figures born 1923
Born

1923
103 years ago

Died
Category

Athletes & Sports Figures

Country

United States

Links & References

Played professional basketball and baseball during the mid-20th century. In baseball, played for teams including the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and Chicago White Sox. Achieved notable success in Major League Baseball, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1950. In basketball, played for the Boston Celtics and was part of the team that won the 1956 NBA Championship. Transitioned between the two sports, showcasing a versatile athletic career.

Won American League Rookie of the Year Award

Played on the 1956 NBA Championship team

Other People Who Died on December 17th

Lowell Steward

American Army Captain
Born
1919 107 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2014 11 years ago — 95 years old

Served as an Army captain in the United States during the Vietnam War. Steward was captured as a prisoner of war in 1965 and endured over seven years of captivity. He participated in the Tet Offensive and was instrumental in intelligence and strategic operations within his unit. Upon release, Steward became an advocate for veterans' rights and shared his experiences during captivity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by former prisoners of war.

Continue Reading

Daniel Inouye

U.S. Senator and Medal of Honor recipient
Born
September 7th, 1924 101 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 88 years old

Served as a U.S. Senator from Hawaii for nearly 50 years, representing the state in numerous important legislative matters. Participated in World War II as a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, the most decorated unit in American military history. Received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism during combat on April 21, 1945. Throughout Senate career, focused on issues such as civil rights, health care, and veteran affairs, significantly shaping policies affecting these areas.

Continue Reading

Ricardo María Carles Gordó

Spanish cardinal and ecclesiastical leader
Born
1926 100 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2013 12 years ago — 87 years old

Served as a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church, holding significant positions within the Church hierarchy. Participated in the conclave that elected Pope Benedict XVI in 2005. Served as the Archbishop of Valencia from 1992 until retirement in 2010. Contributed to various church activities and ecclesiastical governance throughout his tenure.

Continue Reading

Peter Warlock

English composer and music critic
Born
October 30th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1930 95 years ago — 36 years old

A significant figure in early 20th-century music, contributed to the English musical landscape through composition and criticism. Worked under the pseudonym Peter Warlock and was influential in the revival of interest in English music, particularly through compositions for choral and vocal music. His most notable works include the famous collection of songs titled 'The Curlew' and orchestral pieces that combined traditional forms with modern techniques. Engaged in music criticism, providing insights and commentary that shaped public perception of contemporary composers and their works.

Continue Reading

Benjamin A. Gilman

American soldier and politician
Born
December 6th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2016 9 years ago — 94 years old

Served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1973 to 1998. Participated in World War II as a soldier in the Army, where significant contributions included leadership roles. Actively engaged in international relations, particularly in Latin America and Eastern Europe during the post-Cold War era. Advocated for veterans' issues and supported various community initiatives throughout the congressional tenure.

Continue Reading

Jeremy Bulloch

English actor best known for Star Wars
Born
1945 81 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2020 5 years ago — 75 years old

An English actor recognized for roles in television and film, gained prominence through the portrayal of Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy. Contributed to the British television landscape with appearances in series such as 'Doctor Who' and 'Robin of Sherwood'. Career spanned several decades, with performances in various genres including drama, science fiction, and action.

Continue Reading