Walt Dropo
Basketball and baseball player
Born
1923
102 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
Osamu Hayaishi
Biochemist and academic - discovered cyclooxygenase
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2015 10 years ago — 95 years old
A biochemist who contributed to the understanding of enzyme activity and its regulation. Developed significant research on cyclooxygenase, which is crucial in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. Held a position at the University of Colorado and made substantial advancements in the field of biochemistry with a focus on oxygenation pathways.
Continue ReadingLaurier LaPierre
Historian and politician in Canada
Born
November 21st, 1929 96 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2012 13 years ago — 83 years old
A historian, journalist, and politician contributed significantly to the Canadian political landscape. Served as a Member of Parliament and played a role in the Liberal party. Worked extensively in media, including roles with the CBC, where discussions on historical and political issues were prominent. Authored several works examining Canadian identity and history, helping to shape the national narrative. Engaged in various political and cultural discussions, often appearing as a commentator.
Continue ReadingSturm
Abbot of Fulda
Died
December 17th, 779 1246 years ago — None years old
Served as the abbot of Fulda and played a crucial role in establishing the monastery as a center of learning and spiritual life in the 8th century. Contributed to the spread of Christianity among the Frankish people through education and missionary work. Associated with the development of monastic rules and practices that influenced later monasticism in Europe.
Continue ReadingFrancis Beaufort
Irish hydrographer and Royal Navy officer
Born
May 27th, 1774 251 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1857 168 years ago — 83 years old
Contributed significantly to maritime navigation and meteorology. Developed the Beaufort Scale, which classifies wind strength based on observed sea conditions. Served in the Royal Navy and undertook various surveys, enhancing understanding of oceanography. His work laid the foundation for modern meteorological practices and navigational standards.
Continue ReadingLarry Sherry
Baseball player and coach, World Series champion
Born
July 25th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2006 19 years ago — 71 years old
A professional baseball player and coach, played as a relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. Made significant contributions to the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1959 to 1962. Played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' 1963 World Series victory, earning the World Series Most Valuable Player award. Transitioned into coaching after retirement, applying experience and knowledge of the game to help develop players.
Continue ReadingWilliam Thomson
Physicist and engineer, contributed to thermodynamics
Born
June 26th, 1824 201 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1907 118 years ago — 83 years old
Born in 1824, this physicist and engineer significantly advanced the field of thermodynamics and contributed to the development of the absolute temperature scale, known as the Kelvin scale. He held the title of 1st Baron Kelvin. This figure's work encompassed electromagnetism and the formulation of the laws of thermodynamics. He served as a professor at the University of Glasgow and was involved in several engineering projects, including the laying of the Atlantic telegraph cable.
Continue Reading