What Happened This Year 1903

Born in 1903

Lou Gehrig

Baseball player; 'Iron Horse' of the Yankees
Born
June 19th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
June 2nd, 1941 83 years ago — 37 years old

Played first base for the New York Yankees from 1923 to 1939. Established himself as one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history. Achieved a batting average of .340 over his career, with 493 home runs and 1,995 RBIs. Helped lead the Yankees to six World Series championships. Awarded the American League MVP in 1927. His career was tragically cut short by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, now commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, leading to a legacy of sportsmanship and resilience.

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Sam Rabin

Wrestler, sculptor, and singer
Born
June 20th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1991 33 years ago — 88 years old

Engaged in wrestling, competed in various promotions during the early 20th century, and was also active in the arts as a sculptor. Rabin's career in wrestling spanned over several decades, showcasing skills in the ring. Additionally, ventured into music, contributing to the entertainment landscape of the time. The intersection of wrestling, sculpture, and music defines Rabin's multifaceted career.

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Al Hirschfeld

American caricaturist and illustrator
Born
June 21st, 1903 121 years ago
Died
January 20th, 2003 22 years ago — 99 years old

Acclaimed for his distinctive line drawings, this artist specialized in caricatures and illustrations, particularly in the realm of theater. Worked extensively with major publications including The New York Times, where his work became a staple. Produced over 3,000 drawings over his lifetime, capturing a wide array of Broadway stars and cultural figures. His art was characterized by its simplicity and elegance, conveying the essence of his subjects with fluid lines. An influential figure in American art, he gained recognition for his innovative techniques and ability to encapsulate personality through caricature.

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Hermann Engelhard

German runner and coach, Olympic competitor
Born
June 21st, 1903 121 years ago
Died
1984 41 years ago — 81 years old

Born in Germany in 1903, a runner who competed in middle and long-distance events. Participated in the 1924 Paris Olympics, where significant achievements were realized in athletics. Post-competition, transitioned into coaching, contributing to the development of future athletes in Germany. Influenced the training methods and strategies in the sport of running, focusing on performance enhancement and athlete preparation.

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Carl Hubbell

American baseball pitcher, Hall of Famer
Born
June 22nd, 1903 121 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1988 36 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent baseball pitcher, achieved recognition during a career largely spent with the New York Giants. Debuted in Major League Baseball in 1928 and played until 1943. Earned the nickname 'King Carl' for his dominant performance on the mound. Secured two MVP awards and participated in six All-Star games. Won a total of 253 games and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1947, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's greatest pitchers.

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John Dillinger

American gangster and bank robber
Born
June 22nd, 1903 121 years ago
Died
July 22nd, 1934 90 years ago — 31 years old

Gained notoriety during the Great Depression as a bank robber. Led a group known as the Dillinger Gang, which committed a series of robberies across several states in the Midwest. Escaped from jail twice, becoming a symbol of criminality. Captured and shot by FBI agents in 1934.

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Paul Martin Sr.

Canadian politician and lawyer
Born
June 23rd, 1903 121 years ago
Died
September 14th, 1992 32 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent Canadian lawyer and politician, he served as a Member of Parliament and held various cabinet positions, including Minister of Finance. He played a significant role in shaping the country's economic policies during his tenure. As Minister of Finance, he introduced comprehensive fiscal reforms that contributed to Canada's financial stability. Later, served as the 21st Prime Minister of Canada, leading the country during a pivotal time in its governance.

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George Orwell

British novelist and essayist
Born
June 25th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1950 75 years ago — 46 years old

A British novelist and essayist, this individual is acclaimed for works that explore themes of totalitarianism, oppression, and social injustice. Major literary contributions include the dystopian novels '1984' and 'Animal Farm', which critique authoritarian regimes through allegory and satire. The writings reflect personal experiences and observations regarding political landscapes in the early to mid-20th century. Additionally, the author contributed essays and journalism that addressed topical issues of the time, further establishing a reputation as a prominent voice of critique and commentary.

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Anne Revere

American actress, Academy Award winner
Born
June 25th, 1903 121 years ago
Died
December 18th, 1990 34 years ago — 87 years old

An actress with a prolific career in film and theater achieved critical acclaim for performances in various classics. Most notable works include 'National Velvet,' where portrayal of the mother earned significant praise. Also starred in 'The Song of Bernadette,' receiving an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Frequently worked in stage productions, showcasing versatility across genres.

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