What Happened This Year 1979

Born in 1979

Rafael Soriano

MLB relief pitcher, All-Star selection
Born
December 19th, 1979 45 years ago

A Dominican baseball player, focused on pitching, had a notable Major League Baseball career spanning from 2002 to 2017. Primarily served as a relief pitcher for several teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees, and Washington Nationals. Excelled in the closer role, earning a reputation for his fastball and effectiveness in high-pressure situations. Achieved an All-Star selection in 2010 and led the American League in saves in 2010 while playing for the Rays. Contributed to the Nationals' success in 2016, helping the team to the playoffs.

Continue Reading

Michael Rogers

Australian professional cyclist
Born
December 20th, 1979 45 years ago

A professional cyclist achieved significant success in road cycling. Won three World Championships in the time trial discipline in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Competed in multiple Grand Tours, including the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, and contributed to team victories while riding for teams such as Tinkoff-Saxo and HTC-Highroad. Played a crucial role as a domestique in support of leaders during major stage races.

Continue Reading

Steve Montador

Ice hockey defenseman for NHL teams
Born
December 21st, 1979 45 years ago
Died
February 15th, 2015 10 years ago — 35 years old

Played as a professional ice hockey defenseman in the NHL. Competed for multiple teams including the Florida Panthers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Buffalo Sabres. Contributed to the teams with his defensive skills and physical play. Helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in 2010. Also played in the AHL and internationally, representing Canada.

Continue Reading

Johan Franzén

Ice hockey player with Detroit Red Wings
Born
December 23rd, 1979 45 years ago

Played as a forward primarily for the Detroit Red Wings in the National Hockey League (NHL). Contributed to the team's success during multiple seasons, including winning the Stanly Cup in 2008. Known for effective scoring ability and strong presence in playoffs. Retired from professional ice hockey in 2015 due to concussions, leaving a legacy as a dedicated player.

Continue Reading

Yukifumi Murakami

Javelin thrower; 2004 Olympic competitor
Born
December 23rd, 1979 45 years ago

Competed in athletics as a javelin thrower representing Japan. Achieved a personal best throw of 83.24 meters in 2006, which ranked among the top throws globally. Participated in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, where he represented Japan in the men's javelin event. Concurrently competed in various international competitions, including the World Championships and Asian Games.

Continue Reading

Kenny Miller

Scottish footballer and national team player
Born
December 23rd, 1979 45 years ago

Played professional football primarily as a striker. Started career at Hibernian and went on to play for several clubs including Rangers, Celtic, and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Represented Scotland in multiple international fixtures, contributing to the national team's efforts in European Championships and World Cup qualifiers. Achieved notable success with Rangers, winning multiple league titles and domestic cups. Renowned for speed and goal-scoring ability.

Continue Reading

Holly Madison

Model and television personality with Playboy
Born
December 23rd, 1979 45 years ago

Born in 1979, a model and television personality gained fame as a significant figure in the Playboy franchise. Featured prominently in the reality television series 'The Girls Next Door,' which showcased her life at the Playboy Mansion with Hugh Hefner and fellow Playmates. Made appearances in various other television shows and films, contributing to her public persona. Authored a memoir detailing her experiences within the Playboy lifestyle, which further cemented her position in popular culture.

Continue Reading

Scott Gomez

Ice Hockey Player and Two-Time Champion
Born
December 23rd, 1979 45 years ago

An American ice hockey player, notable for a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). Gomez played for teams including the New Jersey Devils, where he won two Stanley Cups in 2000 and 2003. He also represented the New York Rangers, the Montreal Canadiens, and the San Jose Sharks, among others. Known for offensive skills as a center, he played a vital role in his teams' lineups throughout his career. After retiring, Gomez transitioned to coaching and remains active in hockey development.

Continue Reading

Abraham Chebii

Kenyan middle-distance runner
Born
December 23rd, 1979 45 years ago

Middle-distance runner specialized in events such as the 1500 meters and 2000 meters. Competed for Kenya in various international competitions, including the Africa Championships and the World Championships. Achieved significant success in the 2000s, securing medals in regional and continental events. His athletic career is marked by participation in prestigious competitions, showcasing speed and endurance on the track.

Continue Reading