What Happened This Year 2021

People Who Died in 2021

Del Crandall

Baseball player and manager, Braves
Born
March 5th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 91 years old

Played as a professional baseball catcher primarily for the Milwaukee Braves from 1949 to 1963. After retiring as a player, transitioned into a managerial role in Major League Baseball, overseeing teams such as the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants. Crandall contributed to the game not only through his skills as a player but also through his leadership on the field as a manager.

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Paul Westphal

Basketball coach and player for the Suns
Born
November 30th, 1950 74 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 71 years old

A prominent basketball player and coach, Westphal played the majority of his career with the Phoenix Suns in the NBA. As a player, he was selected as a five-time All-Star and earned All-NBA First Team honors in 1977. Transitioning to coaching, he led the Suns to the NBA Finals in 1993. His coaching career also included stints with teams such as the Seattle SuperSonics and Sacramento Kings, demonstrating a strong understanding of the game throughout his career.

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Curley Culp

American football player, NFL Hall of Famer
Born
March 10th, 1946 79 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 75 years old

Played as a defensive tackle in the National Football League, contributing significantly to teams during a career spanning from 1968 to 1981. Achieved a prominent role with the Kansas City Chiefs, and later with the Houston Oilers. Earned recognition as a formidable player, noted for effective defensive strategies. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, cementing a legacy within the sport.

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Josephine Medina

Paralympic table tennis player
Born
March 20th, 1970 55 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 51 years old

Competed in multiple Paralympic Games, achieving remarkable success in table tennis. Secured a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, representing the Philippines. Participated in various international tournaments, earning recognition within the sport. Advocated for sports inclusivity and served as an inspiration for aspiring athletes with disabilities.

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Don Sutton

Baseball player and sportscaster
Born
April 2nd, 1945 80 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 76 years old

Born on April 2, 1945, a prominent career in Major League Baseball spanned from 1966 to 1988. Played primarily as a starting pitcher for teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, and the Oakland Athletics. Achieved a significant milestone by recording over 300 career wins and 3,574 strikeouts, ranking among the top pitchers in MLB history. Transitioned to a sportscasting career after retirement, providing analysis for various networks. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998, recognizing contributions to the sport.

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Eduardo Martínez Somalo

Spanish cardinal and church official
Born
March 31st, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 94 years old

Ordained as a priest in 1953, served in various roles within the Catholic Church, including positions in the Vatican. Appointed as the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in 1998, overseeing the procedures for canonization. Participated in several papal conclaves, contributing to the selection of popes.

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Andrzej Schinzel

Polish mathematician and number theorist
Born
April 5th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 84 years old

Born in Poland, significant contributions in number theory and combinatorial number theory. Served as a professor at various universities, including the University of Warsaw and the Polish Academy of Sciences. Developed multiple conjectures and theorems, influencing future research in prime numbers and polynomials. Authored numerous papers and participated in international mathematical conferences, contributing to advancements in the field.

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Romano Fogli

Italian footballer and World Cup champion
Born
January 21st, 1938 87 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 83 years old

Played as a defender in professional football, primarily for Bologna F.C. during the 1960s. Contributed to Bologna’s success in Serie A, winning the Italian championship. Represented Italy in international competitions, participating in the 1966 FIFA World Cup. Achieved notable recognition for being part of the Italian national team that won the 1968 UEFA European Championship.

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Sylvano Bussotti

Italian composer and avant-garde musician
Born
October 1st, 1931 94 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 90 years old

Born in Italy, this composer and avant-garde musician gained recognition for contributions to contemporary classical music. Studied at the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi in Milan and became influential in the post-war avant-garde movement. Created innovative works that often merged music with visual art, emphasizing unconventional notation techniques. Collaborated with various artists and ensembles throughout a prolific career, showcasing a dedication to experimental forms and theatricality in performance. The oeuvre includes operas, orchestral works, and chamber music that reflect a distinctive personal style.

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