The Legacy of Armando Galarraga
His journey began in Venezuela, where dreams of grandeur blossomed on dusty diamonds. He rose through the minors, defying odds and honing his craft, eventually landing in Detroit, a land hungry for baseball redemption. Galarraga wasn't a flamethrower or a slugger; he was a craftsman, a master of control, his pitches whispering through the air with surgical precision.
On June 2, 2010, his name became etched in baseball lore. Facing Cleveland's Jason Donald, Galarraga delivered a perfect game, 27 outs of unblemished brilliance. But with two strikes and the final out in sight, umpire Jim Joyce's fateful call – safe at first – shattered the dream. Baseball's heart collectively sank, Galarraga's face contorted in disbelief.
Yet, amidst the anger and despair, Galarraga's true character shone through. He embraced Donald, a gesture of sportsmanship that transcended the injustice. He held his head high, refusing to blame or sulk. This act of forgiveness, in the face of cruel fate, resonated far beyond the diamond.
His career continued, though the shadow of that June night lingered. He pitched with the same quiet determination, achieving milestones and etching his name in Detroit's record books. But it was his sportsmanship, not his statistics, that defined him.
Galarraga retired in 2013, leaving behind a legacy far richer than a perfect game.
Bill Sharman
Rod Gilbert
Bob Lanier
Frank Thomas
Craig Biggio
Biggio's career numbers are staggering: 3,060 hits, 668 doubles, 291 home runs, 414 stolen bases, and a .281 batting average. He was a five-time Silver Slugger winner, a four-time Gold Glove Award winner, and a seven-time All-Star. He even achieved the near-impossible feat of joining the 3,000-hit and 400-stolen base clubs.
But Biggio was more than just stats. He was a heart-and-soul player renowned for his toughness and hustle. He'd dive headfirst into plays, battle back from injuries, and inspire teammates with his relentless energy. His dedication to the Astros earned him the unwavering loyalty of the Houston faithful, who affectionately nicknamed him "The Kid."
Beyond his on-field exploits, Biggio's legacy extends to his impact on the Astros organization. He helped build a foundation of winning in Houston, leading the team to its first World Series appearance in 2005. He's also deeply involved in community outreach, working with various charities and mentoring young players.
Nancy Lieberman
1986 Springfield Fame
1987 Long Island Knights
1997 Phoenix Mercury
2008 Detroit Shock
As coach:
1998–2000 Detroit Shock
2009–2011 Texas Legends
2015–2018 Sacramento Kings
Nancy is very decorated winning WABA champion (1984), WABA Most Valuable Player (1984), WBL Rookie of the Year (1981), two-time Honda Sports Award for basketball (1979, 1980), and Honda-Broderick Cup for all sports (1979).
A Scoring Machine on Ice
Detroit Dynasty Days:
Ullman's journey began in Detroit, where he joined the legendary Red Wings in 1955. The young center found himself amidst a powerhouse lineup featuring Gordie Howe and Sid Abel. Despite the shadow of these giants, Ullman's talent shone through. He quickly established himself as a scoring threat, averaging over 20 goals per season for 12 consecutive years. He formed a potent line with Alex Delvecchio, and the duo became known as "The Ullman Line" for their dynamic playmaking and goal-scoring prowess.
Ullman's peak came in the mid-1960s. He captured the Maurice Richard Trophy in 1965 for leading the league in goals, and even challenged Stan Mikita for the Art Ross Trophy for most points. His contributions helped the Red Wings win several Stanley Cup Finals appearances, cementing his status as a Detroit fan favorite.
Maple Leaf Metamorphosis:
In 1967, Ullman's career took an unexpected turn. He was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, a bitter rival of the Red Wings. Despite the initial shock, Ullman embraced the change and adapted seamlessly to the new environment. He continued his scoring ways, becoming a key offensive weapon for the Leafs. His leadership and veteran presence helped guide the team through a period of transition and build towards future success.
Records and Accolades:
Ullman's career numbers speak for themselves. He finished with 490 goals, 739 assists, and 1229 points, ranking him among the top scorers in NHL history. He participated in eleven All-Star games, was twice named a First-Team All-Star, and even captured the Lady Byng Trophy for outstanding sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct.
John Wooden
Wooden was born in Hall, Indiana, and grew up on a farm. He played basketball for Purdue University, where he was a three-time All-American. After graduating from Purdue, Wooden played professional basketball for the Indianapolis Kautskys of the National Basketball League. He also coached high school basketball in Indiana before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
After the war, Wooden became the head coach at Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana State University). He led the Sycamores to two conference championships in three seasons. In 1948, Wooden was hired as the head coach at UCLA.
Wooden quickly turned the Bruins into a national powerhouse. He won his first national championship in 1964 and went on to win seven more in the next nine years. Wooden's teams were known for their fundamental play, teamwork, and discipline. He also emphasized the importance of character and academics.
Wooden retired from coaching in 1975. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1960 and as a coach in 1973. Wooden was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003.
Wooden died in 2010 at the age of 99. He is considered to be one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time. He was also a beloved mentor and teacher to many people, both on and off the court.
Lizzie Arlington
Born August 31, 1877, in in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania was the first woman to play for a professional men's baseball team, Lizzie Arlington.
Arlington grew up in Mahanoy City, where she played baseball with her father and brothers. On June 20, 1891, at age 13, Arlington took the field as the pitcher for the Mahanoy City baseball team against the visiting Cincinnati Reds (a professional women's team barnstorming through the area). Reds' manager Mark Lally, impressed with her play, immediately recruited and signed her to play for his team. Arlington played three seasons with the Reds, including two where she shared pitching duties with Maud Nelson.
In 1898, Arlington was signed by the Reading Coal Heavers of the Atlantic League, becoming the first woman to play for a professional men's baseball team. She appeared in one game for the Heavers, pitching the ninth inning of a 5-0 victory over the Allentown Peanuts. She allowed two hits and a walk, but no runs.
Arlington continued playing baseball for women's teams after her brief stint with the Heavers. She retired from baseball in 1902 and died in Philadelphia in 1919.