Sports History

Armando Galarraga's baseball career wasn't defined by a World Series ring or a mountain of home runs. It was etched in the fleeting drama of a single pitch, a moment forever stained by human error but ultimately illuminating the grace and grit of a true sportsman.

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.

Born May 25, 1926, in Abilene, Texas, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Guard, Bill Sharman. Bill in in the Hall of Fame twice! Once as a coach and once as a player. Sharman played most of his pro hoops career as a member of the the Boston Celtics in the 1950s, partnering with Bob Cousy in what was then considered the greatest backcourts of all-time. He was the first North American sports figure to win a championship as a player, coach, and executive and was a 10-time NBA champion in these combined capacities.

Born July 1, 1941, in Montreal, Quebec, was Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame right-wing, Rod Gilbert. From 1960-78 he was with the New York Rangers. He in known to be the first NY Ranger to have his number retired which was number 7. Roger was known as "Mr. Ranger", as he played right wing on the Goal-A-Game line with Vic Hadfield and Jean Ratelle but never with a Stanley Cup championship team.

Born September 10, 1948, in Buffalo, New York, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame center Bob Lanier. This legend was an eight-time NBA All-Star; NBA All-Star Game MVP 1974. Lanier famously played for the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks. Lanier was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. He had his No. 16 jersey retired by both the Pistons and the Bucks and his No. 31 jersey retired by St. Bonaventure University, for whom he played college basketball. After retiring from playing he was an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, and briefly served as their interim head coach.

Born May 27, 1968 in Columbus, Georgia, was Baseball Hall of Fame First Baseman, Frank Thomas. Known as "The Big Hurt," Thomas was a powerful hitter in the MLB from 1990 to 2008. Most of his career was spent on the roster of the Chicago White Sox, although the final three years were scattered between the Oakland Athletics and Toronto Blue Jays. Frank had 521 career HRs, with a career batting average of .301, and over 1700 RBIs.

Craig Biggio wasn't just an Astros legend but a baseball anomaly. For 20 seasons, he donned the Houston orange and blue, morphing from a scrappy catcher to a power-hitting, base-stealing second baseman. His versatility, hustle, and infectious grin left an indelible mark on the game, earning him a well-deserved spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
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.

Born, July 1, 1958, in Brooklyn, New York was Basketball Hall of Fame point guard and coach Nancy Lieberman. She was an Olympic silver medalist in 1976. She was drafted into the WBL in 1980 and since was a part of these organizations: 1984 Dallas Diamonds
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).

Norm Ullman, born in 1935, carved his name into hockey history as a prolific scorer and versatile forward. His 20-year career spanned two franchises, the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs, and was marked by an uncanny ability to find the net and a relentless drive to win.

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.

Born October 14, 1910, in Hall, Indiana, was legendary Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Coach John Wooden. Nicknamed the "Wizard of Westwood", he won a record ten National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) national championships in a 12-year period as head coach for the UCLA Bruins, including a record seven in a row. Wooden was named the NCAA's College Basketball Coach of the Year on six occasions (1964, 1967, 1969–70, and 1972–73).

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.

---

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.