Willie O'Ree became the 1st Black Player in NHL
Graig Nettles
Graig Nettles, Superstar In Hiding - Baseball Prospectus in the "Rubbing Mud" edition review of Nettles by BaseballProspectus.com. Graig Nettles is one of the top MLB players that wore Jersey Number 9.
Rod Gilbert
Eddie Collins
Bob Lanier
John Smoltz
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.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO Marquis Grissom
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.