A few more stars have passed in 2025.
These individuals had founded and performed in the R&B group, The Whispers; pitched in 472 major league games during 15 seasons; played basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels, and then in the NBA; and wrote music for movies and TV shows like The X-Files, Smallville, Ghost Whisperer, and Blue Bloods.
“Just, a bit outside!”
Robert George Uecker was born on January 26, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to August “Gus” Uecker and Marie Schultz. Growing up in a modest household near Borchert Field, he developed a passion for baseball by attending Milwaukee Brewers minor league games. His love for the sport was fostered despite his family’s financial challenges,
His journey included roles at ESPN, NBC Sports, and CBS Sports, where he left an indelible mark.
Greg Gumbel, born on May 3, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a pioneering figure in American sports broadcasting. Raised in Chicago, Illinois, on the city’s South Side, he was the eldest child of Rhea Alice (LeCesne) and Richard Dunbar Gumbel, a judge. Greg attended the De La Salle Institute and later pursued higher education at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1967.
A professional baseball left fielder who played 25 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for nine teams from 1979 to 2003
Rickey Henderson, born on December 25, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, was raised in Oakland, California. An exceptional athlete, he excelled as an All-American running back in high school but chose baseball over football, signing with the Oakland Athletics in 1976. Rickey Henderson began his minor league career in 1976 with the Boise A’s1 of the Northwest League, where he batted an impressive .336 and stole 29 bases in 46 games, showcasing his speed and hitting potential.
Rico Carty got the Braves franchise’s first hit in its new home
in Atlanta, on April 12, 1966, against Pittsburgh.
Rico Carty, born September 1, 1939, in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, was the son of Daniel and Juana Carty. Initially interested in boxing, he shifted focus to baseball, where his raw talent quickly emerged. After signing with the Milwaukee Braves organization in 1959, Carty played for several minor league teams, including
His powerful left arm and an almost unhittable screwball caught the attention of MLB scouts.
Fernando Valenzuela was born on November 1, 1960, in the small village of Etchohuaquila, in Sonora, Mexico. The youngest of twelve children, Valenzuela grew up in a rural farming family. His passion for baseball emerged early, playing in the streets of his village before eventually joining local teams. As a left-handed pitcher, he quickly gained attention for his talent, particularly his screwball,
Rose was a 17-time All-Star and set multiple Major League Baseball records during a 24-year career that began in 1963.
Pete Rose, born on April 14, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, grew up immersed in the world of sports, particularly baseball. His father, Harry Rose, was a semi-professional football player who instilled in him a strong work ethic and a love for competition. Rose attended Western Hills High School, where he was a standout athlete in both football and baseball. His uncle, Buddy Bloebaum, a scout for the Cincinnati Reds,
His journey to the United States began in 1987 when he received a scholarship to study at Georgetown University.
Dikembe Mutombo, born on June 25, 1966, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo1, grew up in a large family of 12 siblings. From a young age, Mutombo stood out not only for his towering height but also for his academic abilities. He was initially interested in becoming a doctor, a reflection of his academic focus. Mutombo’s fluency in multiple languages, including English, French,
Cepeda and teammate Willie Mays were the only NL players to finish the season ranked among the leaders in hits, home runs, RBIs, batting average, runs scored and stolen bases.
Orlando Manuel Cepeda Pennes was born on September 17, 1937, in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The son of Pedro “Perucho” Cepeda[1], a legendary baseball player in Puerto Rico, Orlando was surrounded by the sport from an early age. His father was known as “The Bull” and was a revered figure in Puerto Rican baseball. Despite his father’s influence, Cepeda faced a challenging childhood after his father’s early death, which thrust the family into financial difficulties.
Games: 2,992, At Bats: 9,454, Batting Average: .302, Hits: 3,283,
Home Runs: 660, Runs Batted In (RBIs): 1,903
Stolen Bases: 338
Willie Howard Mays Jr. was born on May 6, 1931, in Westfield, Alabama. Raised in a predominantly African American community in Fairfield, a suburb of Birmingham, Mays displayed remarkable athletic prowess from a young age. His father, Willie Sr., was a talented baseball player in the Negro Leagues, and his mother, Annie Satterwhite, was a champion sprinter. This blend of athletic genes and a supportive environment cultivated Willie’s early interest and talent in baseball. Mays began his professional career in 1948 at age 17 with the Chattanooga Choo-Choos, a Negro minor league team.
