Every May, a certain writer who shares this space with you on a monthly basis celebrates the annual rite of passage known as a birthday. Now, most of you may be at that point in your life where it’s not a big deal, but I think it is (and not just because in some years I share it with the annual running of the Kentucky Derby). It’s wise to remember the old adage “Hey, go ahead, it’s your birthday!” and it’s true – one time a year you get a special day to yourself, one you can celebrate solo - or you can share it with some pretty famous people.
Which got me thinking – who else shares my birthday? Now, we don’t have the space to detail who shares your day but a little research revealed this list for each month (and feel free to jump ahead).
January: Jackie Robinson, Jersey Joe Walcott and Don Hutson
February: Javier Sanchez (tennis), Michelle Akers (soccer) and Jacky Cupit (golf)
March: Harry Caray (“Holy Cow!”), Pete Rozelle, Mike Rozier
April: Bo Schembechler, Phil Niekro, Mark Jackson
May: Steve Cauthen, Chuck Bednarik, Stuart Appleby
June: Justine Henin (tennis), Paul Coffey (hockey) and Erin Hartwell (Olympic medalist)
July: Patrick McEnroe, Rod Gilbert and Bill Stern (hall of Fame broadcaster)
August: Bart Conner (gymnast), Nancy Lopez and Jack Kramer
September: Rocky Marciano, “Gentleman Jim” Corbett (boxing champs), Jason Taylor
October: Rod Carew, Mark McGwire and Maury Wills
November: Grantland Rice (sportswriter), Fernando Valenzuela and Gary Player
December: Walter Alston, Lee Trevino and Calvin Griffith (former baseball owner)
Now this is by no means an exhaustive search, and the truth is many, many great names have been omitted, still it is interesting to see who shares your big day with you. One more thing: most everyone on this list was born on the first day of each month meaning there were countless others who are there for your discovery (if you so choose).
So, if your birthday is approaching, down the road or just passed, remember you’re not alone. Cheers!