Top 10 February 11 Birthdays
10. February 11, 1909: Max Baer. A story that I hope is true: A sportswriter walked into a gym, and saw Max there. The writer wasn't Jewish, and neither was Max, but the writer thought Max was, and knew the day was Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. He asked Max what he's doing there. Max said, "I'm training to fight Primo Carnera." The writer asked, "What about Yom Kippur?" Max said, "I'll fight him next!" Max knocked Carnera out on June 14, 1934, to win the Heavyweight Championship of the World. He held it for only 1 year, but that's more than most people will hold it for. He lost it on June 13, 1935, to James Braddock, "The Cinderella Man." (Contrary to the film of that title, Max was a nice guy who felt terrible about having killed a man in the ring.) His son, Max Baer Jr., was part of the cast of The Beverly Hillbillies. Somewhat Honorable Mention: February 11, 1972: Steve McManaman. The winger was one ...