The Hall Is Calling

Japan’s love of baseball goes back nearly as far as the game itself. Introduced in the 1870s by missionaries and teachers, the game took root and blossomed into a national obsession. Yet not until today has a player born in Japan—or of Asian descent—been voted into the U.S. Baseball Hall of Fame. That honor goes to Ichiro Suzuki, a breakout star on two continents, who compiled more hits in professional baseball than any other player, while flashing speed and stellar defense.
National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Cooperstown, New York. Founded in 1939, the museum preserves more than 35,000 artifacts, 2 million documents, 500,000 historic photographs, and 10,000 hours of original TV and radio recordings.

Iconic Birthdays

A few legendary names share a birth date today, including the founders of two of the world’s biggest fashion brands.

Lead Belly

The musician Huddie Ledbetter, better known as Lead Belly, was born 140 years ago today. A towering figure in the history of American folk music, Lead Belly’s performance and arrangement of classic songs—such as “Goodnight, Irene,” “Midnight Special,” “Rock Island Line,” and “Gallis Pole”—are considered the definitive versions today.

Hudie Ledbetter, better known as Leadbelly, plays his 12-string guitar at Bank Street School, New York City, New York. Cristóbal Balenciaga

Spanish fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga was born 130 years ago today. Known for elegant ball gowns and other classic designs, Balenciaga was one of the world’s top couturiers (a designer who makes clothes tailored to an individual) for decades. Though he died in 1972, Balenciaga remains a household name thanks to the brand he founded in 1919.

Christian Dior

French fashion designer Christian Dior was born 120 years ago today. His New Look style—characterized by ultrafeminine and highly sculptured clothing—dominated fashion in the decade following World War II. His eponymous fashion house is one of the most iconic in the world.

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