1

Babe Ruth

Image: Thomas Park

What is considered America's pastime by everyone else was the great passion of Babe Ruth's life.

Born George Herman Ruth Jr. on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland, Babe was a child known for his difficult behavior. When he turned seven, his parents made the difficult decision to send him to St. Mary's Industrial School for Boys. The school was a strict and rule-filled environment, but it was there that Babe Ruth's passion for baseball developed.

By his early twenties, he was already known as a talented pitcher. Throughout his career, he won seven World Series Championships, three with the Boston Red Sox and four with the New York Yankees. In 1936, he became one of the first five players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

2

Serena Williams

Image: Ariv Gupta

While many of us can't even remember what we were doing at the age of three, the incredible Serena Williams was already practicing tennis with her sister Venus and her father.

Known globally as one of the greatest tennis players in history, Serena has filled her resume with titles, trophies, victories, and records.

Four Gold Olympic Medals and an impressive 23 Grand Slam singles titles definitely made her a tennis legend. And as if her athletic achievements were not enough, Serena Williams is also a standout businesswoman today.

3

Muhammad Ali

Image: Nelson Ndongala

Louisville, Kentucky, was the birthplace of the man who would become one of the world's greatest sports stars. Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, the man we all remember today as Muhammad Ali began his sporting life at the age of 12 when he started training as an amateur boxer.

The rest is history. With an Olympic Gold Medal, three world heavyweight championships, 56 wins (37 by knockout), and an incredible legacy, Ali is widely and rightly recognized as one of the most important sports figures of the 20th century.

4

Tiger Woods

Image: Robert Ruggiero

If we had to list all of Tiger Woods ' sporting achievements, we'd be here all day, right?

The GOAT of Golf was born Eldrick Tont Woods on December 30, 1975, in Cypress, California, and from a very young age, he showed his great talent for this sport.

After winning several titles in college and as an amateur player, Tiger became a professional player in 1996, and since then, he hasn't stopped winning and winning.

Tiger has gone on to win 15 major championships, including three U.S. Opens, four Masters titles, three Open Championships, and five PGA Championships, and held the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 683 weeks!

5

Michael Jordan

Image: Robin Gislain Gessy

Michael Jordan grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, and developed a passion for basketball at a young age, largely thanks to his brother, Larry.

In high school, he developed his competitive spirit and sportsmanship, qualities that, combined with his talent, led him to become the star he is today.

While it is hard to list all of his feats, we believe it is necessary to mention some of Jordan's highlights: two Olympic Gold Medals, six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls (earning NBA Finals MVP honors each time), and five NBA MVP awards. These achievements, among many others, make up the long list of victories of this NBA legend.

6

Michael Phelps

Image: Braden Egli

Michael Phelps , born on June 30, 1985, in Baltimore, Maryland, was a very energetic child. Fortunately, at the age of seven, he discovered a perfect outlet for all that enthusiasm: swimming.

His talent and dedication combined to create a world-class athlete, and by the age of 15, he was participating in his first Olympics!

In 2004, he stood out at the Athens Olympics, winning six gold medals. In 2008, he made history by winning a record-breaking eight gold medals in a single Olympics.

"The Baltimore Bullet" has won a total of 23 gold medals in his career, more than any other Olympic athlete in history!

7

Simone Biles

Image: Brian Wangenheim

One of the youngest on this list, Simone Biles was born on March 14, 1997, in Columbus, Ohio.

Considered by many as the world's greatest gymnast ever , Simone was raised by her grandparents. Her sporting career began as a child when an attentive instructor recognized her talent and suggested she take gymnastics classes.

At the age of 14, she was already competing at high levels and never went unnoticed. In 2013, she won her first of many World Championship titles, demonstrating her incredible talent and ability to perform moves that other gymnasts could not.

8

Tom Brady

Image: Thomas Park

Of course, we can't overlook this legendary figure of American football . We're talking about none other than the great Tom Brady .

Considered by many the greatest quarterback of all time , Brady was born into a sports-loving family, which allowed him to showcase his skills when he was still a young boy.

Brady was selected by the New England Patriots in the 2000 NFL Draft. The Patriots' choice was incredibly wise, as he played for the team for 20 seasons, during which he and coach Bill Belichick formed what became known as the "Patriots dynasty." He also led the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories!

During his last three seasons as a professional, he played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, not without winning another Super Bowl with them.

9

LeBron James

Image: Markus Spiske

The great "King James" was born LeBron Raymone James on December 30, 1984 , in Akron, Ohio. Since he was very young, he showed basketball skills, which were highlighted during his time at high school.

LeBron was the first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he began his career. He later played with the Miami Heat, and finally, he became a legend with the Lakers.

LeBron has a long list of accomplishments in his sports career, making him one of the few who can be compared to Jordan. With four NBA Championships, four NBA Finals MVP Awards, four NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, two Olympic Gold Medals, and many other awards and distinctions, LeBron is indisputably one of the best at what he does.

10

Billie Jean King

Image: Valentin Balan

BJK was born Billie Jean Moffitt on November 22, 1943, in Long Beach, California. Her love for tennis began at a very young age when a friend lent her a racket. Her natural talent soon showed: she won her first major junior championship at the age of 14, and from then on, she didn't stop.

With 39 Grand Slam titles, including 12 singles titles, 16 women's doubles titles, 11 mixed doubles titles, and holding the title of world No. 1 for many years, BJK rightfully holds the label of "Queen."

In 1973, Billie won the legendary "Battle of the Sexes," a tennis match against Bobby Riggs , who had challenged her. With this and many other victories, King paved the way for many women in the world of tennis and sports in general, which is why she is considered a pioneer in her field.

1

Jurors are selected at random

Courts select potential jurors randomly from public records like voter registrations and driver’s license databases . This system helps ensure juries reflect a fair cross-section of the community.

Random selection has been standard practice for decades, helping prevent bias in the legal system. Federal courts began expanding source lists following the passage of the Jury Selection and Service Act of 1968 to improve diversity and representativeness.

2

You receive an official summons

If chosen, you’ll receive a jury summons by mail with instructions on when and where to report. It typically comes from a local, state, or federal court.

The summons is a legal document. Failing to respond can lead to fines or penalties , although courts often allow postponements for valid reasons like work or medical issues.

3

You must complete a qualification questionnaire

Before serving, most courts require you to fill out a questionnaire about your age, citizenship, job, and background . This helps determine eligibility.

Federal law generally requires jurors to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and able to understand English. Certain criminal convictions or hardships may disqualify you.

4

Eligible people form a jury pool

Those who qualify become part of a jury pool, also called a "venire." This group is the starting point for selecting jurors for individual trials.

The size of a jury pool varies depending on the court and case . Large trials may require dozens of potential jurors to ensure enough qualified candidates remain.

5

Jurors are called into court when needed

From the larger pool, smaller groups are summoned to courtrooms when trials are ready to begin . Not everyone in the pool will end up serving.

Some people may wait hours or even days without being assigned to a case. If not selected, they are usually dismissed after their service period ends.

6

Lawyers and judges question potential jurors

In a process called "voir dire," attorneys and judges ask questions to identify bias, conflicts, or interests . This step ensures fairness in the trial.

Questions may cover personal experiences, opinions, or knowledge about the case. The goal is to select jurors who can remain impartial and follow the law.

7

Some jurors are dismissed during selection

Potential jurors can be removed "for cause" if they show bias or hardship . Lawyers can also use a limited number of peremptory challenges.

Peremptory challenges allow attorneys to dismiss jurors without giving a reason, though they cannot be used for discrimination based on race or gender.

8

A final jury is chosen

After questioning, a final group is selected. Criminal trials usually have 12 jurors, while civil cases often use 6 to 12 , depending on the court.

Alternate jurors may also be chosen in case someone cannot continue. These alternates listen to the trial but only deliberate if needed.

9

There are different types of juries

The most common is the petit jury, which decides trial outcomes. A grand jury, by contrast, determines whether enough evidence exists to file charges.

Grand juries are typically larger, often with 16 to 23 members , and are used mainly in federal cases and some state systems.

10

Jurors listen to the evidence and testimony

During the trial, jurors hear witness testimony, examine evidence, and listen to arguments from both sides . They must follow the judge’s legal instructions.

Jurors are not allowed to research the case or discuss it outside of the courtroom. This rule ensures decisions are based only on evidence presented in the courtroom.

11

Jurors deliberate privately

After the trial ends, jurors meet in a private room to discuss the case and reach a verdict. These discussions are confidential.

In criminal cases, the verdict often must be unanimous. Deliberations can take hours or even days, depending on the complexity of the case.

12

Serving is a civic duty, required by law

Jury duty is a legal obligation and a key part of the American democracy. It allows citizens to participate in the justice system directly.

Citizens are generally summoned for jury duty every one to four years, depending on the jurisdiction, though federal court service typically requires only one appearance every two years. If you serve on a trial, you are often exempt from serving again for at least 3 years. Summoning frequency is generally determined by lists from local, state, or federal courts.

1

Kool-Aid

Image: Aibek Skakov

Nebraska takes pride in its sweetest invention : Kool-Aid. Created in 1927 in Hastings, the fruity drink became a household favorite. In 1998, Nebraska made it the official state soft drink, much to the delight of nostalgia lovers.

Every August, Hastings hosts the Kool-Aid Days Festival, complete with giant pitchers and endless flavors. The "Kool-Aid Man" himself even made an appearance at the declaration ceremony! Despite some pushback from health advocates, the sugary drink remains an iconic American beverage.

2

Gusty the Cartoon

Image: Afif Ramdhasuma

Oklahoma’s state cartoon character is Gusty , a little weather-forecasting doodle, do you know him? Created by a Tulsa weatherman in the 1950s, Gusty reflected the day’s forecast, holding an umbrella, bracing for tornadoes, or sweating in the heat.

His hand-drawn charm lasted for decades, earning him a place in the Smithsonian. In 2005, Oklahoma made Gusty the official state cartoon character. For Oklahomans, he’s as much a part of the forecast as the storm warnings!

3

Whoopie Pie

Image: Holly Spangler

Maine takes its desserts seriously. So seriously that in 2011, the state named the whoopie pie its official treat . This fluffy confection consists of two chocolate cake rounds sandwiching a creamy white filling.

It’s been a local favorite since the 1920s, though Pennsylvania also claims to have invented it. Maine, however, celebrates its whoopie pie heritage with an annual festival featuring the world’s largest whoopie pie. The origins of the name are debated, but regardless, it’s a nostalgic, delicious bite of history. And yes, it pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee!

4

Tully Monster

Image: Jacqueline Martinez

Illinois’ state fossil sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie: the Tully Monster. This strange, ancient sea creature swam in Illinois’ prehistoric waters about 300 million years ago. Discovered in 1958, its worm-like body, stalked eyes, and pincer-like mouth left scientists scratching their heads for decades.

It wasn’t until 2016 that researchers finally identified it as a vertebrate, possibly related to lampreys, a fish. Named after its discoverer, Francis Tully, this oddball fossil became Illinois’ official state fossil in 1989. How weird is that?

5

Clogging

Image: Ahmad Odeh

Forget the square dance, North Carolina’s official folk dance is clogging , and it’s as energetic as it sounds. This fast-paced footwork evolved from Appalachian traditions and is often performed to bluegrass music.

Clog dancers wear special shoes with taps to create a percussive beat while they move. The style has roots in Irish, English, and African dance, blending cultures into a wonderful American tradition. If you ever visit a North Carolina festival, you’ll likely see folks kicking up their heels to some lively fiddle tunes.

6

Brewer’s Yeast

Image: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Oregon took a microscopic approach to state symbols when it named brewer’s yeast its official microbe in 2013. This tiny fungus, scientifically called Saccharomyces cerevisiae , is the secret behind beer and bread. You like it now, huh?

It ferments sugars, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide, making it essential to Oregon’s craft beer scene. The decision wasn’t just for fun; it’s also that beer contributes billions to the state’s economy. Just to follow the trend, Illinois later named a mold used in penicillin production as its own state microbe. Apparently, microbes deserve their moment in the spotlight, too!

7

Jousting

Image: Casper Johansson

In a move straight out of the Middle Ages, Maryland named jousting its official state sport in 1962. Yes, that jousting you’re thinking of, knights on horseback charging at each other with lances.

While modern jousting is more about precision than knocking opponents off their steeds, it still draws a crowd. Today’s version involves riders aiming to spear small rings while galloping at full speed. Don’t worry, in 2004, lacrosse also became the state’s official team sport, but jousting still holds its title.

8

The Teddy Bear

Image: Izabelly Marques

Mississippi’s official state toy, the teddy bear, has an adorable backstory. It all began in 1902 when President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear during a hunting trip. A political cartoon about the event went viral (for its time), inspiring a Brooklyn couple to create "Teddy’s Bear."

The stuffed animal became a national sensation, and the name stuck. A century later, Mississippi made it official, naming the teddy bear its state toy in 2002. It’s a rare example of a state symbol with a direct presidential connection. But cute anyways!

9

Milk

Image: Anita Jankovic

Believe it or not, 22 states claim milk as their official beverage . But it has nothing to do with keeping the bones strong! This dairy dominance started in the 1980s when milk industry lobbyists pushed for recognition.

While it’s a wholesome, calcium-packed choice, it’s not the most exciting. Some states, like Rhode Island (coffee milk) and Alabama (whiskey), took a more unique approach to the state beverage. Now, whether you drink it or not, milk has certainly made its mark on state symbols. And hey, at least it pairs well with cookies!

10

Natchitoches Meat Pie

Image: Patryk Pastewski

When you think of Louisiana cuisine, you probably think of gumbo or jambalaya, but did you know the state also has an official meat pie ? The Natchitoches meat pie is a deep-fried delight filled with seasoned pork and beef.

It dates back to the late 1700s, and it was named after the local Natchitoches Indian tribe. Declared a state symbol in 2003, it’s celebrated every September at the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival. The festival features music, cooking competitions, and, of course, a meat pie eating contest!