July is my birthday month, and it usually is a month of personal reflection. I believe most of us would follow the same script.

In terms of sports and pop culture, we tend to think back of former players and items that have crossed our paths and hold a special place in our own checklist. As a result, this is one reason I asked to begin this column.

In this week’s version of my Yesterday column — reminiscing about sports and pop culture from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and sometimes before and beyond — I’ll look back at sports and pop culture figures who are gone — not necessarily dead — but not forgotten.

Thinking back, how did Bill Bergey become an Eagle in July 50 years ago? Who was radio’s Wolfman and a McDonald’s villain? Were you “rockin’ and sockin’ it” during your youth? Finally, what former wrestler used a “Coco Butt?”

A Phillin’ Void ... Recently, I attended the Phillies-Dodgers game on July 10, and saw the statue of Robin Roberts outside the first-base gate.

Roberts’ career is often overshadowed by Steve Carlton, Roy Halladay, and recent rise of Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola.

But Roberts’ contributions should never be overlooked. In 14 seasons with the Phils, Roberts had a 234-199 record with a 3.46 ERA and an amazing 272 complete games.

Along with Roberts, Phillies’ key players that left us through the years were catcher Darren Daulton, outfielder Richie Ashburn, manager Dallas Green, general manager Paul Owens, managers Gene Mauch, Danny Ozark, and Pat Corrales.

Daulton is one of six former Phillies who died from brain cancer with alleged ties to the Vet’s playing surface. Others are Ken Brett, Johnny Oates, Tug McGraw, John Vukovich and David West.

Of course, we should never forget the legendary Harry Kalas, along with his broadcast peers Bill Campbell, By Saam, Andy Musser and Tim McCarver.

Also, don’t forget your favorite moments from Connie Mack and the Vet.

A Dip Too Deep ... On July 10, 1968, the Sixers made major headlines when they traded Wilt Chamberlain — a year off an NBA title — to the Lakers for Archie Clark, Darrell Imhoff, and Jerry Chambers.

Chamberlain wanted to renegotiate his deal, and he sought a minority ownership in the club. General manager Jack Ramsey stated he and Chamberlain tried to work out a new pact, but neither side could agree on a deal.

Like Roberts, Chamberlain’s contributions to the Sixers and the NBA should always be on a pedestal.

Wilt’s trade will continue to go down as one of the darker days in Sixers history. He arguably could have won another title with the cast around him in Philly.

An Eagles Flies North ... On July 10, 1974, the Eagles traded a 1977 first-round selection and first- and second-round picks in 1978 for Bengals’ linebacker Bill Bergey.

Bergey had completed the fourth year of a five-year deal with the Bengals, and he was drafted by the then Washington Ambassadors of the World Football League (WFL).

He signed a services contract with the WFL team, but the team moved its operation to Orlando with a new owner, who balked at Bergey’s potential new deal.

Bengals fans were upset with Bergey, who decided a change of scenery was necessary. At the time, the Eagles needed a middle linebacker, and then owner Leonard Tose offered him a five-year deal.

The energetic and flamboyant Bergey became a mainstay in Philly, and was a key cog to the Eagles’ Super Bowl run.

Cut the Cake ... On this date, there were some notable baseball players born who played in the 1960s through the 70s.

Do you remember ex-Cardinal pitcher Scipio Spinks (169-73), ex-Rockies pitcher Mike Munoz (1989-2000), ex-Red pitcher Mario Soto (1977-88), and longtime and original ex-Expo outfielder and first baseman Ron Fairly (1958-78), who had a 21-year career?

By the way, the 1975 song “Cut the Cake” by the Average White Band reached No. 7 on the R&B chart and was No. 10 on the pop chart.

It is a song that shouldn’t be forgotten.

A Hungry Thief ... With McDonald’s visibility on the rise in the early 1970s, the Hamburglar made his debut. He was a hamburger thief who spoke in gibberish in various commercials.

Even though he wasn’t always on the McDonald’s scene, the Hamburglar had a shelf live until 2003.

A True Ringer ... Back in the day, do you remember getting your first bat weight?

These were the small, donut-like weights that you couldn’t wait to put on the end of your bat. I even used one once at the end of a whiffle ball bat for full effect.

They are still around today but more elaborate in their nature.

Rockin’ Your World ... Did you have a set of ‘Rock’Em, Sock’em Robots? I don’t believe I ever had a set (this is what happens when you reach a certain age).

The set of plastic boxes were invented by Marx in 1964, and the project was nearly disbanded due to the death of boxer Davey Moore in the ring in 1963.

It became an instant hit as well as a classic reference to two persons fighting. Sylvester Stallone did the voiceover for one of the commercials.

A Favorite Midnight Howl ... Growing up, most of us remember the legendary disc jockey Wolfman Jack.

Jack became an overnight sensation on AM radio in the mid-60s for his raspy voice, and he broadcast just over the country’s far west in Mexico. While there, he was known for his outlandish antics and actions as well as controversial cures, all of which could have had him reportedly censored in the states.

“The Wolfman” did have stints in Los Angeles and New York, and he was the host of “The Midnight Special” and had played himself in “American Graffiti,” both in the 70s.

In the early 90s, Jack, whose real name was Robert Weston Smith, hosted a weekly syndicated radio show.

He suffered a heart attack and passed away on July 2, 1995, at the age of 57.

WWWF/WWE Wrap ... Each week, I’ll recall a famous wrestler from our past.

Do you remember Bobo Brazil? He began wrestling in the 1950s and was recognized as a pioneer black wrestler in the sport, often known as the “Jackie Robinson” of wrestling. His main move was the “Coco Butt” (a head butt).

Brazil wanted to use the tag “Boo Boo Brazil,” but the promoter misspelled it to “Bobo” and the name stuck.

Brazil wrestled mainly in the NWA, but he did spend time in the WWWF during the 1980s, known for matches against Andre the Giant and Big John Studd. He held the titles of NWA Champion, WWE United State Champion, United States Champion in the Mid-Atlantic Region, and tag-team championships.

Brazil, whose real name was Houston Harris, retired from the ring in 1992, and passed away in 1998 at age 73.

Memory Lane ... Each week, I’ll recount a career of a former player, coach, manager or media personality from our yesterday.

Do you remember Phillies’ pitcher Wally Ritchie? He was a fourth-round pick in the 1985 draft, and spent four years with the Phillies for the 1987-88 and 1991-92 seasons.

The lanky left-handed reliever’s best season was in 1991 when he pitched 50.1 innings and had a 2.50 ERA in 39 games. Overall, Ritchie appeared in 147 games and had a 6-5 record with a 3.14 ERA. On June 4, 1991, Ritchie hit Atlanta’s Otis Nixon, who then charged the mound to engage in a scuffle. Ritchie was suspended for one game.

He became a free agent in 1992 and eventually signed with the Dodgers. However, Ritchie was released and had minor-league stays with the Tigers, Reds and Pirates before he left the game in 1995.

Final thought ... Remembering those who are gone from the scene, my favorite Phillie was former second baseman Dave Cash, who coined the phrase “Yes We Can” during the team’s rise toward being a prime contender.

Who was yours?

For all those celebrating a birthday in July, all the best. Mine is the 28th.

Feedback ... Your thoughts are always welcomed at tnsports@tnonline.com