by Kol Ra'ash Gadol [➚] · Sunday, September 2nd, 2007
OK, I grant you, this isn’t exactly my usual territory, but I just had to share with you all. Salon contributor Jonah Keri writes about the 18 best Jewish ballplayers of all time. I’m not sure whether that’s exactly a special honor (I mean, how many are there total? He had to count people who didn’t even count themselves as Jewish, like Rod Carew) but in these last lingering days of summer, as I notice all the pools closing for the last time tomorrow, I am feeling the call of my old baseball summers, when I would listen to the Orioles on the radio, which is, IMO, the best way to follow a baseball game, if you’re not actually playing, yourself.
The best thing, of course, is to haul out to a field with a mitt and scare people into dropping their bats while the ball shaves their chest hair (if they’re guys).
14) Kevin Youkilis
In Michael Lewis’ bestseller “Moneyball,” Billy Beane famously referred to Youkilis as “the Greek God of Walks.” Not quite. The Red Sox first baseman has parlayed a great batting eye into a key role on baseball’s best team. But he’s actually Jewish, not Greek. He’s also the inspiration for the funniest Internet clip ever about Jews in baseball. “Where’s Mel Gibson now?! Where’s Mel Gibson now?! He’s in rehab, and Youkilis is at first base!”
by Josh Frankel [➚] · Monday, June 25th, 2007
3,112 fans from across Israel converged on the Baptist Village outside of Petach Tikva for the opening game of the Israel Baseball League. The baseball was real, the hotdogs were Kosher, and the kids had a great time. All around the diamond, children, many of whom at their first ball game ran around collecting foul balls, and getting anybody wearing a uniform to sign them. These players, many of whom were passed over in the recent draft got to feel like they were in the big leagues, or at least the Cape Cod league.
More »
by LastTrumpet [➚] · Sunday, June 17th, 2007
I tend to agree with Chomsky’s view of spectator sports, and I generally find many of my fellow Bostonian’s relationship to their team to be rather golden calf-ish, but I’m posting this anyway.
From the newest issue of AJL:
There are five seminal moments in the history of Jewish baseball players. Four of them involve the Boston Red Sox. Only one of them involves the New York Yankees. I really think you should do the math.
The history Jewish players have with the Red Sox is only the first reason why — please sit down now — Jews should not support the Yankees. It’s simple logic. The Yankees and Red Sox hate each other, or at the very least, Yankees and Red Sox fans hate each other.[1] Jewish players have a greater history with Boston. Thus Jewish pride demands some form of (at least) token support for the Red Sox, and any support of the Red Sox cannot exist alongside Yankee fandom.
Please do not try this. A Red Sox fan and a Yankee fan in the same body is a paradox of universe-obliterating proportions. Do you really want to be responsible for the end of all existence?
I’m offering this argument for your own good. I even traveled to the team’s spring training to meet Jewish Red Sox and bring you back their story, though that turned into an adventure all its own.[2] Too long have Jews paid homage to the Yankees and their pinstripes. It makes sense, the center of the Jewish universe being in New York[3], but we should be asking, “What have you done for us lately?â€
The answer is and always has been, “Not much.†In fact, the Yankees have on occasion screwed us out of our rightful due. I will explain everything to you, but first, the aforementioned seminal moments and why all Jews should love the Boston Red Sox and hate the New York Yankees:
Full story.
by EV [➚] · Thursday, March 29th, 2007
I hate you because I love you because I envy you because I hate you because I love you – you know what I mean.
“I’ve got big-time lawyers. I’ve got big-time Jew lawyers. … They know that in this country the Jews are running it if you really think about it. I mean, which is not a bad thing, you know what I mean? … They got a lot of power in this world, you know what I mean? Which I think is great. I don’t think there’s nothing wrong with it. If you look in most professional sports, they’re run by Jewish people. If you look at a lot of most successful corporations and stuff, more businesses, they’re run by Jewish. It’s not a knock, but they are some crafty people. Listen, they are hated all over the world, so they’ve got to be crafty.”
– Former Knicks and Nets player Micheal Ray Richardson
Full story.
by Mobius [➚] · Wednesday, March 28th, 2007
It’s been nearly four years since this segment was done on Dimitry Salita, the ba’al teshuva boxer (incidentally managed by his Chabad shaliach), otherwise known as the “Star of David.” Since its airing, Salita has remained undefeated, scoring 15 knockouts among his 26 victories. Despite his success, Salita’s been somewhat neglected as a fighter, thus far having been denied the chance to rise above his status as junior welterweight champion.
But perhaps that’s about to change. ESPN says he’s long overdue for a shot at the big leagues.
In the weird world of pugilism, where promotional spark is three-quarters of the battle, I have a theory. As long as Salita remains undefeated, his handlers and matchmakers can assure themselves a gate by hyping the story line of Great Jewish Hope en route to the top. It’s a guaranteed money maker: while Jewish people often struggle when it comes to slugging a baseball or dunking or knocking out a bully, we worship the chosen few among us who can.
[...]
But now, it’s time. When Salita inevitably defeats Wiley for his 27th win, he deserves — needs — a big fight. Give him Arturo Gatti. Give him Ricardo Torres. Heck, give him Ricky Hatton.
Yeah, maybe he’ll lose.
But at least he’ll no longer be Dmitriy Salita, the Jewish fighter.
He’ll be Dmitriy Salita, the boxer.
Full story.
by deitybox [➚] · Sunday, January 21st, 2007
Each year, an Israeli organization called Tsad Kadima (Step Forward) hosts the Hike for Hope (website will be updated this week), a three-day hike on the Israel Trail on May 2-4 to raise money for kids with cerebral palsy. They’re a great organization, and it’s a really innovative way to give to a good cause.
You register, then you work to get sponsored at least $1,000, so if they have 45 hikers, they’ve just made $45,000 to help kids with CP and you get an amazing life-changing experience. Win-win situation. The registration fee covers all hike costs – food, tents, mattresses, etc. Shared cabins are additional.
Tsad Kadima is hosting two informational meetings, one in Jerusalem and one in Tel Aviv. Go, bring a friend, get involved. If you can’t hike, consider co-sponsoring someone.
In Jerusalem:
Monday, January 22 @ 19:30
Kehillat Yedidya, 23 Nahum Lifshitz St., Baka, Jerusalem (contact marc@amav.net)
In Tel Aviv:
Monday, February 5 @ 20:00
17/3 Rechov Yishkon, Kerem HaTeimanim, Tel Aviv
(contact yonawise@013.net)
For more details, call 02-654-0062 or email step@zahav.net.il
by TheBarkin [➚] · Saturday, August 26th, 2006
The NY Times has an article on the Mets’ newly acquired Jewish right-fielder Shawn Green. The story quotes lots of Jewish baseball experts and a kid with Jewish hair.
I gotta tell you… I’m a freakin’ huge baseball fan. And I’m a professional Jew. And I couldn’t care less what religion Green is. I didn’t even care when he was on the Dodgers (who lost tonite in extra innings… F%$*!).
Why are people obsessed with Jewish baseball players?
(In an unrelated note… at a party last night someone says to me, “You contribute to Jewschool, right? That is so cool.” Heh.)
by Ruby K [➚] · Wednesday, August 23rd, 2006
You probably shouldn’t get Mel Gibson Mets tickets anytime soon either.
Shawn Green’s career with the Diamondbacks has come to an end.
The veteran outfielder was dealt along with cash considerations to the Mets on Tuesday in exchange for Minor League left-hander Evan MacLane, the Diamondbacks announced Tuesday night.
Arguably the most prominent active Jewish ballplayer, Green’s arrival in New York (while not exactly the second coming of Sanford Koufax) is a smart pickup for the Mets, who try to shore up their outfield in time for the stretch run. But with the Mets making a serious run to the National League pennant, the chaggim located prominently in September/October, and with Yom Kippur day conceivably the Mets first playoff game, will Green sit the games out, Sandy style?? My hope is that Youklis, Gabe Kapler, and Theo won’t have to worry about that dilemma.
Somewhere in heaven, my Nanny’s excited Shawn Green is coming to Queens. But I still prefer my Jews for Jeter gear.
Update: our focus on the Jewish perspective scooped the AP wire:
As baseball’s most prominent Jewish player, Green said the opportunity to continue his career in New York was another factor that persuaded him to agree to the trade.
“It’s something that’s always intrigued me,†Green said. “New York is head and shoulders the largest Jewish population in the country, if not the world, and it will be an interesting and fun experience for me. I’m looking forward to being part of the Jewish community there.â€
by Mobius [➚] · Tuesday, July 11th, 2006
Have you ever noticed how much the words ollie and aliyah have in common?
Peep the first ever Jerusalem skate video, brought to you by the fine folks at Gili’s Skateboards, makers of the awesomely kitschy Tzahal skate deck.
They ain’t the greatest skaters in the world, but damn if they ain’t committed.
Note to parents and educators who want to spark their children’s interest in Israel: Kids eat this sh*t up.
by John Brown [➚] · Friday, July 7th, 2006
Ynet reports:
Two Israelis reach tallest point in the world as part of ‘Everest Climb for Peace’ expedition; one of them plants Israeli and Palestinian flags on summit as gesture to fellow Palestinian mountain climber who collapsed on way to top
Full story here
by The Town Crier [➚] · Thursday, June 29th, 2006
Following Doron Sheffer, the first Israeli player picked in the NBA Draft (by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1996), Israeli basketball player Lior Eliyahu was drafted today by the Orlando Magic and (and subsequently traded to the Houston Rockets) while Israeli Yotam Halperin was taken by the Seattle Supersonics. Full Story
by Mordy [➚] · Sunday, June 11th, 2006
Apparently, according to Jonathan S. Tobin in last week’s The Jewish Exponent, Jews and the World Cup aren’t a sound mix. He claims that the World Cup federation discriminates against Israel. Since other Middle-East (read: Arab) countries are unwilling to play against Israel, Israel is forced to play in the European section – and thus play superior teams (France, Italy, Spain and Germany).
Tobin turns United State’s indifference to Soccer into a meritorous example of “American exceptionalism.” Even ignoring the absurdity of the charge – that because Israel has to play better teams “the federation that governs the cup is as anti-Zionist as the United Nations.” – Tobin’s own piece undermines its conclusion.
Earlier in the article, while discussing the metaphorical use of nationalism in sports, Tobin writes that “using athletes as surrogates for political causes – however just those causes might be – is also profoundly stupid.” So when it comes to Miracle on Ice, he claims there is no significance to the United State’s victory over the Soviet Union. Yet he still claims that when it comes to Israel and the World Cup – one can read into the actions of the federation.
An alternate reading of American indifference is tackled in The Thinking Fan’s Guide to the World Cup, a book filled with contributions from Dave Eggers to Franklin Foer. Here, according to Bryan Curtis in Slate, a group of young intellectuals have embraced the sport for its “cosmopolitanism,” internationalism, and sometimes “Anglophilia.”
In a sense, the reason for the intellectual embrace of soccer and the Jewish rejection of it (at least according to Tobin) follow from a similar source. Both deal with relationship to the international community. For Tobin, the international community is anti-semetic and anti-Israel. The cast of McSweeneys is clearly coming from a different place.
by Ruby K [➚] · Sunday, June 11th, 2006
I admit that watching sports is one of my vices. And as a longtime sweeper and fullback, watching the World Cup has been something I’ve been looking forward to since getting up at 5 am to watch the quarterfinals in 2002.
If any Yidden are unsure as to where their loyalties lay in this edition of the beautiful game’s battle for supremacy, I’d say check out Paraguay’s backline, where the defense is anchored by Captain Carlos Gamarra and Denis Caniza (perhaps changed from Geniza?). Then again, after Gamarra’s own goal during Paraguay’s opening match with England, it may be tough for him to turn the page.
by Mobius [➚] · Wednesday, April 19th, 2006
Yisrael, thou hast a new name, and it is Vince McMahon. The World Wrestling Entertainment chairman and pro-faux-wrestler has announced a tag-team match pitting he and his son Shane against rival Shawn Michaels — a born-again Christian — and God.
WWE.com reports,
One night after WrestleMania 22, HBK [Shawn Michaels is also known as the Heartbreak Kid or HBK] came out on RAW to address the crowd. He said that he was looking forward to getting over his spat with the McMahons, and was looking forward to perhaps challenging for the WWE Championship. Mr. McMahon, however, had a different idea.
The WWE Chairman and son Shane came out to rebut, telling Michaels that it was divine intervention that helped him to victory at WrestleMania. Mr. McMahon then told HBK that no one ever wins a war against the McMahons, and that he would need God’s help again at Backlash, because God would be his partner against them in a tag team match. (Watch the video)
After visiting a church looking for God the next week, (watch the video), Mr. McMahon found him on the April 17 RAW. Early in the night, Mr. McMahon announced a new religion, McMahonism, and said that he was the deity. HBK then came out of nowhere, nailing the WWE Chairman with Sweet Chin Music. (Watch the video)
Michael Jenkinson writes on Slam.ca,
Given McMahon’s long track record for pushing the envelope when it comes to tasteless wrestling angles and ending up with egg all over his face, there’s always the possibility that there will be a, er, backlash to the Backlash match if and when Christian groups hear that God has been reduced to being a player in the WWE’s little morality play.
In fact, the WWE might be counting on it, says Dave Meltzer, editor of the Wrestling Observer newsletter, which covers the fake sport from a behind-the-scenes insider’s point of view. “I really believe that they’re desperately seeking attention right now. They think what’s lacking is no one is talking about them — there’s no water-cooler talk.
“They think this will be like the Mel Gibson movie (The Passion of the Christ) and spur them back into being in the mainstream.”
The match will be aired on Pay Per View April 30.
by Mobius [➚] · Wednesday, April 5th, 2006
This is my friend Bonnie Schwartz. We grew up around the corner from each other. She is the shit and I love her dearly. In this photo, taken by our friend Chris (aka Darieus), she is swimming the English Channel. Bonnie completed her run in just under thirteen and a half hours and with a torn rotator cuff at that! She is — to our knowledge — the first Jewish woman to ever successfully swim the Channel (and she also gives swimming lessons at the JCC in Manhattan and Yeshiva University). You can see more photos of her swim here.
Help Bonnie kick The Ambassador’s ass in Heeb’s Battle of the Schwartzes. Because anyone can make an ass of themselves on Israeli television, but few can swim from England to France with one functioning arm.
by Mobius [➚] · Friday, February 24th, 2006
Our friend Gili Levi, proprietor of Jerusalem’s only skateshop — the inventively named
Gili’s Skateshop — has begun printing his own series of skateboard designs, starting with this tribute to the Israeli Defense Forces. The board is currently in-stock in Gili’s shop on R’ Shammai in Jerusalem, and will soon be available for purchase through Gili’s online store.
Why he chose the British spelling of defense is beyond me, but hey, it’s better than most of the spelling in this city…
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