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Oct 21, 2024, 7:52 PM

The Spirit of Celebration: Lessons from Simchat Torah and the World Series

As the Dodgers and Yankees prepare to face off in the World Series, fans across the nation are gearing up for a thrilling, high-stakes showdown. Baseball’s biggest event brings with it a sense of anticipation, camaraderie, and a bit...

Dec 18, 2023, 1:21 AM

Who Is a Jew? A Baseball Perspective

Wiki Commons

For the past year I’ve been giving a talk (in-person and via Zoom) called “The Secret History of Jews and Baseball” to Jewish organizations around the country. I point out that since 1901, 187 Jews have played in the...

Oct 6, 2023, 8:31 PM

From Appalachia to Kawkaba, the Craziest Sukkah I Ever Slept In

Kawkaba Outpost, Southern Lebanon, second week of October 1987. I insisted on sleeping in the Sukkah, my commanders didn’t even bother to say no. Okay Harrison, if you want to die knock yourself out. Everyone else on the outpost slept...

Jul 11, 2023, 6:23 PM

Stepping Up to the Plate

Be An All-Star Stepping Up to the Plate: Rallying Support for Loved Ones Battling Depression Introduction "Take me out to the ballgame, take me out with the crowd!" Ah, how these lyrics stir memories of cheering crowds, buzzing excitement, and a shared spirit...

Joseph C. Kaplan

May 18, 2023, 9:06 PM

Winning the Championship of Life

In a recent conversation with a good friend (with whom I’m sometimes privileged to share this page), I remarked on several successes I had with my children; namely, that all four liked Peter, Paul, and Mary, and that three...

Elli Wohlgelernter

Apr 14, 2023, 12:39 AM

The legend of Jacob Steinmetz

Jacob Steinmetz, three hours after striking out Manny Machado. (elli wohlgelernter)

When a 19-year-old Modern Orthodox pitcher from a Long Island yeshiva struck out Manny Machado at the World Baseball Classic, a childhood dream was fulfilled. Mine. MIAMI (March 14, 2023) – Team Israel pitcher Jacob Steinmetz stands on the mound...

Mar 31, 2023, 10:47 AM

Passover and Baseball: A Grand Slam

What immediately comes to mind when the subject of Passover is brought up cannot be more standard or consistent. Obsessive cleaning, seder menus and guests, matzoth to satisfy any and all diets, and unending bottles of wine are the...

Elli Wohlgelernter

Mar 14, 2023, 9:55 PM

Of All the Perfect Games

History was made last night at the World Baseball Classic for Team Israel – and for me too. I have been going to baseball games for 61 years, and it has been a blessing. I have seen just about everything. Well,...

Mar 6, 2023, 9:16 AM

Zionist’s Guide to the World Baseball Classic–Pool D

In nearly every World Cup, there is usually one qualifying round group known affectionately as the "grupo de la muerte" or "Group of Death." This group is the one with the toughest, most evenly-matched competition wherein at least one very...

Mar 5, 2023, 7:21 AM

Zionist’s Guide to the World Baseball Classic – Pool C

And so we arrive in Phoeniz, Arizona, the home of Pool C of the WBC. Competition will begin on Saturday, 11 March, and will feature squads from the USA, Mexico, Colombia, Canada, and Great Britain. The big boys here--both in...

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