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As we finally put the week behind us, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the many Jewish moments that made it special. And, on this Friday the 13th, we’re reminded that, in Judaism, the number 13 is considered lucky – a notion that’s sure to bring a smile to the faces of superstitious sports fans everywhere.
From camp songs to superstitions, we love to know that our audience is fully invested in the world of Jewish sports. So, take a moment to share your favorite Jewish baseball tales, lucky rituals, or go-to jerseys with us at sports@jta.org. Bonus points if your superstition has a Jewish twist!
Now, onto the fun stuff. Here are 6 Jewish baseball tidbits from the past week that are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat:
* A duo of firsts: Philadelphia Phillies teammates Garrett Stubbs and Max Lazar made history when they both took the mound for their team in the same game, something that has only happened a handful of times before.
* A biblical tattoo controversy: New York Mets third baseman Mark Vientos’ Hebrew tattoo, revealed in the midst of an extra innings celebration, raised some eyebrows – and questions about just who was responsible for the misspelling.
* A pair of ceremonial first pitches: Yeshiva University President Rabbi Ari Berman and 97-year-old Holocaust survivor Irene Kurtz honored the tradition at a pair of recent MLB games.
* A hot streak: Baltimore Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer has been on a roll, with a 3.76 ERA in 10 starts since the All-Star break, and a slew of strikeouts and earned runs in his favor.
* The postseason push: With the Orioles, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and Arizona Diamondbacks all likely to make the playoffs, we’re in for a thrilling end to the season.
And that’s not all. Here are a few more Jewish sporting stories from the past week that caught our eye:
* Baseball: Team Israel alum Colton Gordon, who pitched in the 2023 Qumrand the 2024 Paris Paralympics, was named Pitcher of the Week in the Pacific Coast League.
* Basketball: Los Angeles Lakers veteran Patrick Beverley discussed his Shabbat observance on his podcast, sharing the joys of “not being anxious about anything.”
* Football: New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is still waiting on his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame – or so claims an ESPN report.
As the weekend approaches, here’s what you can expect from the Jewish sports world:
* In baseball, Lazar, Stubbs, and the Phillies face off against Harrison Bader and the New York Mets in a three-game series.
* In soccer, Manor Solomon and Leeds United host Burnley, while Max Homa, David Lipsky, Daniel Berger, and Ben Silverman compete in the Procore Championship golf tournament.
* In racing, Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll takes to the track for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
