Jewish athletes have played a vital role in shaping Major League Baseball, leaving behind a legacy of skill and perseverance. Early figures like Lipman Pike helped pave the way, while legends such as Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax overcame challenges to reach the highest levels of the sport. Today, stars like Alex Bregman and Max Fried continue that tradition, demonstrating that Jewish players remain an important part of baseball’s ever-evolving story. I am personally interested in this topic because I have a love for baseball and I’m Jewish. Additionally, I believe Jewish MLB players have an important perspective in the world of baseball that needs to be explored. My name is Nathan Fine, please join me as I explore this topic.

The Current Jewish Stars of the MLB

Many Jewish ball players have had a major footing in Major League Baseball (MLB) for many years, they have worked hard to make their own mark on the sport. Today, a new generation of Jewish players continues to establish their legacy in the great American pastime. These athletes showcase not only their impressive abilities on the field, but also their Jewish pride off the field. Their Jewish background informs their experiences on and off the field, defining their connection to the sport and to their communities.

Max Fried

The New York Yankees left handed ace Max Fried grew up in Santa Monica,California, in a Jewish household. As a child and throughout his adolescence Fried idolized the legendary hall of fame left handed Jewish pitcher Sandy Koufax and even wore number 32 in high school as a tribute to him. Throughout his career, Fried has discussed his pride being Jewish as a player and participated in Jewish heritage sporting festivities. His own heritage traces generations back into the Jewish community, and he has enjoyed his status as a champion of Jewish greatness in baseball.

Alex Bregman

Boston Red Sox phenom third baseman Alex Bregman has never been afraid of his Jewishness. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bregman grew up by celebrating a Bar Mitzvah and talking about his identification with Jewish heritage. During his time with the Houston Astros, he has openly worked with the Houston Jewish community, participating in events and showing support for Jewish causes. Over the past few years, Bregman has expressed solidarity with Israel, even sketching a Star of David on his cap on game days. His identification with his heritage has led to him becoming an example to follow for young Jewish athletes.

Joc Pederson

Texas Rangers outfielder Joc Pederson is of a Jewish heritage and has kept this background alive since he became professional. He played for Team Israel in international games, such as the 2013 and 2023 World Baseball Classic, wherein he brought forward Jewish baseball athletes onto the world stage. Pederson has illustrated howbeing the representative of Jewish sportsmen playing professionally is special to him and has participated in Jewish community affairs.

Zack Gelof

Zack Gelof, Athletics young star, grew up attending Hebrew school and has remained close to his Jewish roots. He represented his roots on the international stage playing for Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Gelof spoke highly of the Jewish baseball culture and hopes to keep the Jewish success streak alive in MLB.

Garrett Stubbs

Garrett Stubbs, a Philadelphia Phillies catcher, has proudly claimed his Jewish heritage during his career. He was one of four Jewish players to play in the 2021 World Series, the other three being Fried, Bergman, and Pederson, which was a first for Jewish baseball representation. Stubbs has taken part in Jewish heritage games and has given speeches on how vital it is to acknowledge Jewish athletes in professional sports.

Dean Kremer

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer was the first Israeli to play in MLB. Kremer was born in Stockton, California, and is both an Israeli-American citizen and divides his time between Israel and other locations for part of each year. He represented Team Israel in a number of international events, including the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classics. Kremer has stated publicly that he is proud to be an Israeli player and has been active in the Jewish community.

Jewish MLB players continue to honor their heritage as they dominated their sport. Whether through their participation in Jewish community functions, playing for Team Israel, or their own individual ties to Jewish traditions, these players reinforce a legacy of pride and perseverance.

The Biggest Day in Jewish Baseball History

It was October 6, 1965, and the Los Angeles Dodgers were to play the Minnesota Twins in Game 1 of the World Series. The ace of the team, Sandy Koufax, would presumably pitch. But Koufax, perhaps the best left handed pitcher in baseball history, made a choice that October that went beyond athletics. He refused to pitch because the game was on Yom Kippur, the most sacred day in the Jewish faith.

Koufax’s absence was not unexpected to his friends. He had spent time off for Jewish holidays during his entire career, such as Rosh Hashanah and Passover. Missing Game 1 of the World Series was an extremely defiant move. However, it was one that resonated with Jewish sports players and fans everywhere. His absence left a gap in the rotation of the Dodgers, and Don Drysdale was drafted into duty in his place. Drysdale had a tough time, surrendering seven runs in less than three innings, prompting Drysdale to say to manager Walter Alston, “I bet you wish I was Jewish too.”.

Koufax placing his religious beliefs above baseball created an instant in sports history which inspired generations to follow. It was a firm religious identification statement, showing that even at his highest pressure moment, personal belief was greater. His action encouraged generations of Jewish sportsmen, showing that religious belief and professional success could indeed intersect.

Although absent from Game 1, Koufax returned to dominating. He pitched Game 2, Game 5, and Game 7, which is extremely difficult to do with such little rest. This delivered a classic performance in the final game with a shutout complete-game performance, securing the World Series title for the Dodgers.

Koufax’s Yom Kippur decision is the most iconic of all Jewish sports moments. It’s a decision that’s invoked time and time again as the ultimate symbol of unwavering commitment to religious faith, and his legacy is still felt today by Jewish athletes. What he did in 1965 had nothing to do with baseball per se, but it had to do with identity, honor, and refusing to compromise one’s beliefs.