Ryan Braun, “proud role model for Jewish kids” named National League MVP 2011

Milwaukee Brewers Ryan Braun on Oct. 2. Photo by REUTERS/Pool

Ryan Joseph Braun, left fielder for the Milwaukee Bewers has been named this year’s Most Valuable Player. The Granada Hills native is the son of Joe Braun, who was born in Israel and lost most of his family in the Holocaust. His mother is Catholic, but the baseball player identifies as Jewish.

“I am Jewish,’’ Braun told USA TODAY last year. “It’s something I’m really proud of. But I don’t want to make it into something more than what it is. I didn’t have a Bar Mitzvah. I don’t want to pretend that I did. I didn’t celebrate the holidays.

“It’s a touchy subject because I don’t want to offend anybody, and I don’t want groups claiming me now because I’m having success. But I do consider myself definitely Jewish. And I’m extremely proud to be a role model for young Jewish kids.’‘