August 31, 2010 | 2:09 pm

2010 NFL Preview

Posted by Jeremy Fine

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The Jewish NFL preview is nowhere as big or interesting as an NCAA Basketball or Major League Baseball season. There are however a few stories lines that people keep an eye on. Below is a preview into the Jewish NFL 2010 Season (players only).

10) Adam Goldberg - Goldberg will have a new quarterback under center. His job, protect Bradford at all cost.

9) Antonio Garay - Garay has bounced around the league. Got some decent playing time towards the end of last year. It will be interesting to see if Garay gets to play for real with the Chargers.

8) Kyle Kosier - The ‘Boys are predicted (as usual) to be very good. If they are going anywhere Kosier and the offensive line needs to protect Tony Romo.

7) Sage Rosenfels - Now that Favre is back, Rosenfels goes from possible starter to third string (or even worse looking for a job). He has never really gotten a chance. Poor Rosenfels, we still love you.

6) Adam Podlesh - He is Jewish and gives us a reason to root for a punter. Seriously, the Jags will probably be punting a lot, so if Podlesh plays well he could get some recognition.

5) Geoff Schwartz - Schwartz will start and like Goldberg will most likely be protecting a rookie. He will play a big role on that line, but like most offensive linemen would get too much notice.

4) David Binn - The only Jewish player in the league with Pro Bowl credentials. It is too hard to say that a long snapper will make the Pro Bowl again, but we will keep our fingers crossed. Having a kicker like Nate Kaeding as your kicker puts you in position to make it happen.

3) Igor Olshansky - With Keith Brooking out to start the season Olshanky’s numbers will need to improve. He is fun to watch and expect another solid season from the Big Man.

2) Julian Edelman - Edelman came out of nowhere last year to have a solid season for the Pats. Expect him only to get better. Tom Brady wants it more than ever and should let the ball fly, especially with no real threat in the backfield. He might be third on the depth chart but with Welker and Moss in the game, he will see weak coverage and should exploit it. He is my early pick for Jewish Player of the Year.

1) Taylor Mays - Anyone who reads this blog knows I have been waiting for Mays to get to the NFL for a while. I am extremely excited to see what this talented young Tribesman can do (so is Mike Singletary).  Mays may or may not start the season but I believe he will have a major impact. With Singletary teaching a hard hitter like Mays he might try to relive his ‘85 Bears days vicariously through him.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
Check Out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

August 29, 2010 | 3:38 pm

Top 10 Current Most Jewish Franchises in Sports

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Recently we took a look at the top 10 most important Jews in sports. Today we look at the most important current Jewish franchises in sports. What constitutes as a Jewish franchise? Really anything from a Jewish owner, history, players, announcers, food, or anything else that the team is associated with. Here is your list beginning with the Honorable Mentions: Chicago White Sox, New York Knicks, Washington Redskins, Montreal Canadiens, and New York Mets.

Top 10

10) Miami Heat - The Heat are listed at #10 because of owner Mickey Arison. He made a big splash this off-season by signing Wade, Bosh, and that James fellow. James then started to see a rabbi. Coincidence…I think so.

9) Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys currently employee two NFL’s Jewish players in Igor Olshanky and Kyle Kosier. Olshansky is well recognized and so to should the ‘Boys.

8)  Texas Rangers - While there are back and forth rumors about Scott Feldman, all credible sources say he is in fact Jewish. Add him with All Star Ian Kinsler, the Rangers could actually have been a little higher up on the list.

7) San Diego Chargers - The Chargers are the last NFL team to have an Pro Bowler in David Binn. I am a big believer in accomplishments. Having so few Jewish NFLers it is nice knowing one made it to a pro bowl. They also have Antonio Garay in the mix.

6) New England Patriots - Julian Edelman’s emergence helped the Patriots gain Jewish recognition. But it is owner Robert Kraft that surges the Pats to #6. Kraft is a big giver to the Jewish and Israeli communities. That takes the Pats to #6.

5)  Boston Red Sox - In 2006 the Red Sox had 4 players on their roster in Kevin Youkilis, Craig Breslow, Adam Stern, and Gabe Kapler. Breslow, Stern, and Kapler are all gone but Youkilis remains. Arguably the most recognizable Jewish baseball player in the last 20 years. Youkilis was briefly joined by Scott Schoeneweisthis season. I didn’t even mention GM Theo Epstein.

4) New Jersey Nets - As recently as last year the Nets had a Jewish owner and coach. That puts them in the running right off the bat. They got rid of Frank but added Jordan Farmar, giving the Jewish fans what they want. A Jewish NBA player in NY/NJ area.

3) New York Yankees - I am sure Yankee fans will disagree with me here but the Yankees only make it to number #3 on this year’s list. I will give them Ron Blomberg, but they haven’t had a really recognizable player in a while. They definitely have the most Jewish fans and tons of kosher food, so they make the list. It was actually Yuri Foreman’s Yankee Stadium fight that got them this high.

2) Sacramento Kings - The Kings would never have been on this list before Omri Casspi. But Casspi made the Kings synonymous with Israel. Jewish fans flock to Kings games in Sacramento and all over the country (and Canada). He has sparked Jewish Heritage nights galore. Also, Israel flags are a staple at games. Throw in the fact that they had Slyven Landesberg tryout and play on their rookie summer team, makes the Kings #2 on this list.

1) Los Angeles Dodgers - Yes, I know that Sandy Koufax retired a long time ago. But when anyone who has any idea that there are Jews in sports knows that Koufax was a Dodger and probably the greatest pitcher of all time. Maybe one day the Yankees, Kings, or some other team will replace the image of Koufax postponing a World Series start for Yom Kippur, but for know they continue to reign supreme. Shawn Green carried on that legacy in 2001.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
Check Out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

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August 19, 2010 | 2:49 pm

Interview: The Designated Hebrew - Ron Blomberg

Posted by Jeremy Fine

A while back I met up with Former Yankee (and White Sox) Ron Blomberg. Blomberg, besides being one hell of a good guy, was the first designated hitter ever. He batted .293 for his career, which was shortened due to injuries. But before he got banged up he was a tremendous athlete. He was recruited for baseball, basketball, and football. Blomberg is proud of his career, but one thing that stood out during our interview was that he is also proud of his Jewish heritage. Below is the interview.
Interview

1) What was it like being the first designated hitter of all time?
Wow, it was 38 years ago. It means a lot. It allows another baseball player, who is in his later years in the game and to come back. Like Jim Thome. I love it and it is great for the game of baseball. Same with the pinch hitter. To play a position forever and then come into DH, was a nice opportunity. Personally, I was the designated hitter and designated Hebrew. And being a Jew no one could ever take that away from him or us.

2) You have a book called “The Designated Hebrew.” How is that going?
Right now we trying to get to go paperback. It has sold44,000 copies. I get to speak all over.

3) What was your personal career highlight? Is there anything else you would have liked to have accomplished?
Unfortunately I was injured a lot. I did not fulfill my potential. Back in my day, the medical attention isn’t where it is today. Playing for Yankees was the highlight. Pinstripe. Huge accomplishment. Greatest fans. And bringing religion in as a professional player.

4) What was it like coaching in the Israel Baseball League?
Great coaching in Israel. I was in Tel Aviv. We stayed in the Dan Panorama and no one knew what baseball was. They brought us out to Kibbutz Gezer. It was the greatest experience of my life. To go there and represent what you love and be a Jew and do what you love. And look at where my heritage was from. Greatest experience of his life. Unfortunately, financially it didn’t succeed. People were wonderful, we were loved over there, with Ken Holztman and [Art] Shamsky and it was unbelieveable. People had open arms. In 1973 was asked to come, but couldn’t go. But this time around I was very impressed for its first year. Administration-wise it just did’nt get off the ground but great to give back to the Jews. Israel was fighting everyday, but to give back to the Israelis was great. Fans came to watch. The soldiers were cheering. It had a positive affect. 90% didn’t know so much about baseball, but we got in the paper every day.

5) You were highly recruited out of high school for both basketball and football. Why did you choose baseball?
I was drafted in 1967 number 1 by the Yankees. [John] Wooden offered me a scholarships. I received 125 basketball and 115 football scholarships. My alliegence was to the Yankees. To play there as a Jew was great. Now I have speaking engagements and work the Yankees. Being Jewish gives me opportunites. Like I have a sandwich named after me. But once you’re a Yankee you are always a Yankee. Once you play in New York or Chicago you don’t forget who you played for.

6) What did it mean to you to be inducted in the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame?
Chosen to be in the Hall of Fame with Koufax and Greenberg had a major affect on my life. This year I was voted into the Ted Wlliams Hall of Fame in Tampa. There is a Jewish room. What goes around come around. I am proud to be a Jew. Words don’t express my feelings.

7) Greenberg or Koufax?
Neither was better. Greenberg did his thing and Koufax did his thing. You can’t say Mays or Mantle. They were both great. Different ball players have different skills.

8) What is in store for you next?
I have my radio show. I am at Yankee Stadium all the time. I have speaking engagements. So I will be out there.

Thank you again to Ron Blomberg. Best of luck to you…and your White Sox.
And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For more in Jewish sports check out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

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August 12, 2010 | 4:00 pm

Lebron, a Rabbi, and The Crazy Jewish NBA Offseason

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Nothing in the Jewish sports world has been a bigger story as of late as Amare Stoudemire visiting Israel. First he wasn’t Jewish, then he was, now he isn’t again but wishing me a Boker Tov on my Twitter account. Its just plan crazy. Maybe the craziest thing I have ever heard, that was of course until Lebron James sought out a Rabbi.  According to Tablet Magazine James hired Rabbi Yishayahu Yosef Pinto for some spiritual guidance. Clearly, Lebron dealt with a lot this summer, but word is this Rabbi-to-the-stars is a “shady Kabbalist.” James’ hiring of a rabbi is just the latest in what was a crazy offseason in the NBA. Let us recap:

11) David Kahn’s Troubles Continue - Minnesota and Kahn can’t seem to figure it out. They had 3 pgs on there team and unloaded fan favorite and best player Al Jefferson.

10) Omri Casspi in Israel - Casspi played for the Israeli National team.

9) Celtics hire Lawrence Frank - After his firing midseason by the NJ Nets, Frank gets an assist job with Doc Rivers.

8) Landesberg and Scheyer Left Out of Draft - After much speculation neither Scheyer and Landesberg get drafted but both sign with NBA summer league teams.

7) Landesberg Heads to Israel - After a decent summer Landesberg leaves the Kings to join Maccabi Haifa.

6) Scheyer Out - Scheyer had severe damage to his eye and there is no word on a return.

5) Jordan Farmar Leaves LA - 2 Time NBA Champion leaves the sun in LA and joins the NJ Nets.

4) Mark Cuban Speaks Up - Cuban asked the NBA to investigate the Miami Heat’s signing of the big 3.

3) Lebron James Needs Help - James hires a rabbi to help with spiritual issues.

2) Mickey Arison Inks the Big 3 - Heat owner convinced Dwayne Wade to stay and bring enforcers with him in Lebron James and Chris Bosh.

1) Amare Stoudemire in Israel - Stoudemire’s journey to Israel and new faith in the Jewish religion is all the craze.

As you can see this has been a crazy offseason. Can’t wait for the season to get started.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

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August 11, 2010 | 10:07 am

Top 7 Jewish Sports Stories of the Decade

Posted by Jeremy Fine

What could story #1 be? We have gone through baseball, basketball, hockey, wrestling and even swimming. And this story I bet is a sport that very few people even care about. No, I am not talking about soccer. To get a better sense of what I am talking about watching this video.

Yes, in the sport of windsurfing in the 2004 Olympics, Gal Fridman won Israel’s first gold medal. The video gives me chills. From the excitement of the announcers, to the crowd, to the Hatikvah. This gold medal is a defining moment in the world of Jewish sports. For a moment in time, Israel was on time of the sporting world. No one in the world was better than Gal Fridman. It was not up for debate like who is better Sandy Koufax or Bob Gibson. Israel, the Jews, had the best windsurfer in the world. Period.

But winning the gold does so much more than a Shawn Green day off or a gold medal from Jason Lezak. It shows the world that Israel is thriving and normal. That people in Israel are not just Yeshiva students and soldiers, they are also athletes.

So Gal Fridman is the story of the decade.

I am sure the next decade will bring even more great stories. Maybe a defensive MVP from Taylor Mays or a home run title from Ryan Braun or maybe a smaller sports star will make headlines again. We here at TGR plan on bringing you those stories.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy
For more in Jewish Sports check out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

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August 8, 2010 | 2:05 pm

Hebrew Speaking/Israel Loving NBA Stars

Posted by Jeremy Fine

http://www.tmz.com/2010/08/02/shaquille-oneal-hebrew-jewish-boa-rosh-hashana/

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August 4, 2010 | 10:04 am

Top 7 Jewish Sports Stories of the Decade

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Story #2 might sound like a repeat from 1965. As well all know, maybe the most well known Jewish sports story of All time, Sandy Koufax did not pitch game 1 of the World Series because of Yom Kippur. To think about what that meant to not only the Jewish youth but Jews everywhere is remarkable. Koufax’s decision said to the world my faith is as important as my fastball. That Jewish students, Jewish athletes, and Jewish workers can for a moment forget about their daily rituals and focus on God and their Judaism. It gave people courage and made them feel an undeniable sense of pride.

In September 2001, Shawn Green took Koufax’s lead and did not play on Yom Kippur. Green said he considers himself “a role model in sports for Jewish kids.” At the time the Dodgers were competing for a playoff spot (not quiet the World Series) and Green led the team with 49 home runs. While some of you may feel that this doesn’t deserve the #2 ranking, think about it this way. Michael Jordan’s amazing dunk from the free throw line was ridiculous. As it any less ridiculous because Dr. J did it first? No, amazing is amazing. And not playing baseball on Yom Kippur is just that, amazing.

Before the game was loaded with Jewish ball players there was a long break of standout players. Sure now we have Kinsler, Braun, and Youkilis but Green bridged the gap between them and Koufax, Greenberg, Stone, and Holtzman. So, story #2 of the decade goes to the message sent by Green by taking off for Yom Kippur something Kinsler, Braun, and Youkilis have yet to do.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For more on Jewish Sports check out WWW.THEGREATRABBIBNO.COM

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August 2, 2010 | 12:10 pm

MORE AMARE

Posted by Jeremy Fine

There seems to be conflicting reports. Here is some recent news on the situation.

Sent in by TGR correspondent Rabbi Erez Sherman:



I am at the David Citadel…..was having shabbat
breakfast…....and Amare Stoudemire was sitting at the table next to
me!!!!

He was wearing a Jerusalem t-shirt, an embroidered kippah and after he got up to leave, he greeted us with “shabbat shalom!!!!!”





And this video is SICK!

BUT…..Amare seems to not be halahkically (or even have one parent) Jewish. He clearly does not answer the question directly. Below is another article claiming he is NOT Jewish.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/138891

Regardless of his religion, it is great press for Israel and the Jews. Glad to have Amare on our “team.” Maybe I will have him over for Shabbat sometime.
And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For more on Amare check out WWW.THEGREATRABBINO.COM

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