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The Great Rabbino

August 15, 2012 | 7:46 am RSS

Interview: Author Peter Ephross “Jewish Major Leaguers in Their Own Words”

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Its summer time and the baseballs are flying. Another solid season for Jewish MLBers. We caught up with a man who knows Jewish MLBers just as well as anyone. Peter Ephross is a nice guy who knows writing and baseball. Here is what he has to say:

1) Tell TGR a little bit about yourself?
I grew up in Columbia, MD, so I was originally a Baltimore Orioles fan, rooting for Earl Weaver’s great teams that featured Jim Palmer and Brooks and Frank Robinson, and later, Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken. For most of my childhood, I was a member of the Habonim Dror labor Zionist youth movement. I spent a year in Israel on Kibbutz Gesher Haziv before I went to the University of Michigan, where I earned a BA in history. I also have an MA in history from Brandeis. I currently live in Brooklyn, NY with my wife and two sons. Professionally, I was a longtime editor for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency news service. I’ve published hundreds of articles in more than 20 publications and Web sites, including Publishers Weekly, the Village Voice, and the Forward.

 

2) What inspired you to write “Jewish Major Leaguers in Their Own Words?”

When Martin Abramowitz, the founder of Jewish Major Leaguers, asked me to take on the project and edit the collection, I was thrilled. As a lifelong follower of Jews in sports, it was a dream come true.

 

3) Whose story was the most compelling?

Elliott Maddox’s. His explanation of how he, an African-American player, converted to Judaism makes for fascinating reading.

 

4) What was the most shocking story?

Learning that Saul Rogovin, who played in the 1940s and 1950s, competed with narcolepsy, which wasn’t diagnosed until after he retired from baseball.

 

5) What’s next for you and the book?
I’ll continue to get the word out about my book with appearances at synagogues and other Jewish events. Please contact me at petereph@hotmail.com if you’d like me to speak at your event.

 

6) Who is your current favorite Jewish ball player and why?
As a Mets and Red Sox fan, I’ll give you two: Ike Davis and Kevin Youkilis, even though the latter was recently traded to the White Sox. Both play the game with passion.

 

7) How do you think Israel will fair in the WBC?
My heart says a championship, but my head says quarter-finals.

 

His book is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

 Thank you to Peter and good luck in the future.

 And Let Us Say…Amen.
- Jeremy Fine

 

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August 5, 2012 | 9:21 am

Interview: My Hero and White Sox Draft Pick Mitch Glasser

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Mitch Glasser is not just living out his dream, he is living out mine. Born and raised in Chicago. Moved to Minnesota and then gets drafted by his favorite team, the Chicago White Sox. Seriously, I could not have scripted it any better. Mitch is a great guy and motivated by his dream of playing for the Sox (or running them someday). He also has deep Jewish roots which makes us at TGR even more of a fan. Here is the story of the life I have dreamed about since I was a kid, actually being lived out by Mitch Glasser.


1) Tell TGR a little bit about yourself.
I’m 22 years old. I was born in Chicago and named after Cubs relief pitcher Mitch “Wildthing” Williams. My mom is a Sox fan, my dad is a Cubs fan. I grew up a Sox fan my whole life. When my dad brought me to the bleachers at Wrigley, I always wore my Sox stuff. Went to Macalester College—Psychology major and Religious studies minor.

2) What got you into baseball and when did you know you had a shot to play in college?
My Grandpa taught me how to play baseball at a young age. I have fond memories of playing catch and him throwing me tennis ball batting practice in my grandparents backyard. Although I’m lefty in everything, he made me a righty/righty in baseball. He claims it was so I could play more positions. I wish I hit lefty though.

3) What was draft day like?
It was surreal. I couldn’t watch, so I went to the cages (BASH sports academy) and had my buddy throw me batting practice. When I thought the draft was long done, my buddy from college texted me and said congrats. That was the first time I heard it!

4) What are your future baseball/life goals?
I love playing baseball. However, I think I’m a better coach. I would love to one day open up my own baseball academy. If that doesn’t work out, I guess I’d settle for becoming the 2nd greatest Jewish GM of all time.


5) Who would you rather start a team with Sandy Koufax or Hank Greenberg?
Easy question. Koufax so I wouldn’t have to face him. I heard his fastball rose in the air…No thank you.

6) Ian Kinsler or Ryan Braun?
Both. Hopefully they both play for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic!

7) What was your Jewish upbringing like? How important is your Judaism?
I went to a Jewish day school in Chicago for 11 years. where I learned hebrew and Jewish tradition. In college I took a few classes about Jewish identity with an amazing Rabbi/Professor. There happended to be quite a few Jews on the Macalester baseball team. Some practiced more than others…practiced Judaism that is. We did several Shabbats together at my house.

8) Whats next for you?
I just got news that the White Sox are going to sign me for spring training 2013. I think I’ll do that…it’s only my dream

9) I recently moved to Minnesota, any places I should check out?
Crossroads Deli in Minnetonka! One of the best brunch buffets I’ve ever seen. And I’m a brunch guy. But what Jewish man isn’t? Also, you might want to check out Macalester College’s baseball field. It is one of the most interesting fields in the country—40 foot fences all the way around. That 3 feet taller than the Green Monster at Fenway.

10) I ask all Chicago athletes this; favorite Chicago style pizza?
Deep Dish at Bacinos in Lincoln Park.

11) Any thing else you want to tell TGR?
The US better look out for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic.

Thank you to Mitch for his time. We at TGR are hoping to see you in the Big Leagues soon.
Go Sox.
And Let Us Say…Amen.
- Jeremy Fine

0 Comments — Leave your comment

June 26, 2012 | 11:04 am

Masa Desert Sports Challenge Program - Take the Challenge

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Photo

Recently TGR caught word of the Masa Desert Sports Challenge and we had to learn more. So we went to the source. Karen Kellerman coordinates the program and she is terrific. The program is cool and interesting, and most importantly a great way to experience Israel. We sat down with Karen and here is what she had to say.

Interview with Karen Kellerman

 

1) Please tell the TGR universe a little about yourself?

My name is Karen Kellerman. Originally from the USA, I have lived and worked at Nitzana Educational Community in Nitzana, Israel for the last seven years. Our community is a thriving hub of a variety of people from different parts of the world attending varying educational studies. I am the coordinator for the Masa Desert Sports Challenge program.

2) What is the Masa Desert Sports Challenge program?

It is a 5 month Masa program that includes challenging sports activities of rappelling, diving, swimming, biking, hiking, navigation, running and jeeping. Our participants also study Hebrew, travel throughout Israel , learn about physiology, ecology, cooking and volunteer - all with amazing Israeli guides.

The program cost $8,225, which includes everything except airfare and your personal travel on free weekends, which is optional. We give a grant of $2,500 and Masa offers a grant of approximately $3,000, depending on individual situations, to help on tuition cost.

Our next session is August 5 - December 30, 2012 and we still have spaces available, so if you are 18-26 years old (exceptions made for up to 30 years old) and want to have a truly life changing experience, come and join us.

3) How does one sign up? Just go to our website at:

nitzana.org.il/104982/Desert-Sports-Challenge-1-1-1-1
and scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on “Sign Up” or click on “Nitzana Grant.”

friends.JPG

 

4) What are some of the unique parts to this program?

I think being able to experience so many new things and meet new people within such a short period of time is really unique. In our program, one week you can be rappelling off the cliffs of the Negev Mountains and the next week, scuba diving in the Red Sea. Just by living in our community you will meet Israelis (12,000 students every year attend short term seminars), Jewish youth from the former Soviet Union who are making aliyah, volunteers that come from France, Canada, Switzerland, Spain and Israel. You will also meet young people from Eritrea and Sudan. You will train with young Israelis preparing for the army on a pre-army program. On Fridays and Sundays you will see students from Thailand and Vietnam who are studying agriculture. The environment of our community, along with the different activities and trips planned in the program makes for a very interesting 5 months.

5) How does this program engage athletes with Israel?

Participants are able to live and travel in Israel for 5 months. They study Hebrew and learn many day to day ways of the Israeli culture. Evening activities include studies of Judaism and Israeli history. Every other weekend is free for participants to travel and explore Israel on their own. Our community is very Zionistic (and pluralistic at the same time!!) and is located next to the Sinai desert where so much of our history started, prior to coming into the Promised Land. For many of our participants, a heart connection is made between them and the Land itself. There is no doubt that the seeds planted today through this program will bring an abundant harvest of strong Jewish identity and relationships in the future.

6) Anything else you would like to share with TGR?

Yes, there are two things that I would like to share. Sometimes people are frightened at the idea of our sports activities and feel as if they will not qualify physically. You should know that you are trained step by step in each sporting activity. You have special teachers for each sport and every day you will be engaged in some type of training or practice. You are never asked to do anything that you feel uncomfortable with or that would be unsafe. On the contrary, this program helps to build self confidence, muscles and endurance. I remember one beautiful young lady after running her first 10 K, she said to me, “Now I know that I can do anything.” Learn, practice and train. There are minimum requirements before joining the program in running, biking and swimming which are stated on our website. The program is a great way to lose weight and to establish good habits of exercising every day.

Our community is located in the beautiful desert. Watch the movies below to find out about the program:

Check out our Facebook for more pictures:

www.Facebook.com/DesertSportsChallenge

 

To find out about our region

Thank you Karen for sharing your amazing program with us. Sounds like a great opportunity for anyone looking to explore Israel.

You can find more about the program also by going to TheGreatRabbino.com and click on their link.

And Let us Say…Amen.
- Jeremy Fine
TheGreatRabbino.com

9 Comments — Leave your comment

June 26, 2012 | 10:35 am

Top 10 Jewish Sports Trades of All-Time

Posted by Jeremy Fine

With the great news of Kevin Youkilis being traded from the Boston Red Sox to the Chicago White Sox, TGR has decided to look at where the trade ranked on the list of All-Time trades involving Jewish athletes. Unfortunately, not all the trades ended in success although Youkilis did go 1-4 in his first start vs. the Twins.


Honorable mentions: Walter Samuel from Roma to Real Madrid (2004), Ken Holtzman from the Chicago Cubs to the Oakland Athletics (1971), Mike Cammalleri from the Montreal Canadians to the Calgary Flames (2012) and Scott Schoenweis from the Anaheim Angels to the Chicago White Sox (2003).


10) Taylor Mays from the San Francisco 49ers to the Cinncinati Bengals- In 2010 there was a lot of buzz around Mays. A freakish build and steady production in college led NFL teams to think highly of Mays. Drafted in the 2nd round, Mays showed a few signs of athleticism but he never reached the potential Coach Mike Singletary saw in him. In 2011 he was shipped to the Bengals and continues to underachieve. People are saying 2012 will be his year.


9) Danny Schayes from the Denver Nuggets to the Utah Jazz - In 1990 the son of legendary Dolph Schayes was having a solid NBA season averaging 10.3 PPG and 9.0 RPG while starting all 50 games. He was then shipped to Utah and road the bench. His production dropped to 7.3 PPG and 5.8 RPG and never lived up to the numbers he showed in early ‘90.





8) Sam Fuld from the Chicago Cubs to the Tampa Bay Rays - From 2007-2010 Fuld played sparingly whenever the Cubs called him up. In 2011 Fuld was traded to the Rays as a centerpiece of the Matt Garza trade. Fuld soon became Super Sam and found his way unto SportsCenter’s Top Ten on a nightly basis. Fuld has been bothered by injuries but the trade gave him a chance to play every day.


7) Tamir Goodman from Maccabi Tel Aviv to Giv’at Shmuel - While technically this was a loan not a trade, it was the first sign of Goodman’s basketball career coming to an end. While he inspired Jews everywhere with his cover of Sports Illustrated, Goodman never became the professional ball player many hoped he’d be. No Maccabi Tel Aviv no more Jewish Jordan.


6) Sage Rosenfels from the Houston Texans to the Minnesota Vikings - In 2009 Rosenfels was shipped to the Minnesota Vikings to finally get his chance at a starting position. He was brought in to compete with Tarvaris Jackson. Little did he know that a man by the name of Brett Favre (or some say Farve) would arrive in Minnesota shortly after, sending Rosenfels to QB3.


5) Jason Marquis from the Atlanta Braves to the St. Louis Cardinals/ from the Chicago Cubs to the Colorado Rockies/ from the Washington Nationals to the Arizona Diamondbacks - Marquis has been traded a few times, pretty much every time he has showed signs of life he is shipped off. Unfortunately, Marquis has never become a top of the line starter, but has looked solid for the Padres this season despite a 1-3 record.


4) Art Shamsky from the New York Mets to the St. Louis Cardinals - Shamsky was not happy about his trade in 1968 from the Cincinnati Reds, but it turned out to change his life. Shamsky went on to be a World Series Champ in 1969 with the Mets. Shamsky was tremendously important to that team down the stretch. In 1971 the fan favorite was shipped to the Cardinals and was soon thereafter released. Battling injuries, Shamsky never regained form.





3) Kevin Youkilis from the Boston Red Sox to the Chicago White Sox - The Youkilis trade ranks 3rd on our list. Simply put the Red Sox traded one of their all-time fan favorites. This sendoff was emotional for players and fans throughout the country. Chicago fans are excited to see what the all-star has left in the tank.


2) Omri Casspi from the Sacramento Kings to the Cleveland Cavilers - Jewish basketball is now synonymous with Casspi. He has captivated Israel and the United States and was doing it from Sacramento. His coach fell out of love with him and he was traded to Cleveland. Casspi is a site to see for Jews everywhere and for every game. He plays solid minutes but has yet to fully take off. But as Cleveland gets better, Casspi should fit into his role nicely. 


1) Hank Greenberg from the Detroit Tigers to the Pittsburgh Pirates - The greatest Jewish hitter of all-time was Hank Greenberg, no questions asked. He might also be the greatest player in Detroit baseball history (besides Ty Cobb). So it was a surprise to everyone when he was traded to the Pirates in 1947. Greenberg signed the richest contract in baseball history to return to the field after flirting with retirement. He led the league in walks and hit 25 HRs. 


And Let Us Say…Amen.

- Jeremy Fine

 

1 Comments — Leave your comment

June 22, 2012 | 7:47 am

Stories from the NBA Championship

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Micky Arison Wins His 2nd Championship

 

Gilad Shalit Covers the NBA Finals

 

0 Comments — Leave your comment

June 21, 2012 | 9:07 am

Julian Edelman to the Blue Jays??? And other NFL stories

Posted by Jeremy Fine

We know that the Patriots Julian Edelman is an impressive athlete. He has played Wide Receiver, Punt Returner, Kick Returner, and Safety. But now he is headed to the Blue Jays?

To read more click HERE. Edelman hit 5 homers. Sign him up!

Miss football? Here are some stories to quench that thirst.

 

Schwartz’s Duo First Jewish Brothers Since 1923

 

Carimi Key to Bears Success

 

Mays Starting to Put it Together

 

Rams Happy with Hoffman-Ellis

 

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June 18, 2012 | 12:03 pm

Jewish MLB News

Posted by Jeremy Fine

After so bad luck with injuries, Ryan Kalish made his return to Red Sox Nation as he helped Boston beat the Cubs in Wrigley. The lights were bright and Kalish took at advantage of it. Kalish single put the BoSox ahead 4-3 and they never looked back. Read more HERE about Kalish’s return.

JewishBaseballNews.com is reporting that the Chicago White Sox (awesome) drafted Jewish ball player Mitch Glasser in the 39th round. Glasser has been playing at Macalester in St. Paul MN and was one of 12 Division III players selected. Congrats to Glasser and hope to see you in the Bigs.

 

Click HERE to read more about Glasser’s playing days and HERE for some draft information.

0 Comments — Leave your comment

June 18, 2012 | 12:02 pm

Jeremy Bloom Appears on The Choice

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Fox’s new dating show the choice featured former pro football player and professional skier Jeremy Bloom. Bloom was on the shows series premiere alongside Pauly D (Jersey Shore), Romeo (rapper), and Jason Cook (actor). Bloom ended up choosing a girl named Rachael (religion unknown). In episode 2 it was revealed that their date went nicely but it wasn’t a match. To read more click HERE.

Watch a preview of The Choice

 

 

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