Are there any active Jewish MLB players? Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and it has a rich history of Jewish players. From the earliest days of the sport, Jewish players have been a major part of the game. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of Jewish players in MLB, with many of them becoming stars. In this article, we will explore the history of Jewish players in MLB and look at some of the most notable Jewish MLB players today.
History of Jewish MLB Players
The first recorded Jewish MLB player was Lipman Pike, who played for the Troy Haymakers in 1871. He was followed by Hank Greenberg, who played for the Detroit Tigers from 1930-1941 and was a four-time All-Star. Greenberg is widely considered to be one of the most influential Jewish players in MLB history. Other notable Jewish MLB players include Sandy Koufax, who was a three-time Cy Young Award winner and a seven-time All-Star, and Al Rosen, who was the 1953 AL MVP.
Modern Jewish MLB Stars
Today, there are several Jewish MLB players who are making an impact on the game. One of the most notable is Ryan Braun, who has been a star for the Milwaukee Brewers since 2007. Braun was the 2011 NL MVP and is a six-time All-Star. Other active Jewish MLB players include Ian Kinsler of the San Diego Padres, Kevin Pillar of the Boston Red Sox, and Joc Pederson of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Jewish MLB Players in the Hall of Fame
Several Jewish MLB players have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Hank Greenberg was inducted in 1956, and Sandy Koufax was inducted in 1972. More recently, two Jewish players were inducted in 2019: Mike Mussina, who pitched for the Baltimore Orioles and New York Yankees, and Lee Smith, who played for eight teams over 18 seasons.
Jewish MLB Teams
There have been several Jewish MLB teams throughout history. The first was the Brooklyn Dodgers, who had several Jewish players on their roster in the 1940s and 1950s. The most notable was Sandy Koufax, who became one of the team’s star pitchers. Other Jewish MLB teams have included the Los Angeles Angels, the Cleveland Indians, and the Milwaukee Brewers.
Jewish MLB Players in the Media
Jewish MLB players have also become popular figures in the media. Ryan Braun, for example, is a frequent guest on talk shows and has been featured in several commercials. Other prominent Jewish MLB players in the media include Ian Kinsler, who has been featured in several ESPN commercials, and Kevin Pillar, who has appeared in several MLB Network programs.
Jewish MLB Players and Charity Work
Many Jewish MLB players have also been involved in charity work. Ryan Braun’s charity, the Ryan Braun Foundation, focuses on providing educational opportunities for children in underserved communities. Ian Kinsler’s charity, Kinsler’s Kids, focuses on providing support for military veterans and their families. Kevin Pillar’s charity, Pillar to the People, focuses on providing support for high school athletes.
Conclusion
Jewish MLB players have been a part of the game since its earliest days. Today, there are several prominent Jewish players in the league, including Ryan Braun, Ian Kinsler, and Kevin Pillar. Several Jewish players have also been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and there are several Jewish MLB teams. Jewish MLB players are also active in the media and charity work. It is clear that Jewish players have made a lasting impact on the game of baseball.
References
- Baseball Hall of Fame: baseballhall.org/
- Ryan Braun Foundation: ryanbraunfoundation.org/
- Kinsler’s Kids: kinslerskids.org/
- Pillar to the People: pillartothepeople.org/