Batter Up!

Shanah Tovah! Tonight, with Jews all around the world we will usher in another new year. What do we hope 5773 will bring? Each new year brings the possibility of fresh starts, new beginnings and second chances and while I think most often we focus these changes on ourselves more than we do on others,I think that is often the intent. This is a time of introspection.  This year however, I would like to share with you an opportunity to do something for another person, a fellow Jew, and this very well might be the easiest thing you've ever done. It costs nothing and the rewards for him will be like the MasterCard commercial...priceless.

I recently read a story about Adam Greenberg, and I've been fascinated by his story.On July 9, 2005, Adam Greenberg made it to the big leagues.  He was on the roster of the Chicago Cubs, and like Cub fans believed in the potential of the Cubs. In the ninth inning facing the Florida Marlins, Greenberg was called to pinch hit by Cubs' Manager Dusty Baker. It would be the first and only time he stepped up to the plate in the major leagues.

On the very first pitch, Greenberg was struck in the back of his head with a 92 mile an hour fastball. This resulted in a major concussion, and a devastating and immediate end to his dream as a major leaguer. According to the rules of Major League Baseball,because he was hit by the pitch, there is no record of Adam Greenberg getting an official at bat in the bigs, but only a plate appearance.

Over the past 7 years, Adam has been recuperating, has never given up and remains as focused as ever to return the plate at least one more time, and this is where you, your friends and family members come in. Thanks to self described "longtime baseball fanatic" named Matt Liston, we all can help Adam achieve his goal. He created a website called www.OneAtBat.com and with enough signatures on this petition it is believed that the Chicago Cubs would give Greenberg his official one at bat at the end of their final home stand this season.

Time is of the essence here. For many of us baseball has left a sour taste in our mouths this year. Let's change that! If there were ever a time for second chances, the High Holy Days provide that time.

So please, visit the website. www.OneAtBat.com and watch the moving video, but more importantly sign on and encourage others to do the same.

Let's give Adam Greenberg his second chance!

Favorite Jewish Baseball Player

Inspired by the convergence of the High Holy day season and the baseball postseason, I recently checked out "The Baseball Talmud" from the TBS library. It ranks the best major league Jewish baseball players of all time.

While Sandy Koufax and Hank Greenberg may have been the best from the past, and Ryan Braun might be the best current Jewish player, my favorite is Harry Danning. Harry was a catcher for the NY Giants between 1933 and 1942. Why Harry? His nickname was "Harry the Horse", and he was the inspiration for Frank Loesser when he created the same-named character in my favorite musical, Guys and Dolls. Judaism, baseball and musical theatre - that's my magical combination!

Who have been your favorites, or what encounters have you had with Jewish major leaguers?