How Jacob Steinmetz balances baseball and Orthodox Judaism (Bible, Christians, Sabbath)

[mike1003]

How the first Orthodox Jew in an MLB organization is making it work

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sport...-diamondbacks/

The second call was less important but only slightly.



The first had been historic. Two years ago, the Arizona Diamondbacks made Long Island high-schooler Jacob Steinmetz the first Orthodox Jew drafted by an MLB organization. It was a joyous occasion, but it was also scary.








Steinmetz was embarking on a career that might be at odds with his religion. Would he be able to keep kosher while making his way through the small towns that populate the minors? Would he be able to properly observe the Sabbath, abstaining from riding in cars and buses and using any kind of electricity? Could professional baseball and Orthodox Judaism coexist?

This is a really great article

[Lillie767]

I wonder if non-Jews are surprised or confused by the apparent lack of agreement on what constitutes a Jew of a particular traditional branch: orthodox, conservative, or reform. We self-designate and self-select what we call ourselves. I remember when I moved to a new neighborhood and went to services at the local orthodox synagogue. I was surprised to see the parking lot open on Shabbos and many people drove.

Steinmetz has created a balance that is comfortable for him. All of us have to find our place in how we observe rituals and how we live our lives. I'm grateful for the latitude.


As we approach the High Holidays, I'm sure that Sandy Koufax's and Hank Greenberg's refusals to play on Yom Kippur will be remembered. However, there are many other Jewish men who played baseball who are less remembered.

https://www.jta.org/2022/08/11/sport...now-but-should

[webster]

I credit Koufax with baseball being the only team sport I like. In the end, I think Christians are not confused given the plethora of denominations. I live the in Bible Belt, there are literally six Protestant churches within a mile or two - definitely no more than two - miles of my house.