Modern Baseball's Jewish Owners, Executives and Players

It is a paradox, but it can be explained.

Most Jewish individuals are proud that many baseball owners, executives and players are Jewish, but those same individuals become uncomfortable when that fact is pointed out in the media.

The reason might be related to the bias faced by Jews throughout history, which has resulted in the almost reflexive action that, while one's Jewishness should not be hidden, it should not be overemphasized.

Baseball's commissioner, Al "Bud" Selig, the former owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, is Jewish.

Owners Paul Godfrey (Toronto Blue Jays), the Lerner family (Washington Nationals), Jamie McCourt (former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers), Jerry Reinsdorf (Chicago White Sox), Stuart Sternberg (Tampa Bay Rays), Fred Wilpon (New York Mets) and Lewis Wolff (Oakland A's) are Jewish.

Seven of the 30 major league teams have Jewish owners.

Some of the most highly respected general managers are Jewish.

Jon Daniels' Texas Rangers are becoming an American League powerhouse. Theo Epstein will probably have the chance to do for the Chicago Cubs what he accomplished for the Boston Red Sox when he helped put together two World Champion Boston Red Sox teams.

Reuben Amaro Jr. has made the Philadelphia Phillies the team that is expected to win the World Series every season but has done so but once, while Tampa's general manager Andrew Friedman is Jewish.

Since New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner passed away, team president Randy Levine has taken up the spear with respect to what constitutes a successful Yankees' season. According to Levine, success is equated to being the World Champion.

The Yankees and the Mets each have fine pitching coaches. The Yankees Larry Rothschild and the Mets Dan Warthen are both Jewish.

A pretty good team could be made of Jewish players.

Ike Davis at first base, Ian Kinsler at second base, Kevin Youkilis is the third baseman and we can move Danny Valencia to play shortstop.

The outfield consists of Ryan Braun and Sam Fuld, although Braun's mother is not Jewish. Another Jewish outfielder is needed.

The pitchers are led by Jason Marquis, Scott Feldman and John Grabow.

The only Jewish Hall of Famers are Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax. In a few years, they may be joined by Braun, Kinsler and Youkilis.

By the way, Jeff Idelson - Head Of Baseball Hall of Fame, is Jewish.