Kosher Stadium Update

Thank you to Jeffrey Abraham (husband of correspondent Lauren Abraham) for sending in this tidbit about his trip to an Indians game.

There is a glatt kosher hot dog stand at section 140 which is legitimately kosher--it's glatt, under supervision, etc.  However, there is another stand at section 121 which says "Super Kosher Dogs"--these hot dogs are kosher hot dogs, but the stand is not under supervision and the Cantor from Canton said that the buns they use at the "Super Kosher Dogs" station are dairy.  So, tell everyone to only get hot dogs at the glatt station at section 140.

Video of the Week - NHL Commish

This video was sent in by TGR fan Paul Adam from Dandy Koufax. It is NHL Commish Gary Bettman under fire. Enjoy.

NBA Summer League

Unfortunately, for Jewish basketball fans both Jon Scheyer and Sylven Landesberg did not get drafted. Now both are going to try make an NBA team the old fashion way...by earning it.

Their journey starts in the NBA summer league. Landesberg was immediately scooped up by the Sacramento Kings. That's right  Landesberg is going to join Omri Casspi this summer. We will be keeping an eye on what could be a dynamic Jewish combo. Click HERE for more.

While there is no confirmation to where Scheyer is headed, sources say he is headed to Miami. This would be a nice fit for Scheyer because Miami could use a shooter and has some roster spots available.

Good Luck to both and we will keep you posted.
And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy

Quick Shabbat Shalom

A quick Shabbat note. 30,000 hits. Thanks to everyone one who has been reading throughout the entire year. I really appreciate it.

Thanks to Doron Kramer for the interview.

NBA Draft was super annoying. Lets hope Landesberg and Scheyer catch on somewhere.

POLL
Still going on. Vote away.

TGR News:
Not too much to report besides going to the Sox/Cubs game on Sunday...but that's not a Jewish thing, its just fun.

Haven't had too much time to work on the blog but hope to soon.

Shabbat Shalom.
And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

NBA Draft Disappoints

Well, for weeks now TGR has been trying to follow Jon Scheyer and Sylven Landesberg as they prepare to get drafted into the NBA. I am sadly reporting that neither was taken in the 2010 NBA draft. In fact many no names were taken as Scheyer a national champion from Duke sat and watched the draft come to an end at midnight EST.

I suspect both players will get invited to NBA rookie camps and try to latch on after that. If not, I am sure Maccabi Tel Aviv is waiting.

Longest Tennis Match Ever NOT Played By A Jew

So many people want to know is John Isner, who just played the longest tennis match ever, Jewish? The answer is NO, sorry. Below was taken from his website.

YOU ARE A GREAT ROLE MODEL, BY ANY CHANCE, ARE YOU OF JEWISH DESCENT?

Submitted by Judith Meyer, Briarcliff,New York

I'm glad to hear that you think I'm a good role model, i appreciate that comment. Actually I am not of jewish decent but I get asked that frequently I guess because my last name sounds somewhat jewish.

Non-Israeli Soccer for Israelis - AJAX!!!

I should warn you that before reading this article it might change your plans for your future vacation to Amsterdam. Instead of going to a museum or just riding the bicycle around the lovely streets of Amsterdam, you might find yourself in the middle of a soccer match wearing the red and white shirt of Ajax Amsterdam.

The local soccer club which had its glory days at the beginning of the 70’s and mid-90 has a strong connection to Judaism.

Journalist Simon Kuper explains how Ajax has become a synonym name for Jews in the Netherlands. In his book, “Ajax, The Dutch, The War”, Kuper provides explanations to the mysterious connection between the Jewish people and Ajax. Their old stadium was located not far from the Jewish neighborhood so most Jews who wanted the watch soccer had no choice but taking the “Ajax line” of the tram to “De Meer” stadium. The large Jewish community embraced the team and made every Sunday afternoon a celebration. Even some Jewish players have found themselves playing for the club.

The situation remained this way even after World War II, with the survivors returning to their homes in Amsterdam. The lonely people who lost almost everything and everyone they knew found comfort and a connection to Ajax.

Ajax’s rival teams, Feyenoord and Dan Haag gave Ajax’s fans the nickname, “Jews”. Hateful and stupid anti-Semitic songs have spread around football stadiums in the Netherlands. A Rabbi in Rotterdam has described how he would walk in the streets and kids would yell at him, “Ajax!, Ajax!.”

Despite that, or because of that, Ajax’s fans decided to adopt the Jewish symbol. During Ajax’s game beside the red and white flags, you can find Israeli flags and banners with the Star of David.

The biggest fans of Ajax is an organization called “F-Side.” They changed their symbol to the Star of David and many of the members have a “Jewish Star” tattooed even though aren’t Jewish.

When Maccabi Tel Aviv played against Ajax in the champions league both supporters held Israeli flags at the Amsterdam Arena. This gave the impression of an Israel national team home game.

The local Jewish community was not pleased with the increase of the anti-Semitic songs around the country. Although the hate was directed at Ajax and not the Jewish community, some feared it would attract some trouble to the community.

The local government interfered to stop the racism around the country. Some suggested even to ban the Israeli flag from Ajax games. But the courts decided to ban any kind of anti-Semitic songs at Ajax football games. Singing the racist songs can be sent to prison and be banned from soccer stadiums all over the country for the rest of his life.

The connection between Judaism and Ajax has made the club very popular in Israel. In the club’s glory days, Ajax was the most popular European club. Their recent failures (for the last fifteen years) have given teams with the large money from Spain and England an advantage. Nonetheless, the Dutch national team is very popular and many of Israelis pick the Netherlands as their team due to the absence of Israel in the World Cup. Any victory for the Dutch team is celebrated in the bars of Tel Aviv and the more they continue their run in the World Cup, the more you will see the famous orange jerseys in the streets.

Interview with Jewish Blogger Doron Kramer

After receiving an email from Doron Kramer I looked into his blog. I found out he too has a Jewish sports blog. Kramer, whose basketball career recently came to an end, was kind enough to take some time to answer a few questions. Enjoy!

1)    Tell me a little bit about yourself and how you got into blogging?
I've been playing professional basketball in Israel for the last 20 years, mainly in division 2 teams (Netanya, Lev Hasharon, Ramat Gan in div 1). Throughout the years I also found a big interest in writing. I had some contacts with journalists and I started writing in different local newspapers in Israel. The next step was becomig a columnist for the sports section of "Haaretz", and then in the financial newspaper "Globes" which I started a weekly column (which they called a blog) about my life as a veteran player in the Israeli basketball world. Currently, I write for "Israel Hayom".

At some point I felt I had more things to say. That is when I started my blog "Sport, life and all that shit".

I retired from basketball 6 weeks ago at the age of 37. Next year I will be coaching the 18 and under Netanya team. I am also the Athletic Director at the American International School in Israel.
 
2) Tell me about your site?
As I mentioned, I opened my blog because I had many things to say. I write about Israeli basketball from a player's point of view. I wrote about my retirement. I write about Israeli soccer, media, American and European sports, world cup and anything else I find interesting.
 
3) What are your major stories and focus?
My current focus is on the world cup in soccer. I try to keep up with current events but I do not feel obligated to write about everything that is going on. It is MY blog. So I basically write about my own interests. It can be a TV show or a cool out of bounce play I saw (http://doronkramer.com/?p=598).

4) Where do you get your information?
 I do not consider my self a journalist. I get my information from other media but many times I do not need other information since I write about my life.
 
5) What is the most exciting thing that has happened, due to your site, since you started blogging? 
I receive many positive comments from friends, colleagues and people that comment in the blog. My retirement blog made a buzz. I also got the "Israel Hayom" job because of the blog.
 
6) What is the long term goal of the website? 
To be bought by someone with a lot of money! I got a few offers so far but I am still waiting for the right one.

To read more check out doronkramer.com.

And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

Tough First Round For Jewish ATP

It was a tough opening round of Wimbledon for both Jewish men in Wimbledon singles play. We might have some hope in doubles play. We will keep you posted.

Nicholas Massu lost in 4 sets (Round 1)

Jesse Levine lost in 4 sets (Round 1)

Where Will Scheyer and Landesberg Go?

June 24th will possibly be the next chapter in Jewish Professional Basketball. With two prospects in this year's NBA draft we went to the Jewish sports experts to see where might Duke's Jon Scheyer and Virginia's Sylven Landesberg end up.

Josh Borenstein - Creator of Jewsinbaseball.blogspot.com

Based on their respective ceilings, I believe Landesberg will be taken first. I think he'll be an early second round pick or a late first round pick. Definitely could sneak into the first round. I think Scheyer will be a late second round pick. At best, he'll be taken early in the second round. No idea which teams will draft them. Best guess: Scheyer goes to Minnesota and Landesberg goes to New Jersey.

Dane DiLiegro - Senior Center at New Hampshire 
I'm gonna have to go with Scheyer in the early second round. I don't know how good his strength is. 

Steve Grossman - Jewishcoaches.com

I think both Scheyer and Landesberg will be drafted mid to late 2nd round. I would draft Landesberg before Scheyer, since I think he is more athletic and can do the intangibles better then Scheyer.

Adam Katz - TGR Fan - Duke Alum

My credible sources say Scheyer WILL be drafted.  I am thinking 2nd round.  Sylven Landesberg went to Virginia so he will end up on a court across the ocean somewhere. Actually the Bulls could use Scheyer as a developing shooting guard when they get rid of Kirk to make room for LeBron and Boozer.  Imagine the dishes he'll make to Joakim, LeBron, Boozer, and D Rose driving to the hoop.  20 to 1 Assist to Turnover Ration baby. This time next year, Landesberg might be the fifteenth best player in New Zealand.

Yuval Klein - Writer - TheGreatRabbino.com

Both players will go into the second round maybe even deep into the second round. 

I like the prediction of nbadraft.net who put Scheyer at the 51st pick by the Thunder. Scheyer has gained advantage from Kyle Singler's decision to stay at Duke for his senior year and also from J.J Redick's great playoff performance. A lot of people see some similarities between the two. Sylven Landesberg will have to work more hard to get into the second round especially because of the inflation in good shooting guards. Analysts think Landesberg will be a better fit to the NBA than Scheyer but because lack of success in college and little media's spot light might hurt him. Probably we will see Landesberg get picked around the five last picks. I think Utah or any team with a stable coach will good for him.

Scheyer will be picked first, only because he played for Duke and won the national championship. I want to see Scheyer plays for the Suns (46th pick). This will be the first pick of the Suns in this draft. Currently the Suns enjoying Jason Richardson and Leandro Barbosa as shooting guards and there are strong rumors about trading Barbosa becuase of his big contract to evacuate some cash to bring Dirk Nowitzki.

As for Landesberg, the Atlanta Hawks (53rd pick) will be a great place for the kid to develop. Jamal Crawford will be a starter next year because Joe Johnson will join forces with one of the super free agents (James or Wade), this will put a free spot at the bench which Landesberg can enjoy. We will have to see who will be the Hawks coach next year as well.

David Pustilnik -  Creator of Dabullseye.com
I'm not sure if you can really answer this question with regard to Scheyer.  The guy is expected to be a late second rounder, and as I'm sure you're aware, the late second round is a total crapshoot.  The Lakers have a tendency to draft undervalued players like Scheyer, so I can see them drafting him with the 58th pick.  As for Landesberg, I just don't think it's going to happen for him.  He's too unproven and has had some character issues.  He was also really didn't improve his numbers in his sophomore year after an outstanding freshmen year.  Then he started skipping classes because he knew he wasn't returning to school, and deservedly got suspended.  While his talent is undeniable, I don't think there's a team that's going to take a risk on a project like Landesberg.  That's not to say that he can't make it with the team as an undrafted free agent, because like I said, the talent is there...I just don't think he'll get picked in the draft, even in the second round. So I guess by default, Scheyer will go first. 

Jeremy Fine - Creator of TheGreatRabbino.com
It is a tough call. I really hope both players get drafted. In my heart of hearts want to believe Scheyer sneaks into the first round, but all the experts aren't buying it. Sportsline.com has Landesberg going ahead of Scheyer and I guess I do too. There I say Landesberg to Portland via Chicago with the 44th pick and Scheyer will go 49th to the Spurs.

We will have updates if any news breaks. 
And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine 

Shabbat Shalom - Congrats to the Lakers

Okay well, I officially can never root for Kobe Bryant again. While I respect him on the court I do not want him anywhere near Michael Jordan's legacy. Bulls fans please join me in rooting AGAINST the Lakers.

Congrats to Jordan Farmar on another ring. I have a feeling Farmar will not be in a Lakers jersey next season. The PG from UCLA needs more playing time and that doesn't seem likely on this team.

Thanks to Yuval Klein for a creative article.


POLL
People want to see a Yuri Foreman rematch.

A new poll will be posted shortly. I would love people to vote. It will help TGR with feedback.

TGR NEWS
We hope to interview Steve Dubinsky (former hockey player) very soon. We also have a few others on the list with some interesting stories.

We are trying to work on a deal with the Chicago Jewish News. Stay tuned for details.

Shabbat Shalom.
And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

Video of the Week - Farmar's Game 5 Dunk

There could be only one choice for this week's Video of the Week.

Jewish Basketball Takes a Big Hit

At the beginning of last NCAA basketball season we were super excited about the arrival of Nimrod Tishman. Tishman committed to the University of Florida. Arguably, the biggest program to take in an Israeli basketball star. There was a lot of hype for the freshman. Tishman averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists per game in the Under-18 European Championships in July 2009. Big time numbers against tough competition. But this past season Tishman struggled to find playing time. And after a failed attempt to make it in the States, Tishman (who went by Rod at Florida) has decided to head back to Israel.

The good news is Billy Donavon and Florida can use Tishman's scholarship to attract a new player(I mean good news for Florida). The bad news Jewish basketball took a step back. Tishman's arrival was right beside Jordan Farmar's NBA Championship title, Jon Scheyer's emergence as an NBA calibor player, and of course the beginning of the Omri Casspi era. Tishman's college career might be over but he will try to hone his skills in Israel.

Bottom line. This is a set back for Jewish American basketball. A blessing for Israeli basketball league. And just a bump in the road before Tishman tries to come back and play in the NBA.

And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

Jewish NBA Finals 2010

The Boston Celtics and LA Lakers are facing each other again in the NBA Finals. The greatest rivalry in basketball has given to us some memorable moments and this year has been no exception.

While this year’s finals will be decided by Kobe’s fade away jump shots and Pierce’s lay-ups, we will try to look on the Jewish side of the NBA finals or as we call it the Jewish NBA Finals 2010. This contest will be decided by the past and present of the franchises and at the end we will know which team is more Jewish.           

At the Jewish NBA Finals, the Lakers enjoying a big advantage, we can even say they have the home court advantage because of Jordan Farmar.  Farmar is a member of the tribe. The speedy point-guard is one out of two Jewish NBA players. What we really like about Farmar that he actually plays every game about 12 minutes and is a vital piece of the Lakers bench.

Farmar's coach, Phil Jackson also gets some points in the Jewish NBA finals. No, Jackson is not Jewish but most of his career was influenced or impacted by Jewish people. The legendary Red Holtzman was Jackson's coach while he was playing for the Knicks. Jackson in multiple interviews said how his coaching methods are based on Holtzman’s. Some even say that when Jackson was injured, Holtzman assisted him in coaching the team. Jackson has to give a lot of credit as well to Chicago Bulls owner, the Jewish Jerry Reinsdorf, for trusting him and giving the opportunity to coach the Bulls, which led to 6 championships together.

So far the C's are behind here, and they have to pull the Red Auerbach wildcard. At every Celtics game, you can still sense the Auerbach's spirit over the players. Even today when Rondo, Garnett, Allen and Pierce are playing with the green jerseys above them and the #2 jersey has Auerbach's name on it. It gives them the inspiration and enthusiasm they need to beat LA.

With the help of Auerbach's spirit the Celtics are back in the series and Alan N. Cohen is helping the Celtics to decrease the gap. Cohen was Jewish sport's businessman who owned Madison Square Garden and spent some time as a co-owner of the Celtics. The Celtics’ comeback is followed by Johnny Most's voice in the radios all over Bean Town. The Jewish radio broadcaster and a World War II veteran was hired by Auerbach to be the team's radio play-by-play man on the Celtics Radio Network.

            As the series getting close to an end, Hank Finkel who played for both teams decides to play for the Celtics in the Jewish NBA finals. The bench player who has a ring with the Celtics from 1974 ties the Series.

Just when we all thought this series is going to overtime, Jordan Farmar provides another Lakers-Celtics memorable moment. With second left, Farmar shoots a hook shot just like Magic Johnson did over the Celtics defense to win the Jewish NBA Finals. David Stern, the Jewish commissioner of the NBA, is gladly to give the golden trophy named after Abe Pollin to the Los Angels Lakers' owner Jerry Buss.

-Yuval Klein

Blackhawks in Hebrew

Yuval sent this in. Its a story on the Blackhawks for all you Hebrew readers out there. Enjoy.

sports.walla.co.il/?w=/3750/1685388

Lost in Chicago

It has been a little while since the end of Lost but the guys of Luol's Dong (Jeff and his shorter weirder brother Eric) wrote a cool piece comparing Lost to Chicago sports. Check it out HERE.

Jews in the News

Here are a bunch of recent stories to check out involving Jewish sports figures.

Aaron Rogers Insults Tony Kornheiser

Jerry Reinsdorf Pulls Offer

Josh Whitesell Heading to Tokyo

Dan Grunfeld Headed to Israel

A Blackhawk's Shabbat

What a great weekend coming up. Sox/Cubs game, Hawks celebration, Shabbos (of course and much needed).

It has been a super busy week for me but still had some posts. Thanks to Chasyn Rance for the interview. Good luck to him.

We will have a little more hockey with a video of NHL Commish Gary Bettman.

We said goodbye to Griffey and hello to Yuval Klein. Great first article.

POLL:
Still going on about the Yuri Foreman fight.

TGR NEWS:
Nothing to big to report. I hope to work some things out soon.

Finally picked up a copy of the TGR piece in Schmooze magazine. The are on college campuses throughout the country.

I will be launching a new blog (hopefully next week) called 3080 Broadway. The blog will have its own site as well as being featured on JewishJournal.com. It will cover issues, people, and news throughout Conservative Judaism. I will link it when its ready.

Shabbat Shalom.
And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

Blackhawks Bring the Cup Home!!!

Last night my good buddy Marc and I headed to Wrigleyville (yes, I walked into my own personal hell). But it was not for a Cubs game (although thanks to my friend Henry I will be there to watch my White Sox on Friday) rather I was there to celebrate my first Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory. The series and the game were amazing. The pandemonium in the streets afterward was insane.

Congrats to the Hawks on there first title since 1961.

On the topic of the Hawks I did some research on if there have ever been any Jewish Blackhawks. The answer is yes. Steve Dubinsky had an up and down Chicago career. Here is what Jewishvirtuallibrary.org had to say about his Blackhawks career. "Dubinsky was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the ninth round (226th overall) of the 1990 NHL Draft. Over the next four seasons, Dubinsky divided his time between the Blackhawks and the minors. In 1997-98, Steve played full-time with the Blackhawks and had his best season in the NHL. He recorded career highs in games (82), goals (five), assists (13), points (18), penalty minutes (57), and shots (112). After the season ended, Steve was traded to the Calgary Flames. He played in 61 games and had 14 points for the Flames during the 1998-99 season."... 

"Despite a solid season in 2001, Dubinsky spent most of the 2002 season in the minors while under contract with the Blackhawks. He appeared in three games for the Blackhawks, and scored the game-winning goal for Chicago on January 10, in a 2-1 victory over the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. In his three games with Chicago, Dubinsky registered one point, a +1 plus/minus rating, and four penalty minutes. Steve spent much of the early season with Chicago's AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, before being sent to the Milwaukee Admirals on November 26. He was called up to the Blackhawks for two games in early January, 2002, but was then sent back to Milwaukee on January 14 (he had 18 goals and 14 assists (32 points) in 47 games in the minors during the season). On February 6, 2002, Chicago traded Dubinsky to Nashville for future considerations and he played well for his new team."

Dubinsky retired in 2003 after a 10 year career. Besides the Hawks he played for Flames, Predators, and Blues. It was a nice run for an 11th round pick Center from Clarkson University.

Here is to you Steve Dubinsky and the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks. 

And Let Us Say...Amen.

-Jeremy Fine

Interview with Professional Wrestler Chasyn Rance

By now its no surprise that sprinkled in with the basketball, baseball, football, and hockey news TGR is going to run some wrestling stories. It is my guilty pleasure but more importantly it is a sport where Jews seem to be involved and are successful. Also, it is easy to get there contact information. 

We got a hold of Chasyn Rance. Rance wrestles all over the world and for many different promotions including WWE, TNA, and ROH. Click HERE for a list of promotions Rance has worked for.  In 2009 he was ranked #389 in the PWI best wrestler rankings. Rance has big hopes and has surrounded himself with guys who really knows the business.

Recently, Rance was also featured on VH1's Tool Academy. Find out what he says about the experience.

INTERVIEW:

1) How did you start wrestling?
Always something I wanted to do and at the age of 15, started training.

2) Out of these Jewish wrestlers who would win Macho Man, Goldberg, Raven, or Kelly Kelly?
In what? Intelligence, Raven. Beauty pageant, Kelly Kelly.

3) Have your ever competed against Colt Cabana or Brimstone? Who would win in a straight up fight?
I've tagged with Cabana in England and have faced him in FIP. In a straight up fight, I'd win.

4) Who trained you? Are you still close with Larry Zbyszko?
I was trained by Rusty Brooks. I've had work with many, many stars over the years and Larry is one of them. He's next to me right now. I've been working with Larry for over 3 years. He's a great guy and he knows a lot about the business as well as everything else...just ask him.

5) What was your experience like on the Tool Academy? Has it helped your wrestling career?
You saw the show. How do you think my experience was? I guess it has given me a bit more of recognition but I do things all the time from small spots in tv shows, movies, and whatever else. Keep watching me on Last Call with Scott Hall www.youtube.com/ScottHallTV

6) Who is the greatest wrestler you have ever faced? What was the result?
Larry Zbyszko, I beat him ;)

7) What are your long term aspirations as a wrestler?
Make money, meet more girls, win a world title, and work for the WWE. Check, check, check, and check! Now time for more money, girls, titles, and we'll see about WWE.

8) If you could have one Diva walk you to the ring who would it be? Santana. She's not too well known yet but check her out www.SantanaG.com.

9)Does your Judaism ever come into consideration when you are wrestling? What was your Jewish upbringing like? Is there one thing about Judaism that you connect to?
Some top promoters and bookers are Jewish so that has worked in my favor. I teamed with C.M. Punk in MLW as the Straight Edge Army. I turned the XXX and the Star of David into one logo which I kept around for a while. Jewish upbringing was fine. Shabbot most Friday nights, candles at least every Friday. Temple on high holy holidays and other holidays. Jewish camp and pre-school. I just connect to the people. Feels more comfortable as it does for anyone whether it's race, religion, or experiences. I also really like that we're the Chosen People and don't believe in Hell.

A big thanks to Rance for the interview. Good luck to him in the future. For more information on Rance check out www.chasynrance.com

And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

Are There Jews in the World Cup?

Many people have asked for some soccer news. Well here you go. Yuval Klein's first article! Enjoy.

Next Sunday, June 11th, will be a special day for soccer fans around the world. It marks the first game of this year’s Fifa World Cup in South Africa.
32 nations from around the world will compete for hockey supremacy. As for the Jews, we will focus on four players from the 736 different players from around the world.
Three of the Jewish players will be wearing Stars and Stripes on their chests and one will wear the famous white and blue sky stripes of Argentina.

Walter Samuel, who will play for Argentina, is a world class soccer player. Samuel (32) who plays as a central defender for the Italian team, Inter, can be considered as the best Jewish player in the world today. The tough Argentinian took a vital part in Inter's success as they won three different trophies this year, including the most important one in Europe, Champions League. Samuel fits perfectly to Inter's defensive style of play but it will be very different this summer for him as Argentina's coach and legend Diego Maradona supports an attacking game. Analysts argue that Argentina have a very good chance in going all the way especially if Leo Messi will show his amazing skills. Some might argue the best offense is a good defense. Which means Argentina's future will not be decided by Messi's legs but with Samuel's.

The most successful out of the three Jewish players in the US national team is right back, Jonathan Spector. The youngster who grew up in Illinois, signed a contract with Manchester United when he was 17. Spector played in Man Utd Youth Academy but couldn't find his way to the Sir Alex Ferguson's first team. Man Utd decided to give up Spector for around $700K, to West-Ham United from east London. In West Ham, Spector found a new home as he just finished his fourth year in the club. Although his young age, Spector already played 25 times for the US national team and it sure looks like we will see more of the great right back in South Africa.

Previously MLS Rookie of the Year (2006), Jonathan Bornstein, is already a known name around the US soccer team. Bornstein, who plays for Chivas USA in the last four years, is the best left back in the league. Bornstein started his soccer career as a striker in UCLA, and he is very likely to get the first team shirt in South Africa when the US begins play against England. In that game, he will have to use his great quickness and energy to guard England’s jet, Aaron Lennon. In 2008, Bornstein faced a dilemma as the Israeli team, Maccabi Tel Aviv, offered him a larger salary to come play in their yellow jerseys. He decided to stay playing in the MLS because of his coach Bob Bradley. I guess Bornstein made the right decision and he will wear the number 12 for the US national team this summer.

The Brazilian-born player, Benny Feilhaber, is a great central midfielder but he struggles to find his place in the European soccer leagues. After a short and unsuccessful term in England and Germany, Feilhaber found himself playing in Denmark.  US coach, Bob Bradley, acknowledges UCLA alumni’s potential, which he showed in the 2009 Confederations Cup. In that tournament the US finished second. It’s hard to tell if Feilhaber will start against England because players such as Ricardo Clark and Jose Torres had solid years as well. Let’s hope Bradley will remember Feilhaber’s fantastic performance in 2009.

Jewish players may be only a small percentage of the rest of the players in the World Cup but they are great soccer players who very likely will contribute to their nation's success. Let's hope we can double or even triple this number in Brazil 2016. Maybe even with Israel's participation. 

-Yuval Klein

Poll Results and Video of the Week

Congrats to Mike Cammalleri on being named the TGR NHLer of the Year.

In honor of Jordan Farmar's NBA Finals appearance here is an interview with Farmar from 2009.

The Greatest Baseball Player of My Generation

Today was a sad day in baseball. It is true that my favorite player of all-time is Frank Thomas. But if Big Frank wouldn't have been on the White Sox I probably would have had Ken Griffey Jr. posters all over my room. Griffey was the greatest player of my generation. People can argue Bonds, Clemens, or whoever else they want. I would take Griffey. After Griffey left Seattle the first time his career took a major turn due to injury after injury. Yet he still is 5th all time in HRs. The top 6 are Bonds, Aaron, Ruth, Mays, Griffey, and Sosa. If you take away Bonds and Sosa for obvious reasons Griffey is left with the greatest players who ever played the game of baseball.

But besides his HRs he played a center fielder like only Mays could. Youtube is catches from his early days. You will be WOWed. If you are teaching your son or daughter how to hit, watch Griffey's swing. Everything about this man was perfection. Sweet swinging, fence jumping, home run hitting, The Kid Ken Griffey Junior. In an age of steroids and corked bats, Griffey was the model citizen who succeed without cheating. That is why we should all rally around his amazing career.

Two years ago Griffey was traded to the White Sox. Sure he was past his prime. But I bought tickets the second he was traded to the South Side, because to see the best player of my era in Black and White was such a thrill. Chills went up and down my spine. Imagine Michael Jordan playing 30 games in your team's jersey. Imagine Barry Sanders lining up in your team's backfield for the last three weeks of a season. Would you go? How fast would you buy those tickets?

Well the age old question on TGR. How is this Jewish?

For once I wanted to not have a link and just give Griffey his props. But I couldn't do that. I got the news from reading Sportsline.com. Through this article I realized that Jack Zduriencik (Jewish), Mariners general manager was Jewish. Zduriencik was responsible for bringing Griffey back to Seattle and giving Griffey his final hoorah as a Mariner. Zduriencik said, "This is a sad day for the Mariners...It is rare in this game when you get an opportunity to reunite a player and a team. We feel honored that Ken was able to end his career where it began, here in Seattle." 

Click HERE is the article which was well done.

I guess it was time for Jack Zduriencik and the Mariners to cut ties with Griffey. The fact is he isn't producing and is a defensive liability. But what a class act by Zduriencik to bring Griffey back home. To honor him the way he should be. To solidify Griffey as the face of the organization.

Goodbye to the Griff. The game won't be the same without you.

And Let Us Say...Amen.

-Jeremy Fine

Sad Motzei Shabbat

Two sad stories to report.

The first is the passing of John Wooden. The man was not Jewish, but was a teacher and mench to so many. While I spend my time reading Pirkei Avot or other Jewish writings, from time to time Coach Wooden's words of wisdom slip into my mind. Wonderful man and teacher. He will be missed.

Also, Yuri Foreman lost his title tonight. Here is the CBSSportsline story. Seemed to have been an amazing event and a tough break for Foreman. I have a feeling we will see a re-match in the future.

www.cbssports.com/boxing/story/13486221/cotto-stops-foreman-at-yankees-stadium-for-junior-middleweight-crown?tag=headlines;other

Shabbat Shalom From Chicago

Not too much time to write so here are some highlights:

Big thanks to Tal Brody for the interview.

Next week we have an interview with Chasyn Rance another professional wrestler.

Poll:
Looks like Mike Cammalleri in a landslide

TGR News:
This week we welcome Yuval Klein to the team. He will have a feature article next week on soccer.

Hope to send out some ads soon.

Finally, wore a TGR shirt last night (the Herzl shirt). Got lots of laughs.
 Shabbat Shalom,
And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

TGR Welcomes Yuval Klein

A few weeks ago TGR put out an ad asking if anyone wanted to write for us this summer. The most promising response was from Yuval Klein. An Israeli who is very passionate about sports. Here is his bio below. Welcome Yuval to the team. If you have an questions for you Yuval please email info@thegreatrabbino.com

Yuval Klein, 

I am almost 23 years old.

After spending many hours watching American sports instead of sleeping, I decided to go out and chase my dreams. After doing my Israeli citizenship obligations (the military service), I moved to Houston where I'm a sophomore for sports management at the University of Houston (go Coogs!).

Reading the book "Moneyball" by Michael Lewis was a major part in the decision of choosing to study sports management. I'm still trying to adjust myself to the Texas style of life which is very different than the very dynamic Tel-Aviv one but I'm enjoying the variety of sports in town.

My uncle persuaded my decision to root for the Red Sox. When I was a child my uncle from Boston sent me a package with a Red Sox hat, a baseball glove with a ball and a teddy bear with a Celtics jersey. After hearing this, his twin brother who lives in Houston, sent my a package with a Rockets jersey but it was too late. The damage had been done.

Like most Israelis, my favorite sport is soccer. For some people (including me), our soccer team is more than a club, is our identity. Growing up in Tel Aviv, I could have chosen between the two major teams: Maccabi and Hapoel. Knowing my decision would affect where I would sleep at night, I listened to my father advise and took the yellow jersey of Maccabi.

I am excited to be a part of this great project and help as much as I can.

Have fun, 

Yuval Klein.

Sound the Sofar

Tekiyah. Tru-ah. Shevarim. Tekiyah Gedolah. We hear those sounds during the High Holidays when the shofar sounds. The kids stand on chairs to see an older man standing on the bimah blowing everything he has into a large ram's horn.

But the next time the Jews celebrate with a shofar blowing with be with future rabbi and current boxing star Yuri Foreman walking down to the ring at Yankee Stadium. “Welcome to Yankel Stadium," said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. "We are very fortunate to have Israel’s No. 1 entertainer Yoni Dror of Tel Aviv attending the fight to sound the shofar immediately prior to Yuri’s ring walk. Yoni was thrilled when we asked him and we were even happier he accepted. Yoni is beyond compare when it comes to sounding the shofar. It will be a very dramatic beginning to a very symbolic event.”

The Irish have bagpipes and now the Jews have the shofar.

Foreman who is 28-0 will face probably his toughest competition yet in Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto who is a former three time world champion. This will be the inaugural fight at the new Yankee Stadium.

So let the shofar sound and Foreman come out on top.
And Let Us Say...Amen.
- Jeremy Fine

Video of the Week - Mike Cammalleri on Cribs

Before last week's exit from the NHL playoffs Mike Cammalleri was literally on fire. We searched Youtube and found that Cammalleri made an appearance on MTV Cribs. Check out the way the Jewish NHL star lives.