LA JOLLA, California holds a significant story within the world of baseball. Former Major League Baseball All-Star Brad Ausmus, who played in the World Series and captured three Gold Glove awards, shared a profound experience at an Anti-Defamation League-sponsored panel discussion. This event shed light on the role of Jews in baseball and the challenges they face.

Uniting Baseball and Judaism in the Face of Antisemitism

Baseball as a Platform for Jewish Identity

Ausmus recalled his time with the Padres in San Diego. He didn't grow up in a particularly religious household but was surprised to learn about a Jewish publication interested in his story. This led to a turning point where he became recognized as a Jewish baseball player. Multiple Jewish kids came to him, seeing him as a role model. It showed the power of using baseball to connect with and inspire others.He once quipped about sitting out a game on Yom Kippur, highlighting his connection to his Jewish faith. This experience demonstrated how baseball can be a vehicle for expressing one's identity.

The Impact of Antisemitism on Team Israel

After a special screening of the 2023 documentary Israel Swings for Gold, a sequel to Heading Home, the panel discussion continued. Team Israel faced antisemitism and anti-Zionist enmity during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Athletes were ignored, skewered on social media, and had to endure unique safety protocols.Zach Penprase from Team Israel emphasized how Israel was the most hated team. This shows the harsh reality that Jewish athletes face on the international stage.

Standing Together in the Face of Adversity

Both Ausmus and Kevin Youkilis, a two-time World Series champion and three-time All-Star infielder, are members of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Youkilis, who grew up in a Conservative Jewish household, stressed the importance of not having a victim mentality.He advised those vulnerable on social media to focus on their own messages and support their communities. Staying within one's friend groups and being strong is key to getting through tough times.This panel discussion highlighted how "Team Being Jewish" is being challenged by rising animosity, but also the power of unity and support in the face of adversity.