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All-Star Game May Break Record for Most Jews
By Kevin Spak
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Posted Jul 2, 09 3:23 PM CDT
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(Newser)
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For the first time ever, four Jewish players could make baseball’s All-Star Game, Bloomberg reports. Boston’s Kevin Youkilis and Texas’ Ian Kinsler each lead the voting at their positions, Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun is second in voting among National League outfielders, and Colorado pitcher Jason Marquis has the most wins in his league. “We’re in a glory time for Jewish baseball players,” says Howard Megdal, author of The Baseball Talmud.
There have been just 160 Jewish major leaguers, though that number includes legends like Sandy Koufax and Hank Greenberg. Megdal figures that by the time they’re done, Braun and Youkilis will rank among the top 10 Chosen players ever. “I don’t know if it’s a heyday or what you’d call it,” says Youkilis. “Hopefully there’s more to come after us.”