Ron Kaplan wrote a really nice piece on the possible Yom Kippur dilemma this year for some Major Leaguers. Read Below:
“Yom Kippur falls out on the evening of Friday, Oct. 7, and Saturday, Oct. 8.
Just taking a quick look at the MLB post-season schedule reveals:
- The fifth games of the National League Division Series (the first round of playoffs) — if necessary — will take place Friday.
- The first game of the American League Championship Series (second round) will take place on Saturday.
Game times have not yet been decided nor does it take into consideration any postponements for weather or other reasons.
So the possibility exists that Ryan Braun, Ian Kinsler, Scott Feldman (assuming he’s on the post-season roster), Kevin Youkilis, Ryan Lavarnway, and Michael Schwimer (although they probably won’t be on the Red Sox and Phillies, respectively, post-season rosters) might have some thinking to do. (If Tampa Bay manages to beat out Boston for the AL wild card, that means Sam Fuld instead of Youkilis and Lavarnway).
Now, I obviously don’t know any of these fellows personally, but I wonder if anyone will make a Koufax/Greenberg-like stand. As far as I know, Braun has never been “observant” in any form, plus Friday night would represent the deciding game for the Brewers and whomever they draw as an opponent. It would be easier for the American League players, since it would “only” be game one of the LCS. Youkilis has always spoken about the connection he has with his religion, so it will be interesting to learn his decsion. I know nothing of Kinsler’s or Feldman’s sentiments on the matter. Fuld has been mostly a bench player over the last few months so it would be relatively easy for him to miss the game without impacting his teammates.”
Do you think any of them will sit out? Neither do I.
And Let Us Say…Amen.
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