A while back we posted the top 10 best Jews in sports. That will be an annual list, forever rotating. But today TGR takes a look at the most important Jews in sports. This includes more than just players. We searched owners, executives, players (current and retired), sports writers, commissioners, and anyone else related to the sports world. See what you think about the list below. Here are the Honorable Mentions: Al Davis, Mike Cammalleri, Kevin Youkilies, Jeff Idelson, Chris Berman, Shahar Peer, and Ike Davis.
THE LIST
10) Sandy Koufax
So you be like, Koufax doesn’t play anymore! Yes, I am aware of this. But Koufax is an will always be the most influential Jewish athlete. He is who every Jewish athlete aspires to be. I could not make this list without him.
9) Ryan Braun
If Koufax was then, Braun is now. While Youkilis might be better (the debate continues), Braun is the Hebrew Hammer. He has better PR and was voted in by the fans as an All Star, a team Youkilis didn’t make.
8) Yuri Foreman
Foreman’s rabbinical future and national exposure places him on this list. While he lost the big fight, he won the hearts of Jewish sports fans everywhere. Mike Cammalleri was heavily debated for this spot as well because of his dominance in the NHL playoffs.
7) Jerry Reinsdorf
Other owners were considered, but Reinsdorf owns two winning teams, the White Sox and Bulls. He also made a bid for the Coyotes. With 7 total championships (6 Bulls, 1 White Sox) it would impossible to leave him off this list.
6) Theo Epstein
Epstein is the name running one of the most powerful franchises in all of sports. That is enough right?
5) Mark Cuban
Cuban is the most vocal of anyone on this list. He has been desperately trying to buy a baseball team. He cares and lets you know. Cuban’s Mavericks are always in contention. His passion, success, and recognition make him #5.
4) David Stern
He could have been higher. As the commissioner of the NBA, Stern has made major decisions like the WNBA and forcing players to go to college for a year. Stern is influential, just not always in the the spotlight.
3) Omri Casspi
Casspi has made news. He has a huge following. And most importantly has put Israel on the map for a major sport. He has handle the success with class.
2) Bud Selig
Selig runs baseball, which is the most important sport in America (at least for Jews). While he is in the spotlight mostly for the steroid scandal, Selig is the powerful Jew in sports.
1) Micky Arison
A month ago Arison was not even on the list. So why is he number 1? Well when you as an owner convince Wade, Bosh, and that other guy to come and play for your basketball team, you become important. Very important. While I hate to say this, Arison will be racking up championships and that is just a fact.
Comment if you think I left someone out. Our shoot me an email at info@thegreatrabbino.com
And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
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