Synagogue Screens Documentary on Jewish Baseball Players

The documentary "Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story," written by Pulitzer Prize winning author Ira Berkow and featuring an interview from the reclusive Sandy Koufax, takes a look at the impact Jewish players have made on America's favorite pastime.

"My intention was to portray an ethnic group -- and it could have been any ethnic group, they didn't have to be Jewish -- attempting to assimilate into America through the prism of baseball," said Berkow.

One of the players the film focuses on is Hank Greenberg. Described as baseball's first Jewish superstar, Greenberg hit 331 homers throughout a 13-season career that was interrupted by his service in World War II. In 1938, Greenberg fell two homers short of tying Babe Ruth's then-record of 60 home runs in a single season.

Despite his talent, Greenberg faced anti-Semitism on the field.

"Every game someone was hollering when he struck out," Berkow said. "He wasn't just a bum, he was a Jewish bum."

Even before the United States joined World War II, Greenberg played baseball with growing concern for European Jews.

"Every time he hit a home run, he felt it was a home run against Hitler," Berkow said.

Another Jewish player the film focuses on is Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax. Coming off his third Cy Young Award, Koufax was at the top of the game in 1966. Unfortunately, severe arthritis in his shoulder forced him into early retirement. The reclusive Koufax gives a rare interview for the movie.

"You see his dignity, humility and his perspective," Berkow said. "You come away sensing that this extraordinarily talented athlete puts his athleticism into a perspective." 

One person who has already seen "Jews and Baseball" is Mike Leiderman, a longtime Chicago sports and media personality. He was particularly struck by the Koufax portion of the movie.

"An interview with Sandy Koufax is well worth it," Leiderman said. "He is so interesting."

The film continues with the sad story of a modern player with Chicago roots. Adam Greenberg was the unfortunate player who, during his first at bat against Florida in 2005, was struck in the head by a wild first pitch. He suffered a mild concussion that led to headaches and vertigo, and never again played in the majors.

However, he hasn't given up his dream of returning to the big leagues and continues to pursue his ambitions. Greenberg most recently played in an independent league, specifically for the Bridgeport Blue Fish.

Greenberg appears in the movie next to his mother.  "He (Greenberg) said Jews have faced adversity for 5,000 years and it is in the genes to come back from adversity," Berkow explained. "He was going to come back to the major leagues one day."

Other figures with Chicago ties mentioned in the film are Steve Stone, Ken Holtzman and Jerry Reinsdorf.

"Jews and Baseball," which is narrated by Dustin Hoffman, has been shown at film festivals throughout the summer and is scheduled for wider theatrical release. It will also air on PBS.

The film screens tonight at 7 p.m. at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El.