Pesach parable?

In this essay from the Jewish Press, Rabbi Meir Goldberg compares the Jewish people with the New York Yankees.

For we too have a glorious history with the greatest of leaders who have impacted the world for good. We have had many magnificent moments and have achieved far more than our meager numbers would indicate. Non-Jews sense this and world history has been filled with contempt, hatred, loathing — and at the same time grudging respect – for the Jew.

The Jew has been forced to play the game of life with one hand tied behind his back, yet he has somehow always succeeded. Throughout history we have experienced the thrill and ecstasy of accomplishment and greatness, yet have also fallen to the lowest depths and even into the abyss of despair. Our sins were never worse than those of the nations that surrounded us, but we are different and so we must behave better. Our national mission demands this of us.

I’m sure you could fill in the team of your choice and find other comparisons. A ball club that falls on hard times, or one that deals with adversity (such as the Angels with their recent loss).

I get where the rabbi is coming from, but as great as the Yankees have been, there’s quite a bit not to be proud of, such as being one of the last teams to put an African-American on their roster because their general manager was a racist. Or spending money like a drunken sailor (or shipbuilder?) and buying a pennant or two, especially in this down economy? I know it’s a business, not a philanthropic institution, butI just wish there were better corporate role models out there.

Just sayin’