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Amar’e Stoudemire’s recent discovery of his Jewish roots (or not) has sports fans all a-buzz. Apparently his statements are proof enough for Sports Illustrated to include him — nay, place him atop — this slide show of “Prominent Jewish Athletes.”
FYI, Sandy Koufax follows the “newest” MOT. The other Other 22 athletes include, in order, Kevin Youkilis, Lyle Alzado, Ryan, Braun, Jon Scheyer, Hank Greenberg, Mark Spitz, Sid Luckman, Omri Casspi, , Ian Kinsler, Dara Torres, Nancy Lieberman, Kurt Angle, Ken Holtzman, Sara Hughes, Steve Stone, Jason Lezak, Corey Pavin, Igor Olshansky, Michael Cammalleri, Sue Bird, and Yossi Benayoun.
I marvel at some of SI‘s selections. No Shawn Green? No Jewish boxers? Similarly, what is the magazine’s criteria for inclusion? I’m checking with some of my sources, but I had never heard anything to the effect that Turco (an NFL goalie), is Jewish. Similarly, it’s my understanding that Pavin (golfer) and Lieberman are born-again Christians.
The game is afoot.
Shawn Green should be on the list. Glad to see Yossi Benayoun (soccer, Ron, sorry, lol).
The Marty Turco debate lives again. I’ve only seen rumors online about him being a MOT, nothing conclusive. You wouldn’t think so by the name, but as Amar’e proves never discount anything. Apparently Turco doesn’t talk, so that’s always an impediment to finding out for sure.
Didn’t know about Kurt Angle. This might also be a rumor too I’m guessing. I don’t really care much about pro wrestling anymore anyway (actually haven’t since about age 12), but Angle was a hell of an amateur wrestler too, so it would be cool to have him on the list.
Maybe Amar’e will open up the floodgates to a whole new era of Jewish athletes too. Michael Jordan, Brett Favre, Tiger Woods? Just kidding of course, but we do live in a pretty crazy world, so you never know.
Sue Bird’s father is Jewish. Sue apparently does not identify as a MOT.
I wrote to Sue Bird’s parents separately. They both said independently that she does not identify as Jewish.
No Sid Luckman? No Gal Fridman (Israel’s only Gold Medallist ever)?
Agree, re: Luckman. As for Fridman, I guess windsurfing isn’t considered a “serious sport” yet.