SubscribeMore on Marquis
Interesting to see how many (non-Jewish) websites and blogs are picking up on the fact that Jason Marquis has said he will take his regular spot in the Nationals’ rotation and pitch on Friday night — Kol Nidre. But it seems he’s done this before, according to an item in the Olympian (Wash.), which reports that he pitched on Yom Kippur while with the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs.
No doubt he will come under the withering glare of many Jewish outlets, with the inevitable comparison to Sandy Koufax. If the Dodger legend could skip the opening game of a World Series, they will point out, why can’t Marquis miss an otherwise meaningless contest for a last place team?
No word on what any of the other JMLs will do.
No ham on Yom Kippur –
West Ham manager Avram Grant will be absent from Saturday’s Premier League soccer match against Stoke because it falls on Yom Kippur.
West Ham said that Grant, who is from Israel, will be missing “out of respect for the traditions, heritage and religious obligations of the Jewish holy day.”
As the Brits would say,” Good show, Avram.”
Grant’s a class act all the way and has made this decision in the past as well. Unfortunately things have started dreadfully at West Ham. If they give him enough time, I think the team can battle out of it, but if you believe the British media, which is often a stretch, he may not survive as manager for much longer. Pretty unbelievable to give a guy a 4 year contract and call for his head after less than a handful of games, but that is English soccer/football for you. If you think the American media and fans are negative, they have nothing on the Brits.