Sandy Koufax

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Sandy Koufax, born Sanford Braun on December 30, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, grew up in a Jewish family. Raised in a neighborhood where many Jewish families lived, Koufax was encouraged to maintain his heritage. He later adopted his stepfather’s last name, Koufax. Despite growing up in a predominantly non-Jewish sport environment, he remained connected to his Jewish roots throughout his life, even famously sitting out a game on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism, demonstrating his strong commitment to his faith. Koufax excelled in sports from an early age, attending Lafayette High School in Brooklyn before playing college baseball at the University of Cincinnati. 

Sandy Koufax is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. His career, primarily with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1955 to 1966, was marked by extraordinary achievements, including four no-hitters and a perfect game. Koufax dominated Major League Baseball in the early 1960s, winning three Cy Young Awards, an MVP award, and multiple World Series titles. His pitching style was known for its power, precision, and incredible fastball and curveball combinations. Koufax’s early retirement at age 30 due to arthritis in his pitching arm was surprising but cemented his legacy as a player who gave his best during a relatively brief career. 

Beyond his athletic achievements, Sandy Koufax had a profound impact on the Jewish community and sports culture. His decision to not pitch Game 1 of the 1965 World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur was a powerful moment for Jewish athletes worldwide, symbolizing the possibility of balancing faith and professional excellence. Koufax’s dominance during his career helped popularize baseball and inspired many young athletes, Jewish or otherwise, to pursue sports while honoring their heritage and values. He remains a beloved figure not just for his athletic skills but also for his integrity, humility, and contributions to social causes later in life. 

• One of the greatest pitchers in baseball history with four no-hitters and a perfect game.
   
• Won three Cy Young Awards and an MVP award during his career.
   
• Sat out a crucial World Series game in 1965 to observe Yom Kippur, symbolizing religious commitment.
   
• Helped raise the profile of Jewish athletes in American sports culture.
   
• Retired early due to health issues but left a lasting legacy in sportsmanship and excellence.
   
• Became a role model for integrating faith with professional achievement.

• Have students create a baseball card for Sandy Koufax including his stats, achievements, and a quote about his faith or sportsmanship.
   
• Encourage them to decorate the card with symbols representing both baseball and Jewish heritage.

Match the achievement or term on the left to its description on the right:

A. No-hitter  1. A game where a pitcher doesn’t allow any hits. B. Cy Young Award  2. Award given to the best pitcher in the league. C. Perfect Game 3. A game with no hits, walks, or errors allowed.        D. Yom Kippur  4. The holiest day in Judaism, observed by Koufax.  E. MVP Award  5. Award for the most valuable player of the season.