Absolutely marvelous documentary dealing with our Jewish baseball players from the inception of the game in 1871 to present day.
We are immediately shown the prevailing idea that Jews were not supposed to excel in sports, but this was quickly shattered at the very beginning of baseball in America.
This is very much of a sociological documentary showing the torment that players such as Hank Greenberg went through in his long career.
The documentary finally allowed Sandy Koufax to be interviewed concerning his remarkable career. When Koufax would not pitch on The Day of Atonement, Don Drysdale pitched instead and was shelled by the opposition. When Manager Walter Alston removed him, Drysdale replied: "Bet you wish I was Jewish as well!"
The documentary showed how Jews have gained acceptance and recognition through the years. The taunts appear to be gone. Isn't that progress?
We are immediately shown the prevailing idea that Jews were not supposed to excel in sports, but this was quickly shattered at the very beginning of baseball in America.
This is very much of a sociological documentary showing the torment that players such as Hank Greenberg went through in his long career.
The documentary finally allowed Sandy Koufax to be interviewed concerning his remarkable career. When Koufax would not pitch on The Day of Atonement, Don Drysdale pitched instead and was shelled by the opposition. When Manager Walter Alston removed him, Drysdale replied: "Bet you wish I was Jewish as well!"
The documentary showed how Jews have gained acceptance and recognition through the years. The taunts appear to be gone. Isn't that progress?
