Why Did a Baseball Star Skip the Biggest Game of His Career? | Explained
Unpacked
Sandy Koufax's decision to sit out Game 1 of the 1965 World Series to observe Yom Kippur marked a significant moment beyond baseball, symbolizing Jewish resilience and pride during an era of widespread antisemitism in the United States. Koufax, a legendary pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, chose his faith over fame, thereby becoming an iconic figure for Jewish-Americans. His act of religious observance amidst his athletic prominence encouraged Jewish pride and highlighted the challenges of Jewish assimilation in the 1960s. This commitment to his heritage had a profound impact, inspiring many Jewish Americans and confronting cultural stereotypes.