Kesher Talk

Jews in Sports: Gabe Kapler, outfielder for the Colorado Rockies: Gabe Kapler has grown accustomed to extra attention from other Jews since he got to Majhor League Baseball for the first time in 1998. Now with his third team, the 27-year-old Kapler is still trying to establish himself as a regular. In four-plus seasons, Kapler has a .272 career batting average, with his best year coming in 2000 with the Texas Rangers (.302, 14 homers, 66 RBIs). He knew the eyes of Jewish sports fans would be on him as he began his first full season in Colorado.

"Only because I think there's so few of us," Kapler said. "I don't think that they are hard-core baseball fans, but they feel elated there are some players that are Jews that are having some success."

He is not necessarily enamored with all the attention.

"I think there are some misconceptions. I don't want people to necessarily think that I'm going to synagogue every week and that I'm keeping kosher. I don't mind if they do, but it's just not me.

Instead, Kapler focuses on the cultural and national aspects of being Jewish.

"That's where I identify the most: heritage, blood, history," Kapler said. "I'm so proud to be who I am. I'm so proud of where I come from. I feel very strongly about being a strong Jew, not necessarily from a religious aspect."

posted by William @ 11/05/2003 08:39:52 AM