Baseball, often called “America’s pastime,” has an extraordinary knack for bringing people together, blending cultures, traditions, and personal histories into one big melting pot of unforgettable moments. But every so often, we pause and ask about the people behind the uniforms, their backgrounds, their beliefs, and their unique stories.
For years, there’s been curiosity about Jewish players in baseball’s long, cherished history. The name “Strauss” often pops up in conversations, leading people to wonder, “Was Joe Strauss, the 19th-century baseball player, Jewish?” Or take Don Taussig, whose story resonates with Jewish fans. And more recently, Jacob Steinmetz proudly represents modern Orthodox Jewish athletes on the field.
This blog takes you on a fascinating ride through baseball history as we unpack the contributions of Jewish players like Taussig and Steinmetz and analyze the mystery surrounding Joe Strauss.
Was Joe Strauss Jewish?
Joe Strauss may be a familiar name to fans of baseball lore. Born on November 16, 1858, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Strauss carved out a spot for himself as a Major League Baseball player in the 19th century. He made his MLB debut on July 27, 1884, during a time when baseball was solidifying its roots as a professional sport.
But here’s where things get murky. While “Strauss” is indeed a surname with Jewish ties, there isn’t any publicly available record confirming whether Joe Strauss was Jewish. And trust me, I’ve gone down more online rabbit holes than I’d care to admit trying to find out. He remains an enigma in this regard, which only fuels the curiosity of baseball historians and enthusiasts alike.
The lack of confirmation doesn’t diminish his role in baseball’s early days. It simply leaves us with a question mark that makes history a little more intriguing.
Don Taussig: A Jewish Baseball Trailblazer
On the other hand, we have Don Taussig, a name with clear ties to Jewish baseball heritage. Born on February 19, 1932, in New York City, Taussig proudly represented both his Jewish identity and his baseball talents on the field.
Taussig played as an outfielder during the late 1950s and early 1960s, spending time with teams like the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals. He wasn’t a household name like Hank Aaron or Willie Mays, but for Jewish fans, Taussig was a symbol of representation in a sport where Jewish players weren’t always prominent.
What’s particularly inspiring about Taussig’s story is the era in which he played. Jewish players faced unique challenges during those times, whether it was navigating prejudice or balancing cultural traditions with the demands of professional sports. Taussig showed that you could excel at America’s game while keeping your identity intact.
Jacob Steinmetz: The Rise of Orthodox Jewish Baseball
Fast forward to today, and we have Jacob Steinmet,z a name that’s making waves for all the right reasons. Born on July 19, 2003, in Queens, New York, Steinmetz is a modern Orthodox Jewish baseball player who’s breaking new ground.
When the Arizona Diamondbacks selected him in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Steinmetz made history as the first practicing Orthodox Jewish player drafted into the MLB. That’s historic, plain and simple.
And it doesn’t stop there. Steinmetz represented Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, showcasing not just his immense talent but also his pride in his heritage. For young Jewish athletes dreaming of a future in sports, Steinmetz is living proof that religious commitment and athletic ambition can coexist.
Interestingly, players like Steinmetz remind us just how far the game of baseball has come in celebrating diversity. From the days of Joe Strauss’s mystery to Taussig’s quiet yet impactful career and now Steinmetz’s rise, the role of Jewish athletes in baseball has continually evolved.
Are There Other Prominent Jewish Baseball Players?
The list of influential Jewish players doesn’t stop with these three! Names like Sandy Koufax (arguably one of the greatest pitchers of all time) and Hank Greenberg (a home-run hero whose career was slightly overshadowed by WWII) come to mind. These legends paved the way for players like Don Taussig and Jacob Steinmetz.
Then, there’s Ian Kinsler, a more recent standout who represented Team Israel as both a player and manager in the World Baseball Classic. The connection between Jewish athletes and baseball runs deep, reflecting the importance of heritage and identity in sports.
FAQs About Jewish Baseball Players
Q. Is “Strauss” always a Jewish surname?
Not necessarily! While “Strauss” has roots in Jewish families, it’s also a common name outside the Jewish community, which makes determining someone’s heritage based solely on their surname tricky just like in the case of Joe Strauss.
Q. Who was the first Jewish player in Major League Baseball?
That distinction likely goes to Lipman Pike, who played in the 1870s and was one of the first professional Jewish baseball players. His contributions helped set the stage for future generations.
Q. Are there any active Jewish MLB players today?
Yes, of course! Players like Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros and Max Fried of the Atlanta Braves proudly represent the Jewish community in MLB today.
Why This History Matters
Unraveling Jewish heritage in baseball isn’t just about learning facts. It’s about understanding the deeper connections between culture, identity, and one of the world’s most beloved sports. It’s about the pride Jewish fans feel seeing their traditions represented on the field.
While much mystery surrounds players like Joe Strauss, others like Don Taussig and Jacob Steinmetz shine as examples of the rich contributions Jewish players have made to the game. Together, their stories highlight the ways in which baseball continues to unify people of diverse backgrounds.
Whether you’re a baseball fan, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good story, there’s something undeniably fascinating about the intersections of identity and sport.