Koufax 2.0

Koufax in 1965   (Public Domain)

Back in 1965, star pitcher Sandy Koufax refused to play in Game One of the World Series because it was scheduled for Yom Kippur, a High Holy Day of his Jewish faith.

His Catholic boss, Walter O’Malley, was very understanding.  He approved Koufax’s decision, but added that he would “ask the Pope what he could do about rain on that day.”

Did this decision hurt the Dodgers’ chance of winning that series?  Apparently not.  Although there were some initial struggles, the team managed to prevail, and Koufax became that year’s MVP.

History tends to repeat, albeit with different people and places.  Recently, a Seventh-Day Adventist basketball team was scheduled to play a crucial semifinals game on a Saturday.  Since Saturday is their Sabbath, the players asked for this game to be played just a few hours later, when sunset would conclude the holy period. 

That request was allegedly denied by the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).  Governor Kay Ivey is now lending her support to the team’s decision and seeking answers from the AHSAA.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/oakwood-adventist-academy-s-basketball-team-say-they-had-to-forfeit-a-game-over-religious-beliefs-the-governor-wants-answers/ar-AAUdVLZ?ocid=uxbndlbin

Copyright February 24, 2022 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved