(Courtesy of Shomrei Torah) On Sunday, August 14, more than 90 adults and children from Shomrei Torah in Fair Lawn, attended a New York Boulders baseball game at Clover Stadium on Jewish Heritage Day. An amazing time was had by all. Preceded by a delicious barbecue at Shomrei Torah organized by the shul’s dedicated volunteers, the Naftali Aron Torah Enrichment Program (NATEP) organized a trip to Pomona to watch the Boulders play.
The New York Boulders are an American independent professional baseball team playing in the Frontier League based in Pomona, Rockland County. The team was founded as a member of the Can-Am League, beginning play in the 2011 season as the Rockland Boulders. At Sunday’s game, three national anthems were played: “Hatikvah” in honor of Jewish Heritage Day, as well as the Canadian and American national anthems.
The weather was warm and sunny and so was the spirit of camaraderie shared by all who attended. The highlight of the day was when Rabbi Andrew Markowitz, rabbi of Shomrei Torah in Fair Lawn, walked to the mound and threw out the first pitch prior to the game. This might have set a record; We believe this is the first time in baseball history that a southpaw (left-handed) rabbi from New Jersey was given this amazing opportunity. Chris of the Boulders staff was a bit skeptical of the rabbi’s abilities; however, after the pitch he stated that he was really pleased and surprised by Rabbi Markowitz’s skill, speed and agility.
Clover Stadium is a very family-friendly park. There is a train ride, mini golf, a playground and a sandbox for the kids. Some of the Shomrei Torah teens had the opportunity to catch a foul ball. Each ticket holder received a food voucher, and kosher food was available for purchase. The Boulders staff was very accommodating and a pleasure to work with.
Jewish Heritage Day was sponsored by Evergreen (uptown) supermarket, which was quite evident when seeing all the green hats that were given out and worn that day. For some of the younger children this was their first time attending a ball game, and they would not leave until the last player left the field. After the game they were allowed to go onto the field and run the bases.
As for the official ball game, the Boulders tried their best and rallied from behind but not enough to be victorious. Hopefully they will have better luck in the playoffs which begin in September.
NATEP always tries to come up with new, innovative and exciting programs for all, and Sunday’s event surely lived up to their standards. For more information regarding our six-day-a-week learning program and upcoming exciting events please contact Mendy Aron at [email protected].
