The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Naftali Simon as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey fourth grader was the catcher for the back-to-back champion TBO 9u travel baseball team and standout player for the Bergen Flag Football Chargers team. His TBO Travel coach, Ofer Naor, told The Jewish Link, “As a catcher, Naftali plays one of the most demanding positions, he has continued to work hard and improve his game over the years. His personal self sacrifice on behalf of the team has shown up in improved performance personally—both behind and at the plate. He is also always a big supporter of his teammates—constantly high fiving everyone no matter what happens.” Robbie Scharf echoed Coach Naor’s sentiments “Naftali is one of the hardest working kids I know, a mensch on and off the field. He has great middot and his teammates love playing with him.”

Naftali, happy belated birthday and congrats on being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Who is your role model and why?

Shohei Ohtani because he is a super star and he hits a lot of home runs. And my Dad because he always helps me with my homework and coaches all my teams.

What is your favorite sport?

Football because you run a lot.

What is your pregame routine?

Put on my equipment and play catch.

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

Catching for our travel teams back-to-back championships.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

Anthony Rizzo, because he was on the Cubs for a long time and he is a great player.

What is your favorite sports memory?

Cubs crushing the Phillies when we went to the game in Philadelphia.

What is your earliest sports memory?

Practicing at T-ball.

What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you while playing ball?

We had a kid on our team who just learned how to play baseball. His first catch in left field in a game was an amazing diving catch!

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?

Play Roblox and Xbox.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

The discount to Drink Up!

The Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week will receive a 5% discount on their next order @Drink Up, order with https://forms.gle/yZy37A5hkHwhS3B88 at https://drinkitup.us/ or message Steve @ 201 578 7425. Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].