This past Sunday, August 2, was Jewish Heritage Day at MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. The Cyclones are a minor league team in the NY-Penn League and a Class A affiliate of the New York Mets. Their opponent, the Batavia Muckdogs, took part in the festivities as well. Famed Orthodox boxer Dimitry Salita threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Dr. Robert Weiss, whose performance at the Newark Bears Jewish Heritage Day in 2013 was so enthralling, merited a repeat opportunity to sing Hatikvah before the game.

Kosher food was readily available, the official Brooklyn Cyclone kippah was for sale in the team store and the Cyclones hosted a number of fun activities for the kids—a catch in the outfield before the game, running the bases and autographs after the game. The Cyclones’ assistant clubhouse manager, Teaneck’s Joey Goffstein, facilitated access to the players. Goffstein was especially helpful to the kids from Camp Simcha and Chai Lifeline, who got to spend time with the players before the game. Cyclones VP Steve Cohen, who spoke with Nachum Segal on the air last week about Jewish Heritage Day, stated that the Cyclones’ organization is very much a part of Brooklyn and feels that this day is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to the larger Jewish community. “The turnout was great, Dimitry signed dozens of autographs for the kids and the song and dance performances were well received,” said Cohen.

It was productive day for the Brooklyn Cyclones and for the Jewish community.

By Kenneth Goffstein