The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize eleven-year-old Akiva Boyarsky as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey sixth grader is an all-around athlete, but after his play in the 12U travel baseball championship game, he will always be known as an outfielder with a rifle for an arm.
The Play: The Teaneck 12U Travel Team had gone undefeated and were one out away from winning the championship. Teaneck was up 2 runs, 6 to 4, but the Stony Point Patriots had the bases loaded with their number three hitter up. With an even one-and-one count, the batter ripped a single into shallow right field. Boyarsky, who was playing deep, charged the ball as the fifth run crossed the plate. The leadoff hitter was rounding third and coming home as Akiva threw a bullet to catcher Natan Solomon, who, a few innings earlier, had been drilled in the stomach with a fastball but had insisted on staying in the game. Natan caught the ball on a fly and quickly swiped downward to his left as the tying run slid towards home plate. Game over. Teaneck wins the pennant.
Wow, Akiva, Yasher Koach on an undefeated season and for that amazing throw.
Who is one of your role models?
Tom Brady. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 2000 draft. No one thought he’d amount to much but he believed in himself and was determined to prove everyone wrong. He’s been to the Super Bowl six times, has won four of them, has three Super Bowl MVP awards, two league MVP awards and is a ten time Pro Bowler.
Do you have a favorite athlete to watch?
I love following Michael Conforto, he is an outfielder like me. He was just drafted last year and in his first year of professional baseball went from Single A to playing in the World Series. He shows that with hard work and dedication you can accomplish anything.
Do you have a pregame routine?
Before games I play catch in the outfield with Joey Zelig and/or Yair Wall.
What is your earliest sport memory?
When I was three years old I went to my first Met game. It was Jewish Heritage day in 2007 and the Mets had just traded for Shawn Green, a Jewish outfielder. Unfortunately, the game got rained out, but I still remember eating bagels while watching it pour outside.
What is your funniest sports memory?
In a travel game this year, with the bases loaded, Fort Lee had a bases clearing steal. Seriously. It’s embarrassing but you have to laugh.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Winning the PBI travel league championship this year.
What do you like to do when you are not playing sports?
Watching the Mets, Giants and Islanders.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
I get to go to Gotham Burger!
The Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for next week’s Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week to [email protected]
