The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize Josh Degen as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The 18-catcher and leadoff hitter on the RKYHS (Kushner) Cobras Baseball Team is having a terrific season. He has a stellar on-base percentage, is always a threat to steal another base and his powerful arm has erased many opposing base runners. In a recent game against the JEC Thunder, Josh homered, doubled and threw out two base runners who were trying to steal. RHYHS Athletic Director Rabbi Richard Kirsch told the JLNJ “Josh is probably one of the toughest, hard-nosed baseball players to ever come out of our program. He is all business on the field, letting his play on the field do the talking.” JLNJ approached Josh with some questions:
Josh who are your role models?
Both my grandfathers and an old baseball coach. My grandfathers both decided to change their respective lifestyles for the good of themselves and their families’ futures. My coach taught me the importance of dedication, preparation, commitment and team unity.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Messier because of the way he carried himself as a leader.
What is your pregame routine?
I usually eat a bagel with either lox or whitefish and put Icy Hot on my right arm.
What is your earliest sport memory?
Going to Shea Stadium and Madison Square Garden with my Dad for Mets and Rangers games.
What is your favorite Josh Degen sports memory?
After struggling at the plate for most of freshman year, I had the bat of my life, fouling off about 10 pitches and then hitting a two RBI double which drove in the winning run in the quarter finals against Heschel. We won the championship two weeks later.
What are some of your favorite things to do when you are not playing sports?
Hanging out with friends or watching sports.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Being a member of a team and through my actions impacting my teammates as a positive influence.
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]
