(RKYHS Sports) The RKYHS boys varsity baseball team traveled to the Ezra Schwartz z”l Memorial Baseball Tournament in the Boston area. RKYHS joined Maimonides, MTA and Atlanta Jewish Academy for the competition. While baseball was the main activity of the weekend, the entire weekend was dedicated in memory of Ezra Schwartz, a Maimonides alum, who was killed while studying in Israel for the year. In addition to planning a majority of the special weekend, Ezra’s parents, Ruth and Ari Schwartz hosted all the teams at their house in Sharon, Massechusetts on Shabbat afternoon for games and fun as players from all of the teams had a chance to socialize, and for a closing barbecue on Sunday. The RKYHS students learned about Ezra through Ruth and Ari and other family members as they spoke about his love of baseball and his unwavering loyalty and devotion to his friends, as well as his mischievous and silly side.

Two members of the baseball team took what they learned about Ezra to the RKYHS Yom Hazikaron program just a few short days later, where they were able to speak about, remember and honor him for all of RKYHS during the program. Several years ago, Ezra’s number, 2 was retired at RKYHS in his honor. On Yom Hazikaron, Ezra’s framed jersey was on display as RKYHS paid tribute to him.

On Motzei Shabbat at the tournament, three players from each team competed in a Home Run Derby, cheered on by all the schools’ players. Congratulations to RKYHS 10th grader Ben Leeds for placing second in the Home Run Derby, missing the first place spot by one home run. At the closing barbecue on Sunday, trophies were awarded to specific players for strong performances, including RKYHS 11th grader Sean Felderman, 10th grader Eitan Hammerman and ninth grader Evan Haber who were selected for the all-tournament team.