The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Raphe Shankman as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Shankman was nominated by his girlfriend Arielle Zrihen. Arielle told The Jewish Link, “My boyfriend is an avid reader of The Jewish Link and his dream since he was younger was to be featured as Athlete of the Week. It’s his birthday this week and I was wondering if there was a way to get him to be it this week. He plays baseball and football and is super athletic.”

Raphe, happy birthday and congratulations on being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the week. Who is your role model and why?

My role model is my dad. He is always recommending new books and movies for me to watch.

What is your favorite sport and why?

My favorite sport is golf. It’s nice to get an afternoon off to hang out with the boys on the course.

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

My greatest sports accomplishment is when I won my third straight baseball championship.

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

My favorite athlete is Kyle Korver. He has the smoothest shot in the NBA and one of the greatest 3 point shooters of all time.

What is your pregame routine, if you have one?

After a 20 minute stretching session, I like to jam out to my pump-up playlist. My favorites are Eminem and Mozart.

What is your earliest sports memory?

Sinking a bean bag into the hole of my backyard cornhole set.

What is your weirdest sports memory?

Dumping a Gatorade cooler on my coach after the championship only to find out it was a random parent.

What is your favorite sports memory?

Winning our third baseball championship in a row.

What do you like to do when you are not playing sports?

I split my time off of sports playing Wii gold and Guitar Hero. I also love to garden and bake banana bread.

Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].