Sunday, April 10 was opening day for the Fairfield County Connecticut Jewish Baseball League (FCCJBL). On hand to throw out the ceremonial “first pitch” was Stamford’s new Mayor Caroline Simmons.
This year’s baseball season runs from April 10 thru June 19. As the Stamford Jewish community continues to grow, the rosters now include up to 120 kids, between the ages of 4-12, playing in this year’s three divisions of the league: Pre-K for the 4- and 5-year-olds, T-Ball for kindergarteners and first graders, and the Minors for the second to sixth graders. In each of the divisions, the coaches stress the basics of the game and the spirit of being on a team. With four teams per division this year, the hungry pre-K division pits Rugelach and Matzah Balls against Latkes and Falafels. Heroes of the T-Ball division will compete as Angels, Kings, Maccabees, and Tribes. The Minor division’s teams honor the Golan, Judea, Negev and Samaria regions of Israel.
After Sunday June 19’s final league play, all the teams in every division will celebrate at an award ceremony and a dairy luncheon. Each participant will be presented with a trophy. Photographer Navah Wolfe has arranged for each player to receive a pack of personal baseball cards, which they can trade with their friends. A new feature this year will occur on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. League organizers have arranged for an ice cream truck to come to the games.
“The league teaches sportsmanship,” said League Commissioner Ari Goldstein. “Kids have the opportunity to meet other kids and be respectful to each other as they form friendships with each other. Whether they win or lose the game, they all shake hands or slam a high-five when it ends.” Goldstein explained that at each level we have a range of skills, and the coaches hope to help further develop the kids’ basic skills while also teaching them the rules of the game.
“It’s just so exciting that baseball is happening in Stamford this year, in person,” declared Simmons. The City of Stamford has lifted COVID restrictions for outdoor sports. “You know, especially coming out of COVID, it’s just going to be a wonderful opportunity for youth to get together and play baseball, and especially the Jewish Baseball League, which is such an important league for our Jewish community, and which is such a cherished part of our community here in Stamford.”
Simmons noted: “I am honored and a little nervous. I might be a little rusty, but excited to have this opportunity.” Her only prior baseball experience included “growing up playing T-ball and softball as well as playing baseball with my 3-year old son.” On the record, Simmons revealed that she is a Yankees fan.
Simmons expressed to the youth, “I just want to commend them for how resilient they’ve been amidst this pandemic and just getting through this difficult period. And I know it’s such a difficult time, with all the mental health issues. I want to just encourage our youth to speak up on issues they care about and get help if they need it.
“Everyone’s struggling right now. So kindness is so important. … Getting involved in sports is just such a great way to build leadership skills, teamwork skills and self-esteem. I have taken so many lessons with me that I learned through sports growing up to my career, so they’re gonna be learning valuable skills that they will take with them their whole lives.”
Goldstein explained how his 10-year-old son played in the Stamford Little League in the fall. While playing for the City’s league, he had to miss practices and games. “What is special about FCCJBL, he doesn’t miss any games. He is proud to be Jewish, keep Shabbos, and play baseball. Each Sunday morning, my kids are not missing out on anything they have to do with their friends. It’s really easy when the whole community comes together to play baseball.”
