The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Akiva Moradi as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Moradi is a rising third grader at the Jewish Educational Center in Elizabeth and a star on the River Bandits baseball team in the Elmora Youth League. He plays both shortstop and pitcher and is pretty good with the bat as well. When asked about Moradi, Evan Manzon, coach of the River Bandits told The Jewsih Link “Akiva carries himself and his team as a true captain and is a pleasure to coach. Akiva walks with a hop in his step, a smile on his face and is an infectious positive influence to the team and the league. Not a game goes by without the opposing coaches commenting on Akiva’s game and attitude. Over 15 games Akiva carried the team at the plate: BA.880, OBP.903, 2 HR and 20 RBI; on the mound: 1.35 ERA 100 pitches thrown 67 strikes with an immaculate inning; and in the field, with an unassisted triple play. I can’t wait to see him continue to grow as a player and a person.”
Akiva, mazel tov on your unassisted triple play and for being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Who is your role model and why?
My father is my role model because he teaches me to believe in everyone and he also helps other people.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is baseball because you get to be included in a team and have fun with your friends.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
My greatest sports accomplishment is making a triple play and hitting an inside the park home run this season.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Derek Jeter because he played shortstop just like me and we are both #2. He encouraged everyone to play their best.
What is your pregame routine?
My coaches hits to me and I practice cut-offs. When I warm up to pitch, my father catches for me. My older brother also gives me a pep talk before the game.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory is when I was little and practiced with a tennis ball in my backyard.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory is going to a Yankees game and watching a walk-off!
What is your weirdest sports memory?
My weirdest sports memory is when my family went to a minor league baseball game in Connecticut and there were goats in the stadium!
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
I like to play with my friends and go to fun places with my family on Sundays.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being a Sportstar is being famous!
The Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week will receive a 5% discount on their next order @Drink Up, order with https://forms.gle/k8cjADWpMne9bPed7 or message Steve Gutlove 201 578 7425. Please send nominees for an upcoming Drink Up Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
