The Jewish Link and Drink Up would like to recognize Joey Cypess as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. A recent graduate of Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva, the 14-year-old Cypess is an incoming freshman at the Rav Teitz Mesivta Academy, commonly known as RTMA or JEC High School. Known for his speed on the basepath and high baseball IQ, Joey was a key contributor to the Highland Park Owls championship season. When asked about Cypess, his coach, Jeremy Renna, told The Jewish Link “When Joey was younger he was very emotional, not yet being able to find his way in a game that is mostly failure. As he’s matured we’ve seen him blossom and refocus his energies into becoming the emotional leader on the ball club. When he’s on the bench, he’s in charge. When he steals a base (or three) he lights a fire under the whole team.”
Joey, mazel tov on your recent graduation and on being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Who is your role model and why?
My role model is Sandy Koufax, because he was an exceptional athlete but still put Judaism first.
What is your favorite sport?
My favorite sport is baseball, because it’s a very cerebral game that is played by teams but still depends on the individual.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
Winning my league’s baseball championship earlier this year.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite athlete is Jacob deGrom, because he has mastered the art of pitching and is fascinating to watch every time he pitches.
What is your pregame routine?
Playing catch with my teammates to prepare my arm for the game.
What is your earliest sports memory?
Running the bases after a minor league baseball game.
What is your weirdest sports memory?
Since there were no “real” sports at the beginning of the pandemic, ESPN showed reruns of weird sports like marble racing and lawn mower racing.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
When I’m not playing sports, I enjoy watching and following sports and hanging out with my friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
It’s a really great honor, and I’m excited to represent my team.
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].
