The Jewish Link and The Humble Toast would like to recognize Avi Pasternak as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The fourth grader at the Yeshivat Noam is a starting pitcher for the 10U TBO travel team and also a huge bat for the team. When asked about Avi, his coach Jason Demby told The Jewish Link, “Avi is a true gem, both on the field and off! I can speak for all of his Teaneck TBO 10U travel team coaches in praising his amazing skill on the field as a starting pitcher and sure handed, strong armed third baseman. What impresses me most about Avi is his constant focus and the quiet and humble confidence that he shows as he is doing it all! Whether he’s pitching yet another strikeout in yet another hitless inning, driving in another run on a clutch hit or fielding a hard hit ball down the third base line to make an amazing throw across the field to get the batter out—it all comes with a quiet smile that let’s his teammates and coaches know that they can rely on him to do it again. It’s an honor to coach Avi and his skills and attitude make him a prime example of what youth athletes in our community should strive for—a mensch through and through!”
Avi, congrats on being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week! Who are your role models and why?
My parents, because they taught me how to play sports the right way. They always encourage me to play with good sportsmanship and to keep practicing and playing my best. My parents are both really good athletes and are always practicing with me. They are always at my baseball and basketball games cheering me on but also make sure to tell me what I could’ve done better.
What is your favorite sport?
Baseball, because I love the feeling of being on the mound and pitching. It was also the first sport I ever played with my Zaidy.
What is your pregame routine?
I do stretches and listen to “The Final Countdown.”
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
In third grade I pitched three perfect innings and struck out seven batters.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Steph Curry, because he always looks like he’s having so much fun and you can tell how much he loves playing the game.
What is your earliest sports memory?
Playing tackle football with my dad in the basement when I was 2 years old.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
I love getting together with my friends and trading sports cards.
What is the weirdest thing that has happened to you while playing ball?
Forgetting that I was playing baseball on concrete and sliding into second and getting stitches on my knee.
What is your favorite sports memory?
Being at the Yankee game when Aaron Judge hit a walk off single to beat the Astros.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
Getting to play all the sports I love with my friends.
The Humble Toast Sportstar of the week will receive a $25 gift card to The Humble Toast. Please send nominees for an upcoming The Humble Toast Jewish Link Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
By Jewish Link Sports Desk
