The Jewish Link and The Humble Toast would like to recognize Max Hagler as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The rising third grader at Yeshivat Noam was a huge part of the TBO Travel team’s success this summer. When asked about Hagler, TBO Coach Alan Teller told The Jewish Link, “Max was an integral player on  our travel team team. He is an excellent first baseman, can play all over the field, and is also a good  pitcher. At bat, Max is a reliable and consistent power hitter, always in the middle of our rallies. Not only is he a top player, but Max is an awesome teammate as well. He is always leading the dugout cheering, and is the first to  congratulate his teammates. This season, he made it a point to make sure all of the younger players were included and felt part of the team. I am excited to see Max continue to grow as a ball player and leader.”

Max, congrats on a great season and on being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week! Who is your role model and why?

Both of my parents. My dad is always working with me and teaching me different aspects of all sports. He also coaches many of my sports teams, including baseball, football and basketball. My mom is busy with the rest of our family and a full time job, and still finds time to make sure I am the first person at every practice and game.

What is your favorite sport?

My favorite sport is baseball. I really enjoy getting up to bat and crushing the ball. I also love spending time with my friends on the bench and cheering for my teammates up at bat. We developed some really creative cheers. By the end of the season, even some of the parents started using the cheers with us.

What is your pregame routine?

I am an early riser. I wake up extra early on game day, prepare any food or drinks for the game and get dressed. Sometimes I am all ready with my bag by the door before anyone else in my house even wakes up.

What is your greatest sports accomplishment?

Hitting a game winning shot in an MGBL basketball game to lead my team to a win. The game was tied with 10 seconds left and I hit a deep shot for our team to win by two points.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Anthony Volpe. He plays shortstop which I love to play. He is also still young and developing his game as he works his way in the big leagues. I appreciate how he has handled the starting role and has pushed through some of his struggles during parts of the season.

Also, like Volpe, I would love to play for the Yankees when I am older. There has never been a player on the Yankees named Max, so hopefully I can be the first.

What is your earliest sports memory?

Hitting a home run in BBO when I was in first grade.

What is your weirdest sports memory?

I was lucky enough to make the second grade travel baseball team as a first grader. My first hit was on a pitch that bounced in front of the plate before I swung. I probably should not have swung, since it was a ball, but I ended up getting my first hit of the season.

What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?

Spending time with my friends and family, though that time usually ends up being spent playing sports in the backyard or basement.

What is your favorite sports memory?

My dad took me to the Yankees vs. Astros series last year in Yankee stadium. We got to enjoy a great rivalry between the two teams. However, it was my favorite sports memory since Aaron Judge hit a walk-off home run to end the game. I still remember how loud the crowd was and how much I cheered with my Dad and brother.

What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?

One of my favorite parts of being a Sportstar is spending time with my friends as teammates. It is fun to see how you can connect with anyone through a simple catch or a one-on-one basketball game.

My other favorite part of being a Sportstar is seeing the results of practice and hard work. I spend a lot of time practicing after school and camp. It is fun when you can see the practice results show during a game. It shows that all the hard work does pay off.

The Humble Toast Star of the week will receive a $25 gift card to The Humble Toast. Please send nominees for an upcoming The Humble Toast Jewish Link Stars of the Week to [email protected].

Grade and school?