'Jews and Baseball' Viewing Offered by Congregation Beth Am

Of the almost 17,000 major league baseball players in history, about 160 of them have been Jewish. A new independent documentary attempts to tell their stories.

"Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story" educates, entertains and debunks stereotypes while telling the story of successful Jewish Major League Baseball players.

The film comes to Tampa courtesy of Congregation Beth Am, which will show it at 4 p.m. on Oct. 28 at 2030 W. Fletcher Ave. in Carrollwood.

Greats like Sandy Koufax and Al Rosen are explored.

Narrated by Dustin Hoffman, the movie won the Best Editing Award at the Breckenridge Film Festival and Best Feature Documentary at the 2011 Seattle Jewish Film Festival.

"The documentary is more than just a sports movie. It’s about the history of Jews in America, and how baseball has always been as important to Jewish kids, and adults, as the rest of the country," said Joel Poiley, who organized the film viewing. "The movie shows how Jews went through their own version of discrimination and not being taken seriously about wanting to be major league players. So the movie is an affirmation of that and something Jews can be proud of."

In keeping with the baseball theme, ballpark food, including hot dogs and hamburgers, will be served for dinner. There will also be an auction with signed baseball memorabilia. The highlight item is a painting of Sandy Koufax by noted artist Greg Crumbly with Koufax’s signature.

The advance price is $10 for individuals and $25 for a family of three or more. The price will be $12 for individuals and $30 for families if you pay at the door on the day of the event. The meal will also include a side item such as chips and other snacks, and a drink. Additional hot dogs or burgers will cost $3. 

This event is open to the public.

For reservations please RSVP to Victoria Cain Stull at admin@betham.org by Oct. 24.