A writer could hardly conjure a more enjoyable interview subject than Sol Gittleman. At 81, he exudes a youthful zest, with vivid memories of details and a strong, warm voice.
A professor since 1964 at Tufts University’s School of Arts and Sciences, Gittleman has taught courses on German literature, Weimar culture, German silent films, the rise of Hitler, Yiddish culture, Sholem Aleichem, the Jewish-American novel and … baseball.
If this isn’t No. 1, then it has to be no less than 1A when it comes to biggest All-Star snubs.
At the All-Star break in 1935, Hank Greenberg had 103 RBIs, a record that still stands 81 years later. The Tigers star also slugged 25 homers and was hitting .317.
Yet Greenberg was not selected for the American League All-Star team. The guy was averaging more than a RBI per game and he wasn’t picked.
Then test your knowledge with our trivia game which will truly separate the scholars from the yutzes.
What does Jewish baseball mean to you? Did you have a brush with greatness? A family story that connects your religion and your love of the game?
