Jacob Gurvis

From 5 a.m. tipoffs to bar mitzvah trips, Israelis are reveling in Deni Avdija’s breakout season - Jewish Telegraphic Agency "Many people think he's going to be the greatest Israeli player of all time,” said one basketball writer.

“Many people think he’s going to be the greatest Israeli player of all time.”

Israeli fans are loving Deni Avdija’s breakout season in the NBA — even if they’re not all that surprised.

My latest for @jta.org:

Ron Washington said Yoán Moncada “passed all the tests and checked all the boxes,” and is ready to go for #Angels Opening Day. He takes the club's final roster spot.

Here's more on the Lopez signing and where he's expected to play for the Angels (hint: everywhere)

No Minors needed: Johnson makes Halos' Opening Day roster This time last year, Ryan Johnson was a junior at Dallas Baptist University with scant college experience. On Tuesday, he officially became a Major Leaguer. The Angels announced that Johnson, a 22-yea...

Last night, Ryan Johnson struck out Shohei Ohtani in his first start in an MLB park. Today, he found out he made the Angels' roster. He has 0 games of experience in pro baseball.

"It’s just unreal, not at all how I pictured it."

Lots of news out of #Angels camp today...

- Signed Nicky Lopez
- Released Mickey Moniak
- Ryan Johnson, Tim Anderson, Kyren Paris and Rule 5 pick Garrett McDaniels all made the team
- Angel Perdomo & José Quijada DFA'd
- 1 spot remains, pending decision on Yoán Moncada

Mike Trout on his move to right field, where he made a couple nice plays tonight: "It's good to get some reps out there, some balls that you're not used to seeing... It's all about reps, just being out there. Just get comfortable. I like it." #Angels

The #Angels drafted Ryan Johnson last year, via the comp pick from Shohei Ohtani leaving. Tonight, Johnson struck Ohtani out to lead off his first-ever start in an MLB park. Was he aware of their connection?

"No, I'm not focused or worried about any of that stuff. It just doesn't matter to me."

🔥🔥

I'm just pinch-hitting for Rhett Bollinger this series -- thanks for reading!

Angels' final rotation spot goes to ... ANAHEIM -- Right-hander Jack Kochanowicz will begin the season as the Angels’ fifth starter, manager Ron Washington announced Monday, with lefty Reid Detmers moving to the bullpen. Washington said he ...

Jack Kochanowicz officially won the fifth starter spot for the Angels, beating Reid Detmers, who will join the bullpen. Kochanowicz called it "a dream come true."

My story for MLB dot com:

Angels acquire righty Anderson from Braves for Suarez LOS ANGELES -- The Angels and Braves exchanged pitchers on Sunday, with Atlanta sending right-hander Ian Anderson to the Angels for left-hander José Suarez. Anderson, who underwent Tommy John surgery ...

The Angels acquired righty Ian Anderson from the Braves today. Anderson, who is making his way back from Tommy John surgery, will join the Halos' bullpen, manager Ron Washington said.

My (first!) story for MLB dot com:

Sign up for The Jewish Sport Report - Jewish Telegraphic Agency Get your weekly guide to the fun and fascinating sports news and conversations happening in the Jewish world. Sign up to stay in the know and keep up with the best Jewish sports stories of the week.

BUT, I am *also* excited to remain a part of the Jewish sports world — I will still be writing the Jewish Sport Report newsletter for JTA, our fun weekly recap of all things (you guessed it) in Jewish sports. Sign up! www.jta.org/sign-up-for-...

This is, of course, bittersweet news, because it means my 3.5 years at @jta.org have come to an end. It was an immense honor to be part of the JTA/70 Faces Media family, and I am forever grateful for the wonderful reporters and editors who taught me so much!

Some baseball news as Spring Training begins ⚾️🚨

Today was my first day at MLB, where I'll be a content producer this season, contributing to the league's game coverage, newsletters and more.

My job is officially baseball and I couldn't be more thrilled!

Sotheby’s to auction ‘the most complete Jewish baseball card collection in the world’ - Jewish Telegraphic Agency The collection, estimated to sell for more than $500,000, only starts with Sandy Koufax.

Looking for a fun gift idea for the Jewish sports fan in your life? This baseball card collection is only… $500,000-$700,000!

The top 10 Jewish sports moments of 2024, from Jessica Fox’s Olympic dominance to Sam Salz’s historic college football debut - Jewish Telegraphic Agency Jewish athletes made history in baseball, hockey, wrestling and soccer this year.

From Jessica Fox's golden Olympics to Sam Salz's historic college football debut, 2024 was a banner year for Jews in sports.

Here's my recap of the top 10 Jewish sports moments of 2024:

Meet Yaniv Bazini, the Israeli forward who propelled U of Vermont to its first soccer championship - Jewish Telegraphic Agency Bazini, who held an Israeli flag after the win, plans to pursue professional soccer.

Bazini, who held an Israeli flag after the win, plans to pursue professional soccer.

Meet Yaniv Bazini, the Israeli college soccer star who could lead UVM to a national title - Jewish Telegraphic Agency Bazini plans to pursue professional soccer after Monday’s NCAA championship game.

The University of Vermont is playing in its first-ever NCAA soccer championship tonight, led by Israeli star Yaniv Bazini. Here's his story:

Ian Kinsler picks up his first Hall of Fame vote, becoming the first Jewish player to receive votes since Shawn Green in 2013.

Jewish ace Max Fried signs record-breaking contract with the New York Yankees - Jewish Telegraphic Agency Fried’s eight-year, $218 million deal is the largest contract in baseball history both for a Jewish player and for a left-handed pitcher.

Max Fried's 8-year, $218 million deal with the Yankees is by far the largest contract in Jewish baseball history

The NIL deal includes a special-edition Manischewitz matzah box featuring Retzlaff's image that will be available in a special giveaway.

BYU’s star Jewish quarterback Jake Retzlaff scores sponsorship deal with Manischewitz - Jewish Telegraphic Agency Retzlaff, who goes by the moniker “BY-Jew,” is the first athlete to reach a deal with the iconic Jewish food brand.

EXCLUSIVE: BYU's star Jewish quarterback Jake Retzlaff has scored a sponsorship deal with iconic Jewish food brand Manischewitz.

Details: www.jta.org/2024/12/04/s...

A while ago, I made reference to filing the most Jewish thing I've ever written. This is that piece. sabr.org/journal/arti...

The Other Place: Sorry, that account called "KKK" that talks about securing "a future for White Children" in its bio does *not* violate our rules.

Meanwhile, on Bluesky: Is an audiobook a book?

Dustin Pedroia won't make it into the Hall of Fame, and that's a real bummer.

From 2007 to 2017, Pedroia ranked Top 10 in MLB in: WAR (46.3), average (.302), runs (915), hits (1,785), and doubles (390), was a 4x All-Star, and won ROY, MVP, 4 Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger.

Injuries suck.