Ron Blomberg – MLB Great Jewish Hope (1970s)

Sunday afternoon, Sept. 15 at Congregation Shomrei Torah Ronald Blomberg, Major League Baseball’s first designated hitter and the “great Jewish hope” of the New York Yankees during the 1970’s, will talk about his career, both on and off the baseball field.  

The story of Ron’s life and career is one that can inspire anyone to believe that their goals, no matter how difficult they may appear, can be achieved by maintaining a positive, determined attitude.

When Ron Blomberg was a young boy living in Georgia, he dreamed of playing for the Yankees and made donning pinstripes his ultimate goal. The journey to Yankee Stadium would not be an easy one for Ron, as he would not only have to battle opposing pitchers but also the prejudice and persecution his Jewish heritage often provoked. However, despite facing the additional obstacle of bigotry, Ron was called up to the Yankees after only two years in the minor leagues, and his eight year playing earned him an honorary spot in baseball’s Hall of Fame.

Ron Blomberg was the number one over-all pick in the 1967 amateur draft and made his Yankee debut on September 10, 1969.

Rod Blomberg, nicknamed Boomer, is a former Major League Baseball designated hitter, first baseman, and right fielder. He played for the New York Yankees (1969, 1971–76) and Chicago White Sox (1978), and he was the manager of the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox in the Israel Baseball League (2007). He was the first designated hitter in Major League Baseball history.

Plan to attend this event and hear first-hand about Ron’s life experiences playing in the NBA and his role in the Israel Baseball League.