For years, Alex Bregman was known simply for his career and his work. An elite third baseman, check! An All-Star, check! A World Series champion, check! Now, Bregman is Jewish, but while his heritage was always a part of him, it was never the defining storyline of his career. But all that changed on October 7, 2023.
The Hamas attack on Israel that day left over 1200 people dead. And this affected the entire world, and even Bregman. For him it wasn’t just a tragedy unfolding miles away; it was deeply personal. The event of that day reshaped his perspective on what it meant to be a Jew playing in America. In a sport that has very little representation from the community.
And in the weeks that followed the attack, Bregman embraced his faith in ways he never did before. He realized that being a Jewish player in MLB is more than just a personal fact. It’s a representation that the young Jewish community needs.
Jun 10, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) on deck before batting against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
“One hundred percent, after the last year and a half, I feel like it’s made me want to do more, for sure. Being able to play professional baseball and be in the big leagues to begin with is a blessing in and of itself, but it’s an honor to be a Jewish baseball player,” said Bregman to the Boston Herald. And in the months that followed, Bregman did several things to show his support.
Alex Bregman spoke at a synagogue in Houston. He shared about his journey and his faith with the children there. He also visited a Jewish Community Center in Mexico City. He was there for an MLB series and took the moment to connect with the local Jewish community out there. And he realized then the impact he made, saying, “I didn’t realize what kind of impact I could have in the Jewish community until I did that. It was really cool.”
Now Bregman is starting a fresh chapter with the Boston Red Sox. The city has a rich Jewish history and passion-fueled baseball fans. Major League Baseball has also seen a small but good increase in Jewish players over the years. According to the Jewish Journal, an average of 14 Jewish players have been on the MLB roster over the last decade. Now that’s the highest average since the early 1990s. But players like Bregman sure are inspiring more from the community. But for Bregman, representing his community hasn’t been easy.
Alex Bregman reveals the hate he got for taking a stand
Alex Bregman embracing his identity didn’t come without any backlash. During the 2023 MLB postseason, he made a very quiet but power-packed statement. He etched the Star of David under the brim of his cap when playing in the American League Division Series. They were playing against the Minnesota Twins, and it was a way for Bregman to stand in solidarity with Israel and prove his stance is with his Jewish heritage.
But that gesture sparked reactions, even Bregman didn’t expect.
Apr 19, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Houston Astros third base Alex Bregman stands on the dugout steps prior to batting against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
“I got more hate for that than anything else in my entire career,” Bregman admitted. And that’s really saying something, given he was a part of the infamous Houston Astros team. The same team, that was found guilty of sign stealing, that had shaken the baseball world to the core. Yet according to him, standing up for his faith and his identity brought more hate than he had ever seen.
But despite the negative aspects, Alex Bregman admits that he also got plenty of support too. His teammates, his coach, and others backed him. “I have never faced antisemitism in any clubhouse that I’ve been in. I have had a ton of support from all of my teammates with everything, so it’s been really nice.” But yes, outside the clubhouse, the reality is not the same.
Now as Alex Bregman steps into Boston after nearly a decade in Houston, he won’t be playing just for himself. He will be playing for those Jewish kids, who see themselves in him. And yes, his impact will last beyond the scores for sure.
The post With Newfound Purpose After Oct. 7, Alex Bregman Embraces a Crucial Part of His Identity in Boston appeared first on EssentiallySports.
