Jews in Sports: Humble Beginnings to Bright Future

It had to happen that Yaffa Wigs, Advantage Wholesale Supply, Landmark Funding Group and softball would all be mentioned in one breath. It was only a matter of time.

True to our Jewish heritage of small beginnings, perseverance and continuum, the Crown Heights Softball League too has flourished since its inception in 2004, originating under the “Kloppers League” banner.

Its commissioners, Zevi Steinhauser and Danny Cole, lead an experienced group of ball players through patience, dedication and hard work in order to achieve substantial growth for a league chock-full of Brooklynites. When these adults wanted to kick their spare lounging time to the curb, there wasn’t where to turn, neighborhood-wise, in the form of organized sport in a constructive environment.

“Originally, a few guys were brought to the Kings County Softball League by Albert [Avrohom Benaroch],” says Steinhauser. “But it became increasingly difficult to continue in that league as the games started very early.”

Simply put, that meant facing the music: hang up their cleats or start their own league. Needless to say, we know how that quandary was resolved.

However, before resolutely settling for a new league, there were a few difficulties and problems to be navigated before the dream could become reality.

“The decision was made to get 20 or so guys together to start our own league,” recalls Steinhauser. “But we got kicked off every field we went to play on because we weren’t registered. Danny and I went to the Parks Department to get a permit for our ‘league’ which we then called the ‘Kloppers League’.”

What originated as two full squads facing off versus one another led to subsequent expansion and growth, eventuating what’s put out on today’s softball diamond.

Even with the cons that accompany joining this league – lives outside of softball and, among other things, a grueling participation schedule – there are a number of benefits this softball association offers that’s strewn to the wayside in other semi-pro leagues.

“Zevi and I both played softball elsewhere before this league came about,” says

Cole. “One thing we noticed elsewhere that we didn’t want to replicate was the yelling and shouting that often accompanies organized sports. We wanted this league to be as calm and relaxed an environment possible, where everyone would have a positive experience.

“Additionally,” Zevi adds with a smile, “most of the single guys who join this league get married within the first two seasons of playing with us.”

Even with all the affirmative reinforcement, issues have come to light in recent years that have stunted the league’s growth, hindering its progress towards further enhancement and development.

“We don’t have enough quality managers to make sure an expansion team runs smoothly,” notes Steinhauser. “Someone capable of keeping his cool under pressure who can doubly motivate his team to attend games and give it their all each time his squad takes the field doesn’t come our way a dime-a-dozen.

It’s therefore not a matter of happenstance that both Danny and Zevi know their roles – and players. The wily veterans even know their opponents very well; just check the standings.

“Although we’re both commissioners, we both also manage our own teams,” chimes Steinhauser. “We know just about every player; where they hit, field and how they run the bases. I would attribute our first and second-place standings to that knowledge and not to paying the umpires as some would think.”

As the old adage goes, “Monkey see, monkey do.”

The locale for the current six-teams, seven-sponsor league is in an area where toeing the line occurs on a near-nightly basis.

These commissioners understand the community concerns and have done their share on the all-in-equal-measure front to limit any politics-related issues that may germinate to vilify them specifically and the league as a whole.

“We try very hard to avoid fights and conflicts,” Steinhauser says. “We have room for both sides of every coin. For example, there’s an open invitation for anyone to cover our games. When we had the idea for an Opening Day honorary first-pitch last season, and one Vaad member couldn’t make it, we scrapped the whole idea. In this community, achdus goes a long way.”

For Crown Heights, as a neighborhood area, the league has done wonders, both as an outlet for the younger crowd as well as an example that outwardly-looking “cool guys” can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their “not-so-cool” peers in the same ball park.

“Organized sports display teamwork and camaraderie to spectators and participants alike,” explains Cole. “This league shows how chassidish players can be cool and play ball with their counterparts on the same field.

“This league is important in relation to recreational release for the kids,” says Steinhauser. “It’s one of the few places in the neighborhood, save, perhaps for the Jewish Children’s Museum, which has organized activities where youths can let-loose their pent-up energy through toil, effort and hard work.”

Yet, with all the good things that come to mind – Friendship Circle Night a few years ago when both Zevi and Danny teamed-up that evening to shut-out Chezky Herz’s team 6-0; lastseason’s Hot Dog Night where many parents brought their progeny out for a local game-night out – there is but one episode that lingers and remains fresh, gnawing at both commissioners’ memory, no matter how much time has since elapsed.

“Our biggest regret,” admits Steinhauser, “was kicking out a player a few years ago. Even though he got on base most of the time and gave it his all, Danny and I were rash with the decision to show him the exit as opposed to helping him, as a player, improve. It still eats at us, to this day, that we did it.”

Whether the boys are klopping the bindings off the ball or just hanging at the salon getting their nails ‘did,’ the Crown Heights Softball League seems destined for bigger things.

From the players on up, there’s something to be said for the manner where the players take the field for every game, to enjoy themselves at the ballpark.

To cheer for one team is acceptable, but to root for the league’s steady increase in expansion, development and potential it brings to the table, is what’s found in our DNA; it’s our heritage.