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Zevi S. talks about the Red Heifers’ big win, about the question of sports and bitul torah, and his gratitude to the CH Softball sponsors.

CrownHeights.info: As commissioner of Crown Heights’ only organized sports league tell me a little bit about how you got started.
Zevi S.: I was previously part of a secular league in Bayridge.We were about twelve guys who used to play twice a week. Then we saw how many people in Crown Heights were searching for this kind of recreation and we – Danny Cole and me - decided to start our own league here.

Exclusive interview with the Commissioner of the Crown Heights Softball League

Zevi S. talks about the Red Heifers’ big win, about the question of sports and bitul torah, and his gratitude to the CH Softball sponsors.

CrownHeights.info: As commissioner of Crown Heights’ only organized sports league tell me a little bit about how you got started.
Zevi S.: I was previously part of a secular league in Bayridge.We were about twelve guys who used to play twice a week. Then we saw how many people in Crown Heights were searching for this kind of recreation and we – Danny Cole and me – decided to start our own league here.

CHI: I know that sometimes people say that they wish they had something, and when it comes their way they don’t take advantage of it. What kind of response did you get after first starting?
ZS: You mean, like, “don’t wish for something – you just might get it?”

CHI: Ha ha, right. So what was your first year like?
ZS: It’s hard to get started, just like everything is. Although our turnout was great – we had 44 people signed up for the league plus 10 replacement players – at first the games weren’t running as smoothly as I had envisioned. But as the season went on we tried to work out our quirks: we hired official umpires, made a really tough schedule…I think as a whole people were really happy with it and are looking forward to making it even better.

CHI: So you just had the big championship. Is it a surprise that the Red Heifers won, or is it something you had been expecting based on their past games?
ZS: Actually, the Kings came into the season as heavy favorites. They had a few of the best players in the league, but they weren’t playing consistently and that will kill you in sports. The Red Heifers proved with their sharp pitching and excellent defense that good pitching beats good hitting.

CHI: So it was obvious that the competition was going to be between the Kings and the Heifers?
ZS: Red Heifers

CHI: Okay. We’ll keep it biblical.
ZS: No, the Skullcaps were pretty much there all year. The Kloppers had a surprising run at the end of the season, winning eight out of the last nine games which brought them into a one-game playoff with the Skullcaps. That game went fourteen innings – honestly, it was the best game of the year. But the Kloppers came out ahead, so in the playoffs it was them against the Skullcaps.

CHI: A lot of my readers have expressed skepticism about the appropriateness of this league. The recurring argument seems to be the one of “bitul torah.”
ZS: I think that this is a very important concern and I have personally struggled with it and discussed it with advisors and people I respect. But what I have been repeatedly told is that sports, like any other form of exercise, is beneficial and can enhance a person in terms of his yiddishkeit – especially learning. My own mashpiim have quoted tzadikim and respected rabbonim – including the Rambam – who all agree that sports can serve as a positive outlet for physical energy. At the same time, it has to be treated the right way – like other things it can be perverted. Speaking as a commissioner, I know that our games never conflict with the players’ learning schedules. I also know that all the guys have their strict chavrusas – mine is on Thursday, for instance.

CHI: How about starting a kids’ league? A lot of my readers have requested that something like that be started because of all the free time kids in the neighborhood have after school hours.
ZS: Would that I had the time!

CHI: I have to say that although I know you guys are all really talented, I’m surprised that you’ve aced a really professional look, as well. How do you do it?
ZS: I would really like to thank all our sponsors: Mendy Gansburg of the Red Heifers, Sholom Laine and Zev Cadaner of the Printhouse – we made our orange uniforms to match their logo – pretty flashy, huh? Shloimy Gutleizer of Apple Drugs has always been so gracious and J.J. Katz of Heights Properties, who also plays in the league, so he’s really involved!

CHI: Wow – you certainly have a lot of support. Is there anyone else before we close?
ZS: Yes –

CHI: Really? I was kidding!
ZS: No, seriously. Mendy Kalmenson of elitelogowear.com got us these great caps and spotlight design has sponsored us in the past. And of course we are looking for sponsors for this year!

CHI: Well, I want to thank you so much for sharing this accomplishment, and for starting this league that I think a lot of people – players and viewers – benefit from.

ZS: Thank you. By the way, we’re looking for a media sponsor…how about it?
CHI: We’ll talk.

Register now for the 2007 season. For information on registration, log onto www.chsoftball.com.

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13 Comments

  • zevi

    #3
    l-r Commissionar Zevi Steinhauser presnting the CH Softball championship trophy to Mendy Gansberg of Landmark funding group and Dani Cole Manager of the Red Heifers also in photo Mendys two children

    #1
    Mendy Gansberg and two of his children pose with the trophy

    #2
    l-r Mendy Gansberg and Dani Cole

  • Shloime R.

    Zevi! Kol hakavod.
    It is beautiful to see chavrei Anash turning their passions into a harmless and healthy activity. A league of this kind build achdus and chayos in the community that we can all benefit from.
    Keep up the good work!

  • Chanaloo

    Great article. It got me thinking – we should start a girl’s league, maybe basketball. We could use the new Bais Rivka’s court. Anyone interested? Please email me chanaloo@hotmail.com

  • Charlie

    Does this league add CHAYUS to the community, or is it CHAOS? There is a reason the Dodgers left town. The Shchuna is no place for a professional sports!

  • shternie

    a girls’ basketball team would be just the thing the schunah needs, maybe they can play the men too.

    Chassidim ein Mishpochah!

  • Re: Charlie

    it sounds like you were here when the dodgers left sorry for the dissapoinment. At least you have anew softball team to root for.

  • Since you been gone

    You had to start the league after I leave CH?! I look at the bright red uni’s and I have to say that they are quite attractive! Z.S., well spoken! As long as the league keeps its integrity (Unlike Lowrollers… i.e. Luongo trade), I root for you all the way!