In a festive pre-game ceremony Tuesday night, Dr. Martin Abramowitz, president of Jewish Major Leaguers Inc., dedicated a sign honoring the 144 American Jews who have played Major League Baseball, and presented a donation to the Israel Association of Baseball's Olympic program.

The ceremony was attended by a representative of US Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer, a die-hard Yankee fan. Abramowitz, an equally die-hard Red Sox fan, threw out the first ball. All those present were united around the love of baseball, interest in the historical role of American Jews in America's game and its effect on American Jewish identity, and the desire to advance the level of play in Israel.

"We look forward to the day," said Abramowitz, "when an Israeli-born player will add his name to the list of Jews who have played major league baseball."

The fans then sat back, wolfed down hot dogs and cold drinks, and enjoyed the Junior League Game between the Sharon Red Wings and the American International School Falcons.

Sponsored by the International League's venerable Rochester (NY) Red Wings Triple A franchise, the Sharon squad took advantage of erratic AIS pitching to notch four early runs, and never looked backed back, winning 17-3.

Hurlers Yonatan Goren and Jonah Tischler shut down the AIS bats, apart from Adam Baratz and Elan Guth, while Ronen Kornberg powered the Sharon offense.