MLB: Top Five Current Jewish Major League Baseball Players

Heard This Blog ranked the top five Jewish current baseball players

No. 5 -- Sam Fuld, Outfielder, Rays

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 11: Sam Fuld #5 of the Tampa Bay Rays scores on a wild pitch against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park April 11, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

He’s relatively new to the major leagues, but with a real lack of any other talent left in the MLB among Jewish players, Fuld seems to fit the bill at the No. 5 spot.  He’s got a wealth of talent, and after spending his first couple of years in Cubbie Blue, he has moved south to Tampa Bay in hopes of finding better results in the heat.  So far this season, Fuld is raking — .366 BA — and seven stolen bases.  It might take him a couple years, but you’ll be hearing the Stanford graduate’s name regularly.

No. 4 -- Jason Marquis, Pitcher, Nationals

Al Bello/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 10: Jason Marquis #21 of the Washington Nationals in action against the New York Mets during their game on April 10, 2011 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Im

He hasn’t been sharp lately, but then again, look at the team he plays on.  In his 12 seasons in the bigs, Marquis has had some really productive seasons — most notably in 2004 with the St. Louis Cardinals and 2009 with the Colorado Rockies.  Aside from his performance on the mound, though, Marquis is known for his abilities to handle the bat well, especially for a pitcher.

No. 3 -- Ian Kinsler, Second Baseman, Rangers

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 01: Ian Kinsler #5 of the Texas Rangers shatters his bat on a pitch against the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on April 1, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Kinsler spent his college career between two colleges, but as a pro, he’s only known the Lone Star State.  His career batting average of .279 to go along with 25 HR per season creates serious pop at the second base position.  He’s been a two-time All-Star selection and you can’t really argue the selections.  He’s pretty solid in the field, to boot.

No. 2 -- Kevin Youkilis, First Baseman/Third Baseman, Red Sox

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 10: Kevin Youkilis #20 of the Boston Red Sox scores a run on a double hit by David Ortiz against the New York Yankees in the seventh inning at Fenway Park April 10, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

I can’t promise you he will take Yom Kippur off if they have a game a la Sandy Koufax, but he’s put together an awfully impressive career thus far.  Widely noted as one of the finest corner defenders in the MLB, Youkilis also brings a big bat to the middle of the Red Sox lineup.  In 2008, Youk placed third in the AL MVP voting after clubbing 29 HR and driving in 115 RBIs.

No. 1 -- Ryan Braun, Outfielder, Brewers

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 04: Rickie Weeks #23 of the Milwaukee Brewers is congratulated by teammate Ryan Braun #8 after hitting a solo home run in the 3rd inning against the Atlanta Braves during the home opener at Miller Park on April 4, 2011 in Milwaukee,

Braun is not only the best Jewish player in the major leagues today, but he’s one of the best regardless of religion.  He burst onto the scene in 2007 at the age of 23 and promptly belted 34 HR and hit .324 in just 113 games in capturing the Rookie of the Year award.  Since then, he has continued his torrid rookie campaign to the tune of three straight All-Star appearances.  There’s a reason he’s known as the “Hebrew Hammer”, after all.

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