The 17U Sid Jacobson JCC baseball squad from Greenvale, New York, captured its third straight gold medal at the Maccabi Games in Kansas City, edging New York’s Hudson team 3-2 on August 6, 2026.
What made the triumph especially remarkable was the composition of the roster: twelve newcomers joined only two veterans from the previous year, yet the team reeled off a 19‑game winning streak that began after the group split from mixed‑age competition in 2023. Coach Mark Rosenman, who selected the fifteen‑player lineup from a tryout pool of thirty‑four, praised the collective effort that turned a young squad into a cohesive unit.
Building Brotherhood Off the Field
The players arrived three days early to bond over Kansas City barbecue, a visit to the NCAA’s College Basketball Experience, and a tour of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Their camaraderie translated into on‑field chemistry, highlighted by Noah Gross of Uniondale’s Hebrew Academy, who struck out two batters in just eleven pitches during the second inning, allowing only one hit and no walks in five and two‑thirds scoreless innings.
Key contributors such as Chase Eichner of Ward Melville added a memorable moment when he said, “We ran out there and dogpiled on the mound. It was one of the best experiences of my life.” The team’s selfless community work also earned recognition; three members—Jack Goldberg of Roslyn and brothers Chase and Cole Eichner of Ward Melville—received Midot Medals for their cleanup efforts, while the broader squad contributed over 400 washkits to local shelters through a charity drive organized by Repair the World Los Angeles.
Even before the championship game, the young athletes received motivational messages from Major League stars Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor and Hall of Famer Dwight Gooden, underscoring the Maccabi Games’ emphasis on both competition and service. Their story illustrates how a blend of fresh talent, dedication, and community spirit can produce a legacy that extends far beyond the scoreboard.