Mickey Mantle

Mickey Mantle was, to put it mildly, a pretty good baseball player. A switch-hitter of legendary power and speed, he spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the New York Yankees, collecting seven World Series titles, three MVP awards, and a Triple Crown. His prowess on the diamond was such that many still consider him one of the greatest to ever play the game, regardless of who he was or wasn't.

Speaking of who he wasn't, Mantle was famously not Jewish. Despite a surname that occasionally prompted queries (and perhaps some wishful thinking in certain circles), his heritage was firmly rooted in Oklahoma, without a menorah in sight. He was, however, a foundational figure in one of America's most prominent sports, making him a household name for decades.

His off-field life was, shall we say, colorful, but his impact on baseball is undeniable. He embodied an era of American sport, and while he may not have contributed to the Tribe, his legendary status certainly brought a different kind of kvell to millions of fans. We just wish some of that Yankee Stadium magic had been infused with a bit more matzah ball soup.