It was just a thing of respect. I wasn't trying to make a statement, and I had no idea that it would impact that many people. Sandy Koufax
This glove was used by left handed baseball pitcher Sanford Sandy Koufax (b.1935,) while a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Koufax, a Jewish-American, famously declined to pitch the first game of the 1965 World Series as it conflicted with the religious holiday of Yom Kippur. The decision created controversy, pitting the demands of fans against those who embraced Koufax’s commitment to his faith. Although the Dodgers lost the game, Koufax did return to pitch in the series, helping to lead the Dodgers to the championship.
Koufax’s stance, done in the face of public pressure, continues to symbolize to many the national values of personal independence, including the right to observe one’s religious beliefs and cultural traditions.
Despite a career prematurely ended by injury, Koufax attained many of the game’s highest honors (1955-1966,) being named to six all-star teams, receiving 3 Cy Young trophies for best pitcher, and awarded the National League’s Most Valuable Play honors in 1963.