Jewish Community Night

In Partnership with Chabad Lubavitch of Indiana and JCC Indianapolis

On July 8, 2025, the Indianapolis Indians hosted the second annual Jewish Community Night at Victory Field, recognizing central Indiana's Jewish community. Jewish baseball facts appeared on video boards, while Klezmer, Israeli pop, and other Jewish music played during inning breaks. Representatives from the Indianapolis Jewish community participated, with Dr. Alexander Kor and Senior Rabbi Avi Grossbaum throwing two ceremonial first pitches.

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

vs. Toledo Mud Hens 7:05 PM

About Jewish Community Night 2025

Pregame Ceremonies

Before the game, two representatives from the Indianapolis Jewish community threw out ceremonial first pitches: Dr. Alexander Kor, a local podiatrist and son of Holocaust survivor Eva Kor, and Senior Rabbi Avi Grossbaum of Chabad Lubavitch of Indiana. Cantor Melissa Cohen of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck and her daughter, Sadie Cohen, performed the national anthem prior to first pitch.

Educational Booths and Boards

Throughout the game, fans could visit tables in the Center Field Plaza to learn about Jewish culture, with representatives from CANDLES Holocaust Museum and JCC Indianapolis on hand to share information. New this year, we highlighted the history of Jewish players who have played for the Indianapolis Indians during inning breaks. You can learn more about these players below:

Well, shoot! You’re looking for a previous season’s promotion or a promotion where we’re still working out the details. See our 2025 schedule here and promotions here.

Jewish Players Who Played For The Indians

Harry Rosenberg, 1931-34

Harry Rosenberg (Outfielder) was an American professional baseball player whose career spanned 13 seasons, including a stint in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the New York Giants in 1930. He was Jewish and played as an outfielder. After his time with the Giants, Rosenberg was traded to the Indianapolis Indians, where he had a successful minor league career. In 1932, he batted .318 with 164 hits in 144 games. He continued to perform well in subsequent seasons with the Indians.

Micah Franklin, 2001

Micah Franklin (Outfielder) is a Jewish former professional baseball player. In 2001, he played for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians and was one of four players profiled in the documentary film A Player to Be Named Later, which provided an inside look at minor league baseball life.

Ryan Lavarnway, 2018

Ryan Lavarnway (Catcher), born to a Jewish mother and Catholic father, embraced his Jewish heritage and has been active in the Jewish community. He played for the Indianapolis Indians in 2018, earning mid-season Triple-A All-Star honors. Lavarnway has also represented Team Israel in international competitions, including the 2017 World Baseball Classic and the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Mickey Haslin, 1943

Before and after his MLB tenure, Haslin (Infielfder) played in the minor leagues, including stints with the St. Catharines Brewers, Stroudsburg Poconos, Kansas City Blues, Jersey City Giants, San Diego Padres, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Indianapolis Indians. In 1943, he played for the Indians, where he batted .239 with 89 hits, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 1 home run, and 50 RBIs.

Zack Thornton, 2013

Zack Thornton (Pitcher) is a former professional baseball player who played in the minor leagues for several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates' Triple-A affiliate, the Indianapolis Indians. Thornton also played with Team Israel in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Thornton is now the Head Pitching Coach for the UC Davis Aggies

Spencer Horwitz, 2025

Spencer Horwitz (First Basemen) has a Jewish father and has been involved in Jewish cultural practices throughout his life. In May 2025, he was assigned to the Indianapolis Indians on a rehab assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates