The regular season is over, but for Shawn Green, acquired by the New York Mets in July, the season was extended as the National League Eastern division champs moved into the playoffs against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Likewise, Jason Marquis of the St. Louis Cardinals got to play a little longer after his team won the Central division and faced off against the San Diego Padres. Marquis won 14 games during the regular season, but had the worst earned-run average among qualifying pitchers in the National League (6.02).

Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis enjoyed his finest year yet, setting personal highs in all offensive categories. Philadelphia Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal, on the other hand, lost most of the season due to injuries. (See chart below for a complete list of Jews in the majors in 2006.)

Green and Long Branch native Scott Schoeneweis each split time between two teams this season.

Former NJ Jackals pitcher Craig Breslow returned to the big leagues, appearing in 13 games after his July 14 call-up by the Red Sox. Rider graduate Carl Loadenthal continued his attempt to reach “the show,” finishing with a .305 bating average, eight home runs, 52 runs batted in, and 30 stolen bases while playing for two minor league clubs.

Jason Hirsh, a six-foot, eight-inch pitcher for the Houston Astros, made his debut Aug. 12, giving up four runs and taking the decision in a 6-3 loss to the Padres, one of his four losses against three victories. He fared much better in the minors, where he sported a record of 13 wins, two losses, and a minuscule 2.10 ERA.

Other Jewish players making their professional debuts included pitcher Mike Eisenberg, a Philadelphia native drafted by the Cleveland Indians (3-1, 4.29 for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers); infielder Zachary Penprase, Philadelphia Phillies (190 AB/40 hits/no home runs, 19 RBI, .211 batting average for the Batavia Muckdogs); outfielder James Rapoport, St. Louis Cardinals (241/52/1/21/.216 for the State College Spikes); and outfielder Benjamin Zeskind, Toronto Blue Jays (237/66/4/ 28/.278 for the Auburn Doubledays).

Adam Greenberg, who was beaned in his only big league plate appearance (with the Chicago Cubs in 2005), was still working on his comeback in the minors, batting .209 for three clubs.