Ohio’s Jewish Athletes Carving Out a Powerful Legacy in Collegiate and Pro Sports

Ohio has always produced standout athletes, but a new generation of Jewish sports figures is leaving an especially meaningful mark. These players aren’t just known for their performance on the field—they’re celebrated for proudly embracing their heritage. Whether it’s on the football field or the baseball diamond, they represent both athletic excellence and cultural pride with equal passion.

Among the most recognizable names is Sam Sloman, whose powerful leg and unshakable identity made him a standout at Miami University in Ohio. Nicknamed “The Kosher Cannon,” Sloman went 26-for-30 on field goals during his senior season—a school record—and was a perfect 34-for-34 on PATs. His defining moment came in 2019 with a 53-yard game-winning field goal that sent Miami to the MAC Championship, establishing him as one of the most reliable kickers in the country.

What made Sloman’s rise even more remarkable was how openly he embraced his Jewish identity throughout his college career. That nickname wasn’t just a catchy phrase—it was a proud badge of cultural connection. As Sloman moved on to the NFL, now with the San Francisco 49ers, he carried that pride with him, becoming both an athletic and cultural role model for young Jewish athletes nationwide.

Another standout from the Buckeye State is Twinsburg native Scott Effross, who has made a name for himself in Major League Baseball. Now a key reliever for the New York Yankees, Effross’s journey began on the youth fields of Northeast Ohio and continued at Indiana University, where he developed into a unique sidearm pitcher. Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2015, he climbed the ranks quickly, eventually breaking into the big leagues in 2021.

Effross posted a 3.68 ERA in his debut season with 18 strikeouts over just 14.2 innings. By 2022, he had become a trusted arm for both the Cubs and Yankees, limiting hitters to a .214 batting average across 56.2 innings in high-leverage spots. But beyond the numbers, what stands out is Effross’s open expression of his faith—he wears a Star of David necklace during games and speaks candidly about the responsibility and pride that come with being a Jewish athlete on a national stage.

These athletes are reshaping what it means to be Jewish in American sports. Sloman and Effross have proven that elite talent and cultural authenticity can go hand-in-hand. Instead of hiding their faith, they’ve used it as a source of strength—and in doing so, they’ve become powerful symbols for others.

Their influence goes far beyond box scores. They’ve built bridges within the Jewish community and inspired younger athletes to embrace who they are. Whether it’s Sloman connecting with fans at football camps or Effross participating in community events, both are using their platforms to uplift and educate.

Representation matters—especially in fields where Jewish athletes have historically been underrepresented. When young fans see Sloman kicking game-winners or Effross closing out games in pinstripes, it reinforces the belief that they, too, can succeed while remaining true to their identity.

They’ve also helped dismantle outdated stereotypes. With every clutch kick or dominant outing, Sloman and Effross showcase not just athletic skill, but focus, preparation, and grit. They aren’t just competing—they’re changing the narrative.

Their journeys are also deeply rooted in Ohio’s tradition of sports excellence. Effross’s path from Twinsburg Little League to Yankee Stadium proves that national-level talent can come from Midwestern soil. Sloman’s rise from MAC stardom to the NFL reflects the strength of Ohio’s college programs and their role in producing impact players.

At the heart of it all is a shared spirituality that grounds both athletes. Whether it’s handling high-pressure moments or navigating the spotlight, Sloman and Effross often credit their Jewish faith as a source of clarity and resilience. That grounding has helped them deliver in the biggest moments—on the field and off.

Together, they are more than athletes. They’re trailblazers redefining what it means to succeed in sports without compromising who you are. Ohio’s Jewish sports community is stronger because of them—and the legacy they’re building continues to grow with each game.