ANN ARBOR  (VINnews) – Elie Kligman, a catcher for the University of Michigan baseball team, has made history as the first Orthodox Jew to compete in NCAA Division I baseball.

Kligman, a graduate student from Las Vegas, Nevada, balances elite athletics with strict religious observance. From sundown Friday until nightfall Saturday, he is unavailable to play or practice due to his observance of Shabbos.

His teammates and coaches have fully embraced his commitment, viewing it as an inspiration rather than an obstacle.

“Thank G-d we have him,” one team member said, reflecting the program’s supportive stance toward Kligman’s dedication to his faith.

Kligman, listed at 6-foot, 202 pounds, bats switch and throws right-handed. He joined the Wolverines this season after previous stops at Sacramento State and other programs, continuing a trailblazing path that includes being drafted in the 20th round by the Washington Nationals in 2021.

Michigan Baseball highlighted his arrival, stating he is “making history.” The program and broader Jewish community have celebrated the milestone, with leaders like Jonathan Greenblatt of the Anti-Defamation League offering congratulations for breaking barriers and paving the way for future Orthodox Jewish athletes.

Kligman’s journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of maintaining religious principles at the highest levels of college sports. His story has resonated widely, demonstrating how faith and athletics can coexist with mutual respect and accommodation.