Baseball Glove, used by Sandy Koufax

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. A Jewish-American, Koufax 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 lead the Dodgers to the championship.

Koufax's stance, done in the face of public pressure, continues to symbolize for 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 was a seven-time All-Star, winning three Cy Young awards (1963 ,1965, 1966) and being named 1963's National League Most Valuable Player. Overall "The Left Hand of God" had a 165-87 win-loss record with a 2.76 ERA and 2,396 strike outs. A four-time World Series Champion, he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972.