Which Dodgers pitcher sat out Game 1 of the 1965 World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur?

Sandy Koufax, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ ace, was Jewish, and Game 1 of the 1965 World Series fell on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year. He declined to pitch. Don Drysdale started instead and lost.

Koufax pitched Games 2, 5 and 7. He won Game 7 on two days’ rest with a shutout, and the Dodgers won the Series. His stand made him a hero to many people of faith.

Koufax threw four no-hitters, including a perfect game in 1965, and won three Cy Young Awards. Arthritis in his elbow forced him to retire at just thirty. He became the youngest player elected to the Hall of Fame, at thirty-six.