From Hausner T-Ball to the World Baseball Classic

For Simon Rosenbaum, a lifelong love of baseball did not begin at home, but rather on the fields and playgrounds of Hausner, or, at the time, Mid-Peninsula Jewish Day School. “I met a couple of friends at Hausner, we played t-ball, and their dad was coaching, that you know, set me on a path,” he recalled. What began as a youthful game has grown into something much stronger, shaping his academic interests and his career.

Now in his tenth season with the Tampa Bay Rays, Simon has built a career on the side of baseball that many fans never see. After getting his start as an intern, he approached each opportunity with curiosity and intention, which he credits with much of his growth. “I was really lucky to start with the Rays and got an internship. I have tried to be a sponge and learn ever since…I remember going to Giants games growing up when I was eight years old. If you had told me that there was a person doing the things that I was doing that year, I would have been like, wow, that person must be incredible.”

Simon recalled this change over time, as he began to see baseball not just as something he loved, but as a viable professional path. He discussed studying math and economics within the scope of baseball opportunities. From playing for Team Israel to acting as general manager for this year's World Baseball Classic (WBC), Simon has supported the team inside and outside the field.

“Getting to represent Israel through a game that I love has been a really meaningful experience for me.” 

Representing Israel has also come with a unique set of realities. “We have more security than other teams,” he explained, noting that players are not allowed to leave the hotel or field wearing anything that identifies them with Israel. While these precautions are necessary, they also deepen the significance of the experience. Reflecting on family members in Israel and ongoing conflicts, Simon remains grounded in gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to his community in a meaningful way.

Looking back, Simon speaks about his time at Hausner joyfully. He recalls experiences that ranged from the classroom, learning to play wiffle ball, and eventually traveling to Israel with his classmates. Just as important was the foundation it gave him beyond academics. “The connection to Judaism is something that’s important to me… Hausner being able to provide that in a way that was supportive and open really helped shape the way I think about not only Judaism, but the way I think about the world in general.”

Today, Simon lives with his wife, Hannah, and 7-month-old son in San Diego. His career is a reminder that there is no single path to success, and that interests sparked at a young age can grow into meaningful and fulfilling careers. At Hausner, that kind of growth is intentional. The goal is not only to prepare students academically but to support them in becoming thoughtful, curious, and grounded individuals. It is in the process of becoming that students begin to find their place in the world, carrying with them values and experiences that continue to shape who they are.