CALEB LEICHTMAN
Hometown: Bay Shore, NY
School: Bay Shore Senior High School
Positions: Catcher, Right Field
For Caleb Leichtman, baseball has been a 13-year journey, one that has taught him about competition, leadership, teamwork, and the importance of the people who share the journey with you. Representing Bay Shore, NY, and Bay Shore Senior High School, Caleb brought his energy and leadership to the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games, helping his team capture a gold medal while creating memories that will last far beyond the baseball field.
Caleb’s favorite part of the Maccabi experience was simple: “Hanging out with the team the whole week and winning the gold!” While the championship was certainly a highlight, the time spent together with his teammates made the experience especially meaningful. For Caleb, Maccabi was about being part of something bigger than just a baseball team.
Being part of Team Maccabi also changed the way Caleb approached the game. “It made me a less selfish player and attempt to work as a team to complete a goal,” he explains. But perhaps the most important lesson came away from the field. Maccabi helped Caleb realize that “creating memories and lifelong friendships is more important than the baseball.” It’s a lesson that will stay with him long after the final score of the tournament is forgotten.
Representing his community and Jewish identity was equally meaningful. “It meant being able to be myself and represent where I come from,” Caleb says. Wearing the Maccabi uniform gave him the opportunity to compete while proudly representing his hometown, his family, and his Jewish heritage.
Caleb has been playing baseball for 13 years. His primary position is catcher, a role that puts him right in the middle of the action. “I love being involved in every play, being able to lead the defense and make a huge impact on the team to win.” Behind the plate, Caleb embraces the responsibility of communicating with his teammates, leading the defense, and helping guide his team toward victory.
His biggest influence in baseball has been his brother, who has played an important role in Caleb’s development and love of the game. That family influence has helped Caleb grow not only as a baseball player but also as a teammate and competitor.
Caleb’s baseball goal is to play for as long as possible. Right now, he is focused on earning the opportunity to attend a good college where he can have a great experience playing baseball. Academically, he wants to keep his grades up, challenge himself in the classroom, and attend a strong academic school while continuing to pursue baseball and eventually build a successful career.
His favorite MLB player is Aaron Judge, one of baseball’s most recognizable stars and a player known for his power, leadership, and presence on and off the field. Caleb may have plenty of baseball goals of his own, but there is also a side of him that might surprise his teammates: he was once a baby model.
Caleb Leichtman is more than a catcher or right fielder. He is a leader, a teammate, a proud Jewish athlete, and now a Maccabi gold medalist. His 2026 experience taught him that baseball is about much more than winning games—it’s about learning to work together, making lifelong friendships, and creating memories that will stay with you long after the tournament is over.
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