ZACK OLAND
Hometown: Commack, NY
School: Commack High School
Position: Pitcher
For Zack Oland, baseball has been an 11-year journey filled with competition, perseverance, and a love for the mental side of the game. Representing Commack, NY, and Commack High School, Zack brought his passion for pitching to the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games, where he became part of a championship team and formed friendships that will last far beyond the tournament.
Zack’s favorite Maccabi memory was winning the gold medal alongside teammates who, in just a short amount of time, had become close friends. “My favorite memory was winning the gold medal with kids that I have become such good friends with in such a short amount of time.” The championship was the culmination of a week filled with competition, camaraderie, and experiences that Zack will remember for years to come.
Being part of The Maccabi Hammer team gave Zack a new sense of pride every time he stepped onto the field. He played not only for himself, but for his teammates and for Jewish athletes around the world. Off the field, he formed relationships that he believes will last a lifetime and had the opportunity to meet Jewish athletes from different states and countries, including Israel.
Representing his community and Jewish identity was particularly meaningful to Zack. “Representing my community and Jewish identity meant a lot to me especially with what is going on currently.” Wearing the Maccabi uniform gave him the opportunity to proudly represent his community and his heritage while competing in the sport he loves.
Zack has been playing baseball for 11 years and has played for Commack, Beast, MVP, and Long Island Hammers. His primary position is pitcher, a role he loves because of the control and responsibility it provides. “You are in control of what happens when you are on the mound and you are involved in every pitch.”
But for Zack, pitching isn't only about throwing the baseball. He loves the mental challenge of trying to figure out what a hitter is expecting and then catching him off guard. Mixing his pitches, changing his approach, and trying to predict what the batter is looking for are all part of what makes pitching so much fun for him.
His biggest influence in baseball has been his dad, who has supported him throughout his 11-year journey and helped him develop both as a player and as a competitor.
Zack’s baseball goal is to win a state championship and pursue a successful college career, whether baseball ultimately remains part of that journey or not. Academically, he hopes to attend one of the colleges he applies to and eventually build a successful career beyond baseball.
His favorite MLB player is Matt Harvey, a former Mets pitcher whose combination of confidence, competitiveness, and electric stuff made him one of the game's most exciting pitchers during his best years. Harvey’s time in New York left a lasting impression on a young pitcher from Long Island.
Away from the baseball field, Zack has another impressive athletic accomplishment. He has recorded a hole-in-one in golf—something most golfers spend a lifetime hoping to experience just once.
Zack Oland is more than a pitcher. He is a competitor who loves the mental challenge of the game, a teammate who understands the importance of playing for something bigger than himself, and a proud Jewish athlete who embraced the opportunity to represent his community and Jews around the world. His 2026 Maccabi experience gave him a gold medal, lifelong friendships, and memories that will stay with him long after the tournament is over.
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