Jacob Steinmetz

Jacob Steinmetz (born July 19, 2003) is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, notable for becoming the first practicing Orthodox Jewish player selected in Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft history.

Steinmetz, a right-handed pitcher who bats and throws right, was born in Queens, New York, and attended the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, where he played both as a pitcher and outfielder. In the 2021 MLB Draft, he was selected by the Diamondbacks in the third round with the 77th overall pick, signing a professional contract shortly thereafter.

He grew up in a Modern Orthodox Jewish household as the son of Elliot Steinmetz, a former basketball player at Yeshiva University, and Sima Steinmetz, an accountant.

The Steinmetz family were active members of the Young Israel of Woodmere synagogue, where Jacob participated in community activities that fostered a strong sense of religious and social connection from a young age.

Steinmetz attended the Hebrew Academy of Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) in Cedarhurst, New York, where he developed as a right-handed pitcher and outfielder, growing from 5-foot-11 and 140 pounds as a freshman in 2018 to 6-foot-6 and 222 pounds by his senior year. During his time at HAFTR, he showcased emerging talent, including a standout performance at the 2020 Perfect Game Super25 17U Northeast Super Qualifier, where he struck out 10 batters in 6⅔ innings while touching 90 mph on his fastball. His physical growth and pitching mechanics drew early college interest, leading to a commitment to Fordham University.