JEWISH BASEBALL NEWS — When catcher Brad Ausmus was selected by the New York Yankees in the 48th round of the 1987 amateur draft, a long MLB career didn’t seem probable.

So much for predictions. Though the Cheshire, Conn., native didn’t reach the big leagues until 1993, he ended up staying 18 seasons, long enough to capture 3 Gold Glove awards (2001, 2002, 2006) and rank 7th among MLB catchers on the all-time games played list.

Ausmus, 41, will start his 1,971st and final game today (10/3/2010) when the Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks (4:10pm ET). He will be honored in a pre-game ceremony, although the game will not be nationally telecast.

Known as a team player and hard worker — he stayed off the disabled list his first 17 seasons  — the Dartmouth alum also is known as a mentor with managerial potential and ambitions.

Ausmus also is simply a good guy. When catcher A.J. Ellis was called up to replace him earlier this season, he hosted the rookie at his home for six weeks until family arrived.

Thanks for the ride, Brad. Hope to see you in the dugout soon.

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