Elie Kligman is a switch-hitter with power. He has pitched no-hitters and immaculate innings, and he can snatch the ball with cool precision from any spot in the infield. He is a star in every way at Cimarron-Memorial High School in Las Vegas, with dreams of reaching even greater heights. He is also shomer Shabbas and will not play ball on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons before the sun goes down, The New York Times said.

Based on talent and desire, Kligman is good enough to realistically entertain his dream of playing Major League Baseball, or at least top level college ball. But he knows his devotion to his faith could shatter that dream before it starts, and he is ready to accept that.

Even if a big league team were to offer him a $10 million signing bonus, with the promise that he would be playing in front of 40,000 people later this summer — provided he agrees to play on the sabbath — he insists he would stand firm in his conviction.

“No,” Kligman said, when asked if he could be enticed to break his religious obligations. “That day of Shabbas is for God. I’m not going to change that.”