Sports Rabbi Special: Israel at the World Baseball Classic

For the first time in the Israeli Baseball history, Israel will be participating in the World Baseball Classic after qualifying for the main tournament.

For those of you who wonder “How will I keep up to date with Israel at the World Baseball Classic?” Have no fear! Sports Rabbi will have special coverage to make sure you don’t miss a bit of action!

Where to begin? Keep reading this article where you will learn which Baseball stars will be representing our Homeland!

Pitchers:
Dylan Axelrod
The former Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds pitcher pitched decently during his times in the majors with a 9-15 record and a 5.27 E.R.A. (Earned Run Average). He has six different types of pitches that he will use for Team Israel.

Corey Baker
The New York native is a minor league pitcher in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. Baker threw 5 shutout innings in a qualifier against Brazil.

Jeremy Bleich
The left-hander has floated around the Minor Leagues with spells for the Yankees, Pirates and Phillies. Bleich just signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Zack Thornton
Replaced Craig Breslow on the Israel roster and was actually in a trade that featured fellow Israeli player Ike Davis back in 2014.

Danny Burawa
Although he never held down a place in the Major Leagues, his pitching with the Yankees and Braves gives him some pedigree for Team Israel.

Gabe Cramer
The 22 year-old Kansas City Royals stud, will look to energize Team Israel. Look out for him to be a future Major Leaguer.

Tyler Herron
Although he never made it to the Major Leagues, Herron has plenty of Minor League experience with over 70 games and an ERA of 4.12. He has AAA experience and he will be an interesting addition to Team Israel.

Jake Kalish
The Minor League Kansas City Royal star, has played very well in the minor leagues for Kansas City. The 25 year-old has a bright future and will be an exciting addition to Team Israel.

Alex Katz
The 22 year-old White Sox kid has a bright future in the Chicago White Sox organization. He has saved games and has a low ERA in the Minors.

Dean Kremer
The first Israeli to be drafted by a Major League team, the exciting 21 year-old prospect has been an ever present pitcher for Team Israel, in his short career. He is an exciting addition to team Israel and don’t be surprised if you see him in the Major Leagues in a couple of years time.

Shlomo Lipetz
The oldest player on the team as well as only other Israeli citizen, Lipetz has been pitching for team Israeli while living and working in New York. With a great story and history he will provide leadership to Team Israel.

Jason Marquis
The 38 year-old former World Series Champion, is a career Major Leaguer that has been very successful all over the top level of Baseball. The 124 win pitcher will add talent and experience to Team Israel.

Troy Neiman
The Colorado Rockie Minor Leaguer will make for some decent depth for Team Israel.

R.C Orlan
The Washington National Minor Legauer will add motivation and depth to Team Israel after being quoted after the Qualifiers saying: I am very proud of team Israel; it was a fun experience.

Josh Zeid
The short time Major Leaguer has bounced around the baseball. He pitched multiple times for Team Israel bringing “Nachas and Kvelling to his family”.

Catchers:
Ryan Lavarnway
The Major League Catcher is one of three to have attended Yale and then played in the Major Leagues, with the other two being Craig Breslow and Ron Darling. Lavarnway recently signed a minor League contract with the Oakland Athletics.

Nick Rickles
Israel’s backup catcher plays in the Washington Nationals organization and has played for Israel in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers both in 2013 and 2016.

Infielders:
Scott Burcham
The Colorado Rockies 23 year-old prospect is a great defensive player, and is an exciting addition for Team Israel.

Ike Davis
The biggest name on Team Israel, Ike Davis has 30+ Home Run seasons, clutch hits and lots of success in the Majors. Although he hasn’t been near his best the past couple of seasons, his presence and bat are an exciting addition to Team Israel.

Cody Decker
The career Minor Leaguer gives Team Israel a player with motivation and grit. He is currently in the Milwaukee Brewers Organization.

Nate Freiman
The former Oakland Athletic has had some success at the Major League level. He will be a motivated addition to the squad looking to earn himself a contract back in the states.

Tyler Krieger
The 23 year-old Cleveland Indians prospect has been hitting well at the Minor League level. He is a switch-hitting second baseman that will be an interesting addition to Team Israel.

Ty Kelly
The New York Mets prospect has made headlines after having some big hits in the Mets playoff run last season. He is an exciting player for Team Israel to have on its books.

Outfielders:
Zach Borenstein
The Arizona Diamondback minor leaguer provides some pop and speed to Team Israel. The right fielder should have a point to prove at the World Baseball Classic.

Sam Fuld
The former Major Leaguer has had lots of success out of left field. With a career hitting average of .227 he provides team Israel with some good line drive hitting.

Blake Gailen
The former Angels Minor Leaguer is a bit of an unknown, but his motivation to make a name for himself can only help Team Israel.

Mike Meyers
The 23 year-old Red Sox prospect is another exciting young addition to Team Israel. He is less known but could be a nice surprise for Team Israel in the outfield.

Team Israel will be managed by Jerry Weinstein, with the stars opening their World Baseball Classic campaign on March 6th against hosts South Korea. Followed by Chinese Taipei and the Netherlands on March 7th and 9th respectively.

The team has already been to Israel for some pre tournament marketing with Mascot Mensch and it goes into the tournament with a positive and motivated attitude. El El Israel!!!

The Sports Rabbi will have special coverage throughout Israel’s participation in the World Baseball Classic. Keep tuning into the Sports Rabbi to stay up to date with our Zionist stars!