Confederation of European Baseball | Confédération Européenne de Baseball

The New Year Begins with the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers

By: IBA

The long summer is finally over and we begin our new baseball season together with the New Year. Israel Baseball is not only making a mark in Israel but it is opening the New Year by participating in the World Baseball Classic Qualifiers which are being held in Jupiter, Flordia. Israel will face France, Spain and South Africa for the right to advance to the World Baseball Classic which will be held in March.
 
The tournament will be held from the 19-23 of September. Brad Ausmus who played 18 seasons in the MLB, is the manager and has chosen the 3 best Israeli players to the roster, Alon Leichman, Shlomo Lipetz and Dan Rothem who will play along side ex Major Leaguers Shawn Green and Gabe Kapler as well as many future stars who are in the upper levels of the minor leagues.
 
If Israel wins the qualifiers than players such as Kevin Youklis and Ike Taylor (who have already stated they will play for team Israel) as well as Ryan Braun and Ian Kinsler are eligible to play for Team Israel.
 
All the games will be broadcast in Israel on Sport 1 and MLB.com. The opening game will be against South Africa on Sep 19 at 7:00 pm Jupiter time. The second game will be at 1 pm in Jupiter on Friday Sep 21. If Israel wins both games they will be in the final on Sunday Sep 23 at 1 pm. If Israel wins only one of the games they need to win the game on Saturday Sep 22, to reach the finals. Updates will be on the website www.baseball.org.il and on facebook.
 
I hope this exposure to baseball both in Israel and abroad will be a springboard to the growth of baseball in Israel and provide us with the resources to improve our infrastructure in Israel.
 
Wishing you a very Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year
 
Haim Katz
President
Israel Baseball
 

---