For the first time since the World Baseball Classic was founded in 2005, Israel sent a team to the international baseball tournament that took place in Jupiter, Florida.
Even though Team Israel did not win the tournament, Israel’s September 19th seven-to-three victory against South Africa became one of the tournament’s top stories. Israel baseball hero, Nate Freiman, hit two homeruns at the end of the game to secure the first World Baseball Classic win for Israel. “It’s the most people I’ve ever represented wearing a jersey and I’m willing to bet for most people on the team, it’s the same way,” Freiman said after a victory whose intensity is not reflected by the final score. “You could see the energy in the crowd.”
Baseball fans across the globe excitedly awaited Israel’s following game against Spain in the Tournament’s final qualifying round. No one was disappointed. The game against Spain was exhilarating, but Israel’s run came to an end after an extra inning seven-to-nine loss to Spain. Despite the loss, faithful Israel fans waved their flags and blasted Israeli music. Passion, and faith in our country, took over; the stadium was full of Jewish pride. In fact, stadium personnel even sold shawarma at the game.
Israel’s participation in the World Baseball Classic was a major Kiddush Hashem. Representing Jews from all around the world, the team wore the Israeli flag on their jerseys.
Team doctor Glenn Copeland told players that, although he has been a Toronto Blue Jays’ team physician for thirty-two years, even he was affected by the passion and pride associated with Team Israel. “It’s as emotional as hell because there’s never been a night in baseball that I’ve been associated with that I’m more excited and more proud to be a part of.” He compared seeing an all-Jewish team in a world tournament to Jackie Robinson’s breaking the color barrier. “You’re the best and greatest Jewish baseball team that’s ever played in the world,” he said, “and every Jew is walking a lot prouder.”