Israeli baseball??

[Dodgerfan1]

Anybody heard about this? I just heard about it on the radio and did a web search for this. Is it new or has it been around for a while??

http://www.israelbaseballleague.com/

So now Duquette's involved, eh? I also took another peek at the official website and it looks like the new teams have been announced. I don't see a roster yet, but the announced teams are:

http://www.israelbaseballleague.com/

Bet Shamesh Blue Sox
Modi'in Miracle (a little Biblical reference there!)
Netanya Tigers
Petach Tikva Pioneers
Ra'anana Express
Tel Aviv Lightning

[Dodgerfan1]

Having perused this site a bit more, I find some pretty interesting articles. There's a tongue-in-cheek piece about how there is 'proof' that baseball existed in Biblical days, using quotes from the Bible that 'refer' to the game. I found it quite amusing. Also, check this one out:

http://www.israelbaseballleague.com/fanzone/abramowitz/

[GiambiJuice]

Wow! I'm going to Israel in June. I'll catch a game if I can. I like how they are going to settle tie games with a home run derby. That's pretty cool. Not remotely fair, but cool nonetheless.

[VTSoxFan]

I like the bit where it asks if a tie in a home run derby should be settled by playing a game! :laugh

[Dodgerfan1]

I think it's pretty cool that they are going to take a hole that was created by a ketushya rocket back in August and use it as a sort of 'groundbreaking' for one of their new baseball fields. Turning destruction into production.

[cutchemist42]

I heard they also want to be in the 09 WBC and use Jewish MLBers because anyone who is Jewish is allowed to become a citizen. It also sounds like they got alot of smart people behind it running the show. Wish them good luck in spreading the game.

[AutographCollector]

Wow! I had no idea! Also I like the fact that there are former major leaguers there as managers.
I think this is pretty cool as taken from the site mentioned above:
*

And Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men…arise and play before us” -- Samuel II 2:14

*

…and all the people rose up… -- Exodus 33:8

*

And Juhoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; and Sheva was the scribe…” -- Samuel II 20:24


*

And they said unto Jephtha, “Come and be our Captain” -- Judges 11:6

*

...and he measured two lines… -- Samuel II 8:2

*

...and he set the bases… -- Kings I 7:39

*

And they stood every man in his place round about the camp -- Judges 7:21

*

Behold, Rebecca came forth with her pitcher… -- Genesis 24:45

*

Ehud, the Benjamite, a man left-handed… -- Judges 3:15

*

The children of Israel asked,…”Who shall go up for us first against the Canaanites? -- Judges 3:15

*

...Seek out a man who is a skillful player… -- Samuel I 16:16

*

...Judah shall go up first… -- Judges 20:18

*

And Judah took… -- Judges 1:18

*

Three times… -- Exodus 23:14

*

...and it was good… -- Genesis 1:4

*

And Abram went down… -- Genesis 12:10

*

...out at the base… -- Leviticus 4:18

*

And Moses …smote… -- Exodus 7:20

*

...and (it)…was foul… -- Exodus 7:21

*

And Moses went out… -- Numbers 11:24

*

...and none came in… -- Joshua 6:1

*

...and there was not a man left… -- Joshua 8:17

*

And Miriam was shut out… -- Numbers 12:15

*

And the children of Benjamin went out… -- Judges 20:31

*

...and went into the field… -- Numbers 22:23

*

...and Aaron waved… -- Leviticus 9:21

*

And he looked this way and that way… -- Exodus 2:12

*

...and he delivered up… -- Numbers 21:3

*

...and they ran as soon as he had stretched his hand…And they fell on their faces to the ground… -- Judges 13:20

*

Get thee up; wherefore liest thou upon thy face? -- Judges 7:10

*

...for it was an error… -- Numbers 15:25

*

...second and third… -- Genesis 6:16

*

And Joseph spoke… -- Genesis 45:3

*

...concerning the error which he had committed… -- Leviticus 5:18

*

...make an atonement for thyself… -- Leviticus 9:17

*

Thou shalt fan them… -- Isaiah 41:16

*

Then Joseph commanded to fill…the…sacks… -- Genesis 42:25

*

...and all the people saw this and they shouted… -- Leviticus 9:24

*

Who can stand before the Giants? -- Deuteronomy 9:2

*

...and Aaron waved… -- Leviticus 9:21

*

...and pitched on the other side… -- Numbers 21:13

*

And suffered not a man to pass… -- Judges 3:28

*

...but…the seventh… -- Exodus 31:15

*

Gideon… smote… -- Judges 8:21

*

...Israel…at first… -- Joshua 8:33

*

And Noah went in… -- Genesis 7:7

*

And the young man ran… -- Numbers 11:27

*

...he turned and went back… -- Judges 18:26

*

...unto the base… -- Numbers 8:4

*

Noah walked… -- Genesis 6:9

*

Let us go and sacrifice… -- Exodus 5:8

*

And Moses lifted up his hand and with his rod he smote… --Numbers 20:11

*

...the hide… -- Leviticus 9:11

*

...a long blast… -- Joshua 6:5

*

...outside the camp… -- Judges 7:17

*

...for an ‘omer… -- Exodus 16:36

*

And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted… -- Samuel I 17:52

[Dodgerfan1]

Wow! I had no idea! Also I like the fact that there are former major leaguers there as managers.
I think this is pretty cool as taken from the site mentioned above:
*

And Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men…arise and play before us” -- Samuel II 2:14

*

…and all the people rose up… -- Exodus 33:8

*

And Juhoshaphat the son of Ahilud was the recorder; and Sheva was the scribe…” -- Samuel II 20:24


*

And they said unto Jephtha, “Come and be our Captain” -- Judges 11:6

*

...and he measured two lines… -- Samuel II 8:2

*

...and he set the bases… -- Kings I 7:39

*

And they stood every man in his place round about the camp -- Judges 7:21

*

Behold, Rebecca came forth with her pitcher… -- Genesis 24:45

*

Ehud, the Benjamite, a man left-handed… -- Judges 3:15

*

The children of Israel asked,…”Who shall go up for us first against the Canaanites? -- Judges 3:15

*

...Seek out a man who is a skillful player… -- Samuel I 16:16

*

...Judah shall go up first… -- Judges 20:18

*

And Judah took… -- Judges 1:18

*

Three times… -- Exodus 23:14

*

...and it was good… -- Genesis 1:4

*

And Abram went down… -- Genesis 12:10

*

...out at the base… -- Leviticus 4:18

*

And Moses …smote… -- Exodus 7:20

*

...and (it)…was foul… -- Exodus 7:21

*

And Moses went out… -- Numbers 11:24

*

...and none came in… -- Joshua 6:1

*

...and there was not a man left… -- Joshua 8:17

*

And Miriam was shut out… -- Numbers 12:15

*

And the children of Benjamin went out… -- Judges 20:31

*

...and went into the field… -- Numbers 22:23

*

...and Aaron waved… -- Leviticus 9:21

*

And he looked this way and that way… -- Exodus 2:12

*

...and he delivered up… -- Numbers 21:3

*

...and they ran as soon as he had stretched his hand…And they fell on their faces to the ground… -- Judges 13:20

*

Get thee up; wherefore liest thou upon thy face? -- Judges 7:10

*

...for it was an error… -- Numbers 15:25

*

...second and third… -- Genesis 6:16

*

And Joseph spoke… -- Genesis 45:3

*

...concerning the error which he had committed… -- Leviticus 5:18

*

...make an atonement for thyself… -- Leviticus 9:17

*

Thou shalt fan them… -- Isaiah 41:16

*

Then Joseph commanded to fill…the…sacks… -- Genesis 42:25

*

...and all the people saw this and they shouted… -- Leviticus 9:24

*

Who can stand before the Giants? -- Deuteronomy 9:2

*

...and Aaron waved… -- Leviticus 9:21

*

...and pitched on the other side… -- Numbers 21:13

*

And suffered not a man to pass… -- Judges 3:28

*

...but…the seventh… -- Exodus 31:15

*

Gideon… smote… -- Judges 8:21

*

...Israel…at first… -- Joshua 8:33

*

And Noah went in… -- Genesis 7:7

*

And the young man ran… -- Numbers 11:27

*

...he turned and went back… -- Judges 18:26

*

...unto the base… -- Numbers 8:4

*

Noah walked… -- Genesis 6:9

*

Let us go and sacrifice… -- Exodus 5:8

*

And Moses lifted up his hand and with his rod he smote… --Numbers 20:11

*

...the hide… -- Leviticus 9:11

*

...a long blast… -- Joshua 6:5

*

...outside the camp… -- Judges 7:17

*

...for an ‘omer… -- Exodus 16:36

*

And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted… -- Samuel I 17:52

Yes! Of course, these must be read in order in order to create the story...

[VTSoxFan]

Here's an interesting tidbit from today's Boston Globe:

Former Red Sox GM Involved in Israeli Baseball League (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/articles/2007/02/27/former_red_sox_gm_involved_in_israeli_baseball_lea gue/)

[Dodgerfan1]

Here's an interesting tidbit from today's Boston Globe:

Former Red Sox GM Involved in Israeli Baseball League (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/articles/2007/02/27/former_red_sox_gm_involved_in_israeli_baseball_lea gue/)

Interesting. So now Duquette's involved, eh? I took another peek at the official website, and the teams have been announced. I don't see any rosters, but here are the teams:

http://www.israelbaseballleague.com/

Bet Shamesh Blue Sox
Modi'in Miracle (a little Biblical reference there!)
Netanya Tigers
Petach Tikva Pioneers
Ra'anana Express
Tel Aviv Lightning

[AutographCollector]

Here are some names of players who signed on with the league.
Heck, one pitcher was born in 1961!
http://www.israelbaseballleague.com/players/playerprofiles/

[Dodgerfan1]

Here are some names of players who signed on with the league.
Heck, one pitcher was born in 1961!
http://www.israelbaseballleague.com/players/playerprofiles/

Ha!! And look what he is! A left-handed pitcher. Somehow, I knew that's what he'd be. Those players hang on longer than anyone. For some reason, teams are so desperate to have a lefty on their staff that they're willing to go with someone who's 45 years old washed up instead of another good young righty. The Terry Muholland factor.

[Mischa]

Ha!! And look what he is! A left-handed pitcher. Somehow, I knew that's what he'd be. Those players hang on longer than anyone. For some reason, teams are so desperate to have a lefty on their staff that they're willing to go with someone who's 45 years old washed up instead of another good young righty. The Terry Muholland factor.

It's not as if the IBL teams are overloaded with good young players or the guy has a great resume - semipro ball seems about par for the course. It's probably comparable to the leagues in other small countries - we're not talking about The Netherlands or Italy in terms of baseball talent, let alone South Korea or Taiwan.

[Dodgerfan1]

It's not as if the IBL teams are overloaded with good young players or the guy has a great resume - semipro ball seems about par for the course. It's probably comparable to the leagues in other small countries - we're not talking about The Netherlands or Italy in terms of baseball talent, let alone South Korea or Taiwan.

You do have a point, there....

[Dodgerfan1]

Here's the latest on the new Israel Baseball League. Looks like they are recruiting some Dominican players....

http://www.israelbaseballleague.com/news/pressreleases/index.html?article_id=16

[cutchemist42]

The league sure sounds it like has alot of people knowledgable about baseball behind it.Anyone see that poll about the 09 WBC on the side?

[SDL]

As a Jewish Red Sox fan, I'm a bit leery of Duquette's involvement. Not because he;s not Jewish, but because he's Dan Duquette.

Personally, I think the 7 innings duration and HR Derby are bad ideas. I have no problem with changing the DH after 2 ABs, but the HR Derby is going to ruin the game. Let's say a native Israeli gets hooked on the game and comes to the US. He'll be in for a shock when the game goes 9..and maybe beyond with no HR Derby to end it. Imagine if they had the HR Derby here. Teams like the Devil Rays, for example, would be at a disadvantage.

One thing about 2009 and maybe Israel taking part. I was talking with a Red Sox farmhand today (not mentioning who) and I think he'll be wearing Israel's colors in 2009 if he's asked to play for Israel.

I'm surprised they haven't gone after Mike Epstein, Norm Sherry, Larry Rothschild, Richie Scheinblum to fill the one managerial gap and some of the coaching vacancies as well...

[cutchemist42]

I agree with the 7 inning and hr derby rules but I can see why they did 7 innings. One of the biggest complaints about baseball today is the time it takes to finish a game x162 games when alot of sports take less time to be completed. I see the 7 inning as being a way to maybe quicken up a game so people dont see it as long and tedious. I think it's an alright idea for an upstart league/sport in that area.

The HR derby idea is just plain stupid though.

With the 09 WBC, I'm worried because I still wanted to see Colombia or Nicaruga in the WBC and with Israel wanting in, theres less chance of that.. Unless they wanna expand the teams, who does Israel replace in the tourney?

[NewEnglandAmazins]

Isreal is a member of the CEB even though it is an Asian county. Perhaps the Confederation of European Baseball can organize a WBC qualifier for the two European slots. That would up to the WBC & CEB to work out the details. Italy and Holland are baseball's top dogs in Europe and anyone wanting to go to the WBC should go through them.

http://www.baseballeurope.com/

[tommybaseball]

I say start an Arab League also. Then settle things out in the dunes with bats, balls and gloves instead of weapons.

[NewEnglandAmazins]

Funny you should say that, check this link out:

http://www.internationalbaseball.org/iran.htm

[Dodgerfan1]

Remember this name: Esequier Pie.

Who knows? Maybe he's the real deal?? Well, it was just a thought.... Here's the link:

http://www.israelbaseballleague.com/news/pressreleases/index.html?article_id=125

[adamsowell]

A couple of my former teammates are playing out there.

I just looked over all of the league stats... my guess is the fields are pretty small. Probably 300ft down the lines, 350 to CF.

[philipthegreat]

All my family have been to israel except for me. It'll be interesting to see what the future holds for isreali. I'm kind of tired of only being able to name two good jewish baseball players Greenberg and Koufax.

[SDL]

All my family have been to israel except for me. It'll be interesting to see what the future holds for isreali. I'm kind of tired of only being able to name two good jewish baseball players Greenberg and Koufax.

What?

Ya never heard of Kenny Holtzman, Ron Blomberg, Al Rosen, the Sherry Brothers (Norm and Larry Sherry; Norm and Harold "Lefty" Phillips were two Jews who managed the Angels in the 70s; alongtime Angel coach was Jimmie [Solomon] Reese)?

Ever hear of Kevin Youkilis? :)

[ColbyPants]

http://www.israelbaseballleague.com/main/ this the site? Interesting. . .

Not to nitpick (and as much as I love Kevin Youkilis as a player), but arent being Jewish and being Israeli two different things (as in, not all Jewish folk are Israeli)? I mean Youk isnt Israeli. . .



TomC

[SDL]

http://www.israelbaseballleague.com/main/ this the site?

Not to nitpick (and as much as I love Kevin Youkilis as a player), but arent being Jewish and being Israeli two different things (as in, not all Jewish folf are Iraeli)? I mean Youk isnt Israeli. . .

TomC

He'll be Israeli in 2009 ;)

(and for the record, I have dual-citizenship..US/Netherlands)

[ColbyPants]

Could be.


That was one of the few things I found odd about the WBC (and international competition in general) is the fishy citizenship. I guess the need to help field teams from countries where baseball is less of powerhouse sport. Either way its worth it, cause I liked the WBC idea.

TomC

[Martin Dihigo]

What?

Ya never heard of Kenny Holtzman, Ron Blomberg, Al Rosen, the Sherry Brothers (Norm and Larry Sherry; Norm and Harold "Lefty" Phillips were two Jews who managed the Angels in the 70s; alongtime Angel coach was Jimmie [Solomon] Reese)?

Ever hear of Kevin Youkilis? :)


And don't forget present day Milwaukee Brewer third baseman and rookie-of-the-year to be Ryan Braun. By the way, Sandy Koufax's birthname is Braun, but apparently took his stepfather's name - Koufax.

[philipthegreat]

I'm sorry I meant two Jewish baseball players in the hall of fame. I'm sorry I forgot about those few that you mentioned. :sorry:

[NewEnglandAmazins]

Bet Shemesh Blue Sox won the first IBL Championship. I guessed correctly :laugh :

http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=63421

[NewEnglandAmazins]

All-IBL team:

OF
J Rees
A Paulino
J Doane
B Field
S Slaughter

Catchers
E Rodriguez
J Ramirez

IF
J Lopez
R Crotin
R Franco
H De Los Santos
G Raymundo
N Fish
B Rubenstein

Pitchers
A Pribble
D Rothem
E Pie
S Lipetz
M Bennett
J Benson
R Bergstrom
J Feliciano