Israel Starts Pro Baseball League

(AP)  Dozens of Jewish athletes flocked to a Baptist convention center in the heart of Israel on Friday in hopes of realizing an American dream: becoming a professional baseball player.

Israel's fledgling pro baseball league held its first tryout for local ballplayers in this Tel Aviv suburb, putting them through a grueling battery of sprints, fielding drills and simulated games on an unseasonably warm November day.

With the pops of leather mitts and cracks of wooden bats filling the air, the scene resembled a typical ballgame in small-town America. But the tryout had a decidedly Israeli feel.

Players included Orthodox seminary students, Israeli soldiers and Mideast peace activists. They freely mixed Hebrew and English baseball jargon — there apparently is no Hebrew word for "curve ball" — and some left early to get home in time for the start of the Sabbath at sundown.

Larry Baras, the American businessman spearheading the effort to launch the league, was ecstatic over the turnout of roughly 70 prospects.

"I was sitting back there, just taking it all in," he said after getting his first glimpse of the local talent. "It was no different here than it was in the States."

Baras envisions a six-team professional league, modeled after small-market minor league baseball in the U.S. He already has scheduled opening day for next June 24.

Baras faces a number of obstacles. Israel has few playing fields, a minuscule fan base and, most critically, a dire shortage of world-class — or even high school varsity-level — baseball players.

"We'll have a lot of affirmative action," Baras conceded. "But I think the caliber today was higher than we thought it would be."

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[bmsbms29]

As an American Christian, I love Israel and I say thank you so much for those who are helping Israel realize a long time dream for many Israelites. There may not be a great many now but just wait, the younger students will watch & learn & play baseball. The next world baseball star may come out of Israel! Great sport for everyone.

[stezzer]

Wonderful news. Baseball is the best game in the world.

I just wish we had a pro league here in England.

Still, thanks to the web, even us Brits can watch MLB.

[boston1954]

Glad to see some good news coming out of Israel. Six teams does not seem like much when one first thinks of it, but the National Hockey League started with just six, and look how far they have come.........

[monceau1]

Ohh yeah, Israeli/Hebrew cultures hangs in the balance, and here comes American Baseball to save it...

...the most boring game in the world... (and yes, I do know the rules and a still think it's boring)

[Syndicate]

makes since they called themselfs the 51st state during the 2000 election. Considering a alot of american israelis reside in florida one could say Bush was elected by Israel. Not that matters I like Bush and I like Israel.

[digbyj]

This is terrific. I love the idea of all different kinds of people enjoying a common activity in that ultra fragmented society.


Who says nothing brand new positive and can happen in this mixed up world we live in. This shows there is an otherwise. Kudos for the people pulling this off. Sounds like a great prescription for something needed and great in Israeli culture.