The Israeli national baseball team is hoping to make a solid run in its first World Baseball Classic, and is already off to a good start. Featuring a squad that includes former big leaguers Shawn Green and Gabe Kapler and nearly two dozen minor leaguers, Israel beat South Africa 7-3 Wednesday night in its first game. The team is being managed by former big league catcher Brad Ausmus. After a day off Thursday next week, the team plays again on Friday. France and Spain also are in the qualifying pool playing at the spring training home of the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals in Jupiter, Florida. One of the four teams in the pool will advance to further play next March. Israel's team is comprised largely of American Jews, who are eligible to play for Israel in the World Baseball Classic since they meet the requirements for Israeli citizenship. Under Israel's Law of Return, Jews who immigrate to Israel are entitled to immediate citizenship. A number of Jewish Major League baseball players, such as Ryan Braun, Ian Kinsler, Ike Davis and Kevin Youkilis could join the Israeli team if it advances past the qualification round to the main tournament in March. Those players are currently unavailable since the Major League season has not ended yet. Japan won the first two World Baseball Classics, which were held in 2006 and 2009.
Israel wins in World Baseball Classic debut
Israel beats South Africa 7-3 in its first game of the World Baseball Classic • Israel's team includes former Major Leaguers Shawn Green and Gabe Kapler and is managed by Brad Ausmus.
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