Israel Prepares for S. Africa in Baseball Classic
Israel makes its first-ever appearance at a World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament on Wednesday, when it will take on South Africa in Jupiter, Florida. Given their talent, the blue and white will be a huge disappointment if they fail to qualify.
Israel is part of Qualifying Group 1 with South Africa, Spain and France. Three other qualifiers will be held between September and November. Two teams from each qualification bracket play in the championship round in San Francisco in March.
Historically, South Africa has had a strong squad, winning the gold medal in the All-Africa Games in 2003. They have a strong middle infield, with prospects Anthony Phillips (Seattle Mariners ) and Gift Ngoepe (Pittsburgh Pirates ) leading the way.
Israel comes in with high expectations and plenty of fan support.
For more, go to Haaretz.com
A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.
We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.
If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO