Retooled Israel Makes Stirring Run

What they will remember is the ride.

- John Manuel

They come together for baseball, like they have done for so many different teams in their careers, but this time was different. That was evident with the giant “mensch on a bench” doll that became the team’s mascot, and the “Jew Crew” t-shirts that provided light moments to lessen the tension of playing in the World Baseball Classic. Even the Megillah reading in the dugout before batting practice to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim—it was all new.

So was having Team Israel—with a roster full of Americans of Jewish heritage—in the WBC. And not only did Israel make the Classic’s main 16-team draw, after winning a September 2016 qualifier, but the “Jew Crew” also won Pool A in Seoul, taking down host South Korea and going undefeated in the three games before stunning Cuba to open Pool E.

Losses to the Netherlands (12-2) and host Japan (8-3) ended Israel’s run in the second round. But the hope is that thanks to the exploits of the likes of Sam Fuld, Ryan Lavarnway, Jason Marquis and Josh Zeid— and the added development money that the team earned for the Israel Baseball Association—the sport can grow back home.