Baseball in Israel

Team Israel is headed to the 2021* Olympics in Tokyo! 

Help build baseball for the next generation.

In the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, only 6 countries will be represented in the baseball competition - Israel will be one of those countries. Team Israel is comprised of Israeli citizens, many of whom are American by birth but made Aliyah to become Israeli citizens. The team also has several native-born Israeli players. Jewish National Fund has supported the effort to bring the Israeli team to the Olympics through targeted donations, as well as through Project Baseball, which is dedicated to raising funds to create fields and otherwise support the development of baseball and softball in Israel.

It was not until 1979 that the first real baseball field in Israel was built. Today, there are over 1,200 players in 16 centers and on 80 teams, and while these figures are increasing steadily every year, adequate numbers and fields are still in short supply. This is where Jewish National Fund's Project Baseball comes in. Project Baseball is focused on building state-of-the-art baseball and softball fields throughout the country while also supporting and teaching baseball and softball to Israeli youth through little leagues, summer camps, and clinics. Project Baseball gives the children of Israel an opportunity to learn life lessons while building lasting friendships.

For generations, baseball in North America has strengthened communities and provided children with important, and fun, learning opportunities. Whether it's in a backyard, park, or the major leagues, baseball builds sportsmanship, fosters teamwork, and cultivates confidence. The popularity of this sport, and the positive effects it has, extends beyond our borders and across the globe, fast becoming a beloved sport in Israel.

Project Baseball also gives children who have made Aliyah a taste of home and provides a tool that will help them bond with their new Israeli peers. Children making Aliyah with their parents have the opportunity to sign up for Project Baseball before they arrive in Israel, giving them something familiar to look forward to and commonality that will bridge the cultural gap of moving to a new place.

*If the 2021 Olympics are postponed, the games will be held in 2022.

Accomplishments to Date

• Expanding Israel's first baseball field, located at Kibbutz Gezer, to Major League Baseball (MLB) outfield dimensions.
• Upgrading the Sportek field in Tel Aviv, which hosted the 2009 Maccabi Games.
• Upgrading fields for the inaugural season of the Israel Baseball League (IBL) in 2007.
• Building the Levin Regional Field in Maor.
• Founding the Ball & Glove Educational Program.
• Sponsoring clinics with IBL and MLB players for Israeli children.
• Sponsoring the production of Holy Land Hardball, a documentary about the IBL's historic first season

The Current Need

Fields and Facilities
Throughout Israel, most teams practice on sub-optimal fields. Fields are often shared with other sports, reducing the available time slots for practices and games. Few facilities offer batting cages, pitching machines, bullpens, or indoor training. The lack of dedicated fields and the high cost and poor condition of the existing facilities is impeding the growth of the sport at all levels.

JNF is working to build a new Baseball Facility in Beit Shemesh as well as regional sites across the country where baseball and softball can have priority access, ensuring the best possible conditions for play at all times. These fields can generate revenue through rentals to other sports and offer Israel opportunities to host international competitions such as European Championships and World Baseball Classic Qualifiers. The Baseball Facility in Beit Shemesh will feature a full-sized field with corner fields for little league games, and is equipped with dugouts, a bullpen, and a batting cage

Education and Skill Building
Ultimately, baseball cannot grow in Israel without development plans that account for comprehensive training for coaches, standardized coaching methods, introduction of the games into the schools, and properly trained umpires.

There is a shortage of qualified instructors, and those who volunteer their time lack any formal training. The same problem is apparent with umpires in Israel. There is a severe shortage and their training and experience vary from region to region.

One of the biggest issues facing the growth of baseball and softball across Israel is the lack of a clear development plan for young players. The level of instruction varies from one region to another and is based on the abilities of the coaches in that area. To further develop the sport and instill a love of baseball and softball at an early age, bringing baseball to schools is crucial.

Team Israel

Israel’s Olympic moment has always been that of the tragic memory of the Munich 11. Today, we have an opportunity to forge a new moment in the minds of the people of Israel and the Jewish people everywhere.

Imagine, the Israeli flag being raised on the medal podium while Hatikvah – a song of hope – is played on the Olympic stage for all the world to hear. This year, this dream has a chance of becoming a reality.

Team Israel, the Israeli national baseball team, will represent Israel in the country’s first team sport Olympic appearance in over 45 years! Funding is needed for training, nutritionists, flights to Tokyo, uniforms, equipment, coaches, accommodations, and more.