In my 8 years as president of the IAB there have been many ups and downs.  Starting with the rise and fall of the IBL to our successful European Qualifying tournament last summer.  Most of these activities I was very active in the organization and execution of the events, often trying to put out fires and never able to take the time to "soak in the moment" until the event has past. 

 

On the eve of the most important event in the history of the IAB I find myself a complete spectator.  I am not complaining.  Much work, thought  and planning has been done in the last year and a half to allow me to walk around as 'President' without having to do anything.  Most of the credit belongs to Peter who is still working very hard here as the point man for the Israeli Federation.  Much of the credit goes to our staff we have assembled to put this thing off, primary Adam Gladstone and his 3 interns who have all technical aspects running as clockwork.

 

In fact everything we have been planning for the last year and a half to date, has been executed as planned.  We were able to bring over 15 Israelis for a training camp in the best facilities any Israeli team has ever played on.  We assembled a coaching staff which the envy of all the 16 teams in the qualifiers.  And as Peter put it we have put together the greatest Jewish team ever assembled. 

 

More importantly we have created the chemistry we had hoped for between the native Israeli players and the Israeli players who have yet to make Alyah.  Everyone from the ex major leaguers to Adam Greenberg who is one of the big stories of this tournament to every single, double and AAA player on the roster are 100% identified with Israel and what it means to play on this team.  Before their baseball practice yesterday they had singing practice -  Singing Hatikva.  I have heard better renditions, but none more moving to my soul than the one in that clubhouse.  

 

South Africa is throwing their ace at us tonight who I believe plays A ball.  Anything can happen but I have no doubt that Team Israel will be 100% focused for this mission.

 

Play Ball