Team Israel

Alon Leichman becomes first Israeli head pitching coach in the MLB

Leichman, who grew up on Kibbutz Gezer, had just wrapped up a season as assistant pitching coach for the Miami Marlins when he received the news on Saturday.

|ByGRACE GILSON/JTA
Alon Leichman, former assistant pitching coach for the Miami Marlins, looks on before a game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 18, 2025.
ISRAEL UNDER-21 players celebrate with forward Ran Binyamin (center) after he scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal in first-half stoppage time of the blue-and-white’s 3-1 upset victory over the Netherlands in Euro 2027 qualifying.

Israel rallies to shock Netherlands three to one, reviving Euro 2027 campaign

Guy Luzon’s side showed remarkable character in Budapest, climbing temporarily into second place in Group G and injecting new life into its campaign.

|ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
MANY FORMER tennis stars, such as Andre Agassi, have taken up pro pickleball.

Israel makes waves, wins three medals at Pickleball World Cup

Team Israel made a stunning debut at the Pickleball World Cup in Florida, defeating the reigning world champions and winning one gold and two silver medals.

|ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
THE ISRAELI men got off to a hot start at the flag football European Championship on Thursday, with blowout victories over Slovakia and Sweden to open the tournament.

Israeli flag football teams kick off Euros

Israel enters the tournament with momentum and drive. The men’s team is ranked eighth globally, while the women's team is ranked 17th.

|ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF

Team Israel launches American organization to support baseball’s growth in Israel

The new US-based nonprofit, which officially launches Monday, will focus on building a pipeline of American Jewish baseball players who may one day take the field for Israel.

MARCH 18, 2024ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA
TEAM ISRAEL won a silver medal at the European Baseball Championships in Torino, Italy, after a heartbreaking 9-4 loss to the Netherlands in the final.

Israel cycling opens season with victory

The team has displayed exceptional ability throughout the prestigious Tour Down Under.

JANUARY 22, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
ISRAEL - PREMIER TECH cyclist Steve Williams celebrates as he crosses the finish line to seal his victory in Sunday's Tour Down Under race in Australia.

Israel’s Under-18 squad ready for its turn

Omer Mayer and Co. hope to follow the summer success of other young blue-and-white National Teams.

JULY 20, 2023ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
JUST 16 years old, Israel guard Omer Mayer will suit up for the blue-and-white Under-18 team this weekend in the group stage of the European Championship.

Disappointing draw for Israel vs. Kosovo in Euro Qualifier

Hazan’s blue-and-white stumbles out of gate in Euro Qualifier, salvaging a point at Bloomfield

MARCH 26, 2023ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Kosovo midfielder Arber Zeneli (in black) shoots between a trio of Israeli defenders during the sides’ 1-1 draw on Saturday night in their Euro 2024 Group I qualifier at Bloomfield Stadium.

Orthodox prospect Jacob Steinmetz shines for Team Israel in World Baseball Classic loss

Jacob Steinmetz, the first Orthodox Jew to be drafted into the MLB, struck out three batters – including a six-time All-Star and a World Series MVP.

MARCH 15, 2023ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA
Jacob Steinmetz pitched for Team Israel against the Dominican Republic, March 14, 2023, in Miami.

How Israel built its most talented baseball roster ever for the 2023 World Baseball Classic

Pulling the team together took a combination of personal cajoling, a widely respected manager and Jewish geography

MARCH 15, 2023ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA
MANY OF players who suited up for Team Israel at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 will be back donning the blue-and-white this month at the World Baseball Classic, where Israel will be playing in Pool D in Miami.

Team Israel loses 10-0 to Puerto Rico in World Baseball Classic's first-ever perfect game

Israel’s loss to Puerto Rico could be a harbinger of what’s to come over the next two days.

MARCH 14, 2023ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA
MANY OF players who suited up for Team Israel at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 will be back donning the blue-and-white this month at the World Baseball Classic, where Israel will be playing in Pool D in Miami.

Brad Ausmus, Kevin Youkilis join Team Israel coaching staff for 2023 World Baseball Classic

The arrival of former MLB All-Stars Brad Ausmus and Kevin Youkilis was announce by team manage Ian Kinsler, himself a former Jewish MLB All-Star.

DECEMBER 30, 2022ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA
Brad Ausmus, left, and Kevin Youkilis, right, have joined Team Israel's coaching staff for the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Team Israel to boast current MLBers on its World Baseball Classic roster

The MLB will permit players to compete in the World Baseball Classic only if they are citizens of the country they represent or eligible to become one.

OCTOBER 15, 2022ByHILLEL KUTTLER/ JTA
Israel’s national baseball team won a silver at the European Championships on September 19 after losing the final to the Netherlands.

Tyler Herron, former Team Israel pitcher, dies at 35

During a 16-year career, Tyler Herron, former Team Israel pitcher, played for several minor league teams.

OCTOBER 29, 2021ByJACOB GURVIS/JTA
Team Israel beat France 10-0 in their game at the European Baseball Championships, on September 13, 2021.