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August 28, 2007 | 11:11 am

The Israel Baseball League halfway to hell

Posted by Brad A. Greenberg


All summer I’ve been waiting for Sandy Koufax to make his triumphant return to baseball in the Israel Baseball League. Now it seems not even the great southpaw can save the hapless IBL. From TabloidBaby, via Luke Ford:

(T)he result, say many, were more errors than hits: players threatening to strike when paychecks were late; a manager hired to help give face to the fledgling league leaving in the middle of the season, after trashing the league to the media; and a player almost killed by a batting practice line drive, an accident that might have been prevented with proper equipment.

(skip)

“I’ve lost almost 17 pounds since I’ve been here,” said Scott Jarmakowicz, a catcher for the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox. “Over half my paycheck, at least half, has gone to food. It’s not sustainable eating the same schnitzel and boiled eggs three times a day.”

Elli Wohlgelernter’s story goes on for another 3,200 words, detailing players’ myriad grievances. When I was in Israel this month, the Jerusalem Post ran this story about IBL returning in ‘08. The accompanying photo was of empty seats. Not bleachers, but the stackable plastic seats you find at at outdoor food court.

Of the major sports, Jews have been most successful at baseball. But can anything save the Israel Baseball League?

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With the current management in place, the IBL will continue along its rocky path.  It’s probably fine to watch the game… but I wouldn’t want to put my own money behind it.

Comment by Anonymous on 9/02/07 at 12:29 pm

This article by elli wohlgerlenter started a fire of criticism which has burned quite out of control.  Israel needs activities such as baseball so badly. The games last summer were truly wonderful.  Why focus on first season start up issues with such an ugly headline? This article is sensationalist,  and should never have been printed by the Jewish Journal.  Monday morning quarterbacking is what this is. Like taking away the h2o from a baby is what this arsonist is trying and has tried to do.

Comment by Andrew Sasson on 12/08/07 at 1:46 pm

It has gone out of control. I also think it was too much to print this in an article. It doesn’t help the situation at all.

Comment by PSA DNA Autographs on 8/26/08 at 12:18 am

OK, it’s now November 11.  Does anyone have, or is there any update on the IBL, for 2009?

Comment by Catcher50 on 11/11/08 at 11:10 pm

I dont think it should have been.  No one in Israel is that into baseball and its just a league that tried using old washe dup players to get it going.  that doesnt even sound like a good idea to me.  I am a huge baseball fan, and i have even lived in Isreal and it is just not meant to be.

Comment by Scott on 7/08/09 at 2:55 pm

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