Israel Baseball Roadshow Hits Chicago
by Jeremy Fine
In the summer of 2024, Team Israel arrived in Chicago, Illinois for a film screening and youth baseball clinic. Team leaders Ryan Lavarnway and Mitch Glasser were on hand for the clinic, as well as several members of the team’s support staff. As Israel’s national baseball team grows in prominence and attention on the world stage, events such as these do far more than just teach kids how to hit or field a ground ball – they help build community.
The road show has landed in other cities such as New York, Houston, San Diego, and more. It will arrive in Vancouver, Canada, Tuesday February 11th for another screening of Israel Swings for Gold, the documentary about Team Israel at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While Team Israel has its eyes on the next generation of players, the goal of community-building is nearly as important for the organization.
In mid-January, there was a fireside chat at a Chicago synagogue and another baseball clinic for local youth. Glasser, a Chicago-native who was voted All-World at the 2020 Olympic games, was on hand again as was Assaf Lowengart, the first Israeli-born player to sign a professional contract in the US, to speak about their experience with Team Israel at the Olympics and World Baseball Classic. A new line of merchandise, autographs, and the pride in the team’s story itself got the attendees excited. The team’s reach, high-level instruction, and willingness to engage with the community are helping to build a larger network for players, fans, and anyone who wants to get involved. One example is Israel Baseball Americas Chicago ambassador Ken Stolman, who hosted both Chicago events and is planning on doing more.
“The weekend was deeply informative, educational and also quite emotional,” Stolman said. “The players and coaches shared what it was like to represent Israel in the Olympics. They shared hearing Hatikvah play, how they overcame huge odds to beat other powerhouse teams and unite as a group of Jewish athletic heroes to make the Jewish people proud.”
These events bring people of all ages together. Highland Park, Illinois resident and participant Benjy Goodman, who is 12 years old, said that, “getting to meet the team and learn about their experience playing for Israel was really inspiring.”
There are many ways to get involved with Team Israel. Fans can support the team by buying merchandise, hosting meetings, or creating a local council to support the team and bring the roadshow to your city.
“Israel Baseball is a feel good movement,” said Stolman. “Regardless of your political views or religious views, it allows all Jews to come together with Jewish and Israeli pride.”
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