The Israel Association of Baseball (IAB) recently sent six prospects and a coach to the Dominican Republic on an exchange programme.
Five players were part of the team that finished second at the European Baseball Championship: utility Itai Goldner, infielders Zeev Moore, Shaked Barush, pitchers Ivri Margolin and Ido Peled. Outfielder Uri Shani competed at the U-18 European Championship, where Israel finished seventh. Ophir Katz, the head coach of the Israel Baseball Academy, led the group. Katz was a player-coach on the European Championship team.
The Israel delegation first reached Boca Chica to train at top facilities. The group also had the chance to attend a game of the Dominican Pro Winter League (LIDOM) final series.
They then moved to Puerto Plata, where they trained at the Major League Baseball (MLB) Academy and played an exhibition game. The group of seven also had a chance to meet the local Jewish community.
The trip was the first act of a collaboration started by Ernest Torres Pereyra, the Dominican Republic Ambassador to Israel.
"It went exceptionally well," confirmed IAB president Jordy Alter. "We look forward to hosting some Dominican Major League Baseball (MLB) players in Israel, and we also plan on sending teams to train in the Dominican Republic in the future."
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