Lev Hasharon baseball celebrated its 10th anniversary with a festive event and Old Boys game on Friday February 12, in Tel Mond. From a small group of about 10 players set up in 2006 the program has grown to 4 teams today, and continues to expand.
Players from all four current teams were joined by “old” players and coaches who had all been involved in the program in previous years, as well as parents. Nate Fish, National Team Head Coach, was on hand to introduce the event and speakers. He congratulated all those who had made this small but vibrant program a reality throughout the years.
Margo Sugarman, IAB Secretary General and responsible for the Lev Hasharon baseball program, acknowledged the outstanding contributions of Tel Mond baseball founder Michal Silbermintz, and all the coaches who played such a valuable part in developing baseball in the region. She also took a moment to remember the late Coach Eliyahu Jackson who had been such a fixture in Tel Mond baseball and left a lasting legacy. She also noted that today, Lev Hasharon baseball is a fully Hebrew-speaking program, with the vast majority of players coming from native Israel backgrounds thanks to an intensive school outreach program.
After a short break for refreshments the main attraction began – an Old Boys game. The players were mixed up – Juniors, Cadets and Old Boys – and divided into two teams named the Dragons and the Tigers, reminders of the first two Tel Mond team names in the “pre-Nationals” era. Many of the old boys hadn’t played since they were Juveniles, however they were very impressive, proving that baseball is clearly like riding a bicycle. Ball were being launched far into the outfield and pitches were whizzing through the strike zone in spite of players’ time away from baseball. There were also impressive performances from current players. The final score was a crushing 10-1 victory for the Dragons over the Tigers. The Tigers are looking to even the score in next year’s Old Boys game in Tel Mond.
Wishing Lev Hasharon baseball many more enjoyable decades.