The WBC Qualifiers begin in Brooklyn, New York on September 22. Team Israel is the team that Brazil, the UK and Pakistan are looking to beat. The members of Team Israel are not about to let that happen. We spoke to Josh Satin, Corey Baker and Alex Katz about what they think of their new team.

Tell us a little about yourself?
Josh Satin: I was a two time All American at the University of California at Berkeley. I was drafted by Mets in sixth round in 2008 and played in big leagues with them from 2011-2014. I played with Cincinnati and San Diego the next two years in the minor leagues before retiring this year. I live in Los Angeles, I’m married and having a child very soon.
Corey Baker: I was born and spent my childhood in New York City, New York. Growing up I played a variety of sports, but by high school I solely focused on baseball. After graduating high school, I attended the University of Pittsburgh for 4 years. After graduating from Pitt, I was drafted my senior year in the 49th round by the St. Louis Cardinals. My parents, Mark and Leah, originally from Brooklyn, still live in New York.
Alex Katz: I’m 21-years old and from New Hyde Park, New York. I attended St. John's University in Queens, NY and was drafted by the Chicago White Sox as a Junior in 2015. I am currently on the Winston-Salem Dash (Advanced-A affiliate of the White Sox)

What do you think about the team Israel roster?
AK: Just looking at the names on the roster gives me a great feeling that we will be a great team. 
CB: The Team Israel roster looks very strong. We have a lot of players with Major League experience, as well as a handful of players with upper level minor league experience. I think that will help us a lot in the qualifier tournament. 
JS: Our roster looks strong. A lot of players with experience in big leagues

How do you feel about representing Israel on the baseball field?
CB: Representing Israel on the baseball field is a huge honor. Throughout the season we get a chance to play not only for ourselves, but for an organization or affiliate. The chance to represent an entire country is something even bigger and more meaningful than that, and I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Israel. 
JS: It’s definitely cool representing Israel and helping to expand this game I love to the people of Israel. 
AK: Ever since the last (WBC) qualifier (in 2012) I've dreamt of representing Israel in the WBC.

What connection do you have with Israel?
JS: My connection is that I'm Jewish. It's the holy land of our people. I've unfortunately never been there.
AK: I have never been to Israel. Would love to visit one day. If we win the qualifier, it'll have a positive impact on growing the game in Israel.  
CB: As a Jew, I believe we are all connected to Israel in some way. This past offseason I went on my Birthright trip, and that was an unbelievable experience that furthered my connection to Israel by getting to see and experience so much that I had only previously heard about.

What are you most looking forward to playing for Team Israel?
CB: Playing with a group of guys who are all playing for a common interest, which is to win the qualifier and advance to the WBC. I am also very excited to be able to play in my home state of New York in front of family and friends who haven't had the chance to see me play in years. 
JS: I’m most looking forward to a chance to redeem ourselves and qualify for the WBC like we should have four years ago. And a chance to play with my good friend Ike Davis again. 
AK: Winning the qualifier and going deep into the classic in March. 

How do you rate the chances of team Israel in the qualifier?
AK: Extremely high 
CB: I am confident we have a good chance to win the qualifier. That is our goal, and the way the roster is constructed, I think we have all the tools we need to compete with the other teams in Brooklyn and win the tournament. I believe our staff will have us well prepared, and I am excited to get to New York and begin competition. 
JS: I think we have just as good or better a chance to qualify as any other team in the tournament.