Team Israel is heading to the A Pool of the European Championships in Bonn, Germany in early September, on the road to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Tokyo. Finishing in the top 5 in the tournament will take Team Israel straight through to the Olympics qualifiers in Italy.

Let's hear from team member Zach Penprase, a new immigrant to Israel who played for Team Israel in Pool B of the European Championships in July.

Bio
Age: 34
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 190lb
Position: SS/IF
Throws/bats: R/R
Current Team: Israel National Team

A brief history
Grew up in Southern California where I played almost every sport including gymnastics, karate, golf, baseball, tennis, and soccer. After high school went to Mississippi Valley State University and started as a freshman. Led all D-1 baseball in stolen bases in 2006 with 57. Drafted by the Phillies in the same year and played for the Red Sox and went to spring training with the Dodgers in 2009. Spent 8 years playing for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks of the American Association where I played against fellow Israel teammate Blake Gailen, where I last played in 2015. I now teach mental performance skills to up and coming elite athletes.

Your standout moment as a player for Team Israel
Hitting 2 homeruns in the same at bat in Bulgaria.

Your baseball mantra
Find a way!

What you are most looking forward to in Germany
Getting on the bus to Italy

You’re a fan of…
Traveling and competing

Superstitions
Superstitions are for superstitious people. I actually change things up to show they’re pointless.