Tal Erel, a member of the Senior National Team, national team coach, is currently playing in the Premier League in the Czech Republic, representing Israel baseball with great pride. He tells us about his experiences.
Tell us what you’re doing in Prague?
I’m playing in a Czech Premier League baseball team called Tempo Prague. Their head coach is Richard Kania, who is also the head coach of the Israel Senior National Team. As an outstanding sportsman in the IDF, I am given days off for training and competition, so I am using these days to improve my game and to play here in Prague.
Why did you choose to go to Prague?
I decided to go to Prague because I’ve played here in the past in various league teams, so I know the level, the players and the teams here. IN addition, I also played in tournament here for Israeli national teams, and I know Prague well – I know how to get around.
How are you being received in Prague as an Israeli ball player?
They actually receive me the same way as they would receive any other player. I’ve played with the players here in the past so I know everyone already. But at the end of the day, everyone speaks the same language - baseball.
What have you achieved there so far?
I’ve been exposed to a high level of baseball, high level practices, a lot of hitting, and a lot of drills I’d never been exposed to before. But baseball is something that doesn’t take a week or two weeks to excel in, rather a very long time.
When did you start playing baseball?
I started playing at the age of 6. My family had relocated to Miami for my father’s job at the bank. A friend from my father’s bank took us to my first baseball game at the University of Miami. During the game, a foul ball flew at me. I couldn’t catch it and I was so upset. At that moment I decided that I wanted to learn to play so that the next time I’d not miss the ball. So I joined my best friend’s team, and the rest is history.
When did you realize this was the sport for you?
Before the end of my family’s relocation to the US, I told my father that I didn’t want to return to Israel because there was no baseball there. So my father searched the internet and found the Israel Association of Baseball. That same year, I played for the Israel National team, but not as a starter. So I decided that I had to improve in order to succeed.
What were the highlights of your years as a young player?
Finishing in second place at the PONY tournaments in Europe, beating the Dutch team in the semi-final of a tournament in Italy and beating Team USA in the Maccabiah in 2013.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
Catcher for the Maimi Marlins
What advice do you have for younger players who want to follow in your footsteps?
Your biggest enemy is yourself. There is no-one who will stand in your way of fulfilling your dream. If you don’t chase it, it will not chase you.
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