Tal Erel, 20, was selected as bullpen catcher for the WBC Tournament after fulfilling the role in September in the WBC Qualifiers in Brooklyn. The Givatayim native grew up on the baseball fields of Tel Aviv and has emerged as a leading talent on the Israeli baseball scene. He talks to us about his experiences.

Tell us about being bullpen catcher at the WBC last year.
I was lucky to meet a lot of the top baseball players and coaches when I was the bullpen catcher at the WBC Qualifiers in Brooklyn last year in September. Every player and coach I came into contact with helped me a lot and encouraged me wherever possible. I gained so much experience catching for former Major League pitchers like Jason Marquis and Josh Zeid. This gave me new insight and experience as a catcher that will be valuable to me for a long time.

What were the highlights of the WBC qualifier for you?
The highlight for me was being a part of the best Jewish baseball team ever. Right away, a strong connection was formed with everyone and we immediately became one big family. Even though we all came from different places, different teams, and different backgrounds, as soon as we all met, there was only one thing that was important, and that was that we were all Jews and all representing Israel with pride on the baseball field.

How did the other players receive you?
I was the youngest player there by far, and the least experienced, but no-one there – not the players nor the coaches - allowed me to feel that there was a difference between me, a 20-year-old Israeli player, and a professional player who’d been playing in the Major and Minor Leagues in the US for 15 years. They all embraced me, and tried to teach me and help me as much as possible.

What did it feel like working with pitchers and catchers who have played in the Major Leagues?
I tried to learn as much as possible - physically and mentally. Each player has a different way of getting things done. I learned from each one of them, and picked up different tips and advice, and adapted everything they showed me to what I need as a catcher.

Last year you played in the Czech Premier League for Tempo Prague. Did your experience there help you with being the bullpen catcher for the WBC?
Playing on Temp Prague in the Czech Premier League definitely gave me a lot of experience. I learned a lot there and got to practice on a high level. Some things I learned in Czech directly impacted on what I was able to do at the WBCQ.

What have you been doing to prepare for the upcoming WBC?
My training hasn't changed specifically for the WBC. All my work is done in order to progress as much as possible for any situation. I work out every day of the week, and I aspire to improve my game and my capabilities every day.

What are you most looking forward to in Korea?
Winning the pool.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I plan to have finished college baseball in the US and hopefully sign with a MLB club. At the same time, I will continue to help with Israel Baseball as much as I can. Israel Baseball has been a huge part of my life for the past 12 years and I’ve been involved in every aspect – from being a little league player, to representing Israel on national teams over the years, to being a member of the Israel Baseball Academy, to coaching local and national teams and to playing on the Senior National Team. I will always be connected to Israel Baseball.