Team Israel begins its WBC Tournament in Seoul, South Korea on March 6, facing the Netherlands, Korea and Taipei. We spoke to pitcher, Jake Kalish, 25, of the Kansas City Royals’ Wilmington Blue Rocks, about being on Team Israel.
Tell us about yourself
I was born in the small town of Shrewsbury, New Jersey. I grew up there and went to Shrewsbury Boro School and Red Bank Regional High School. Shrewsbury is a small town no bigger than a square mile and about 10 minutes from the beach. I really enjoyed growing up there. I went to George Mason University and played five seasons of college baseball.
What are your personal baseball highlights?
My favorite baseball highlights are helping my high school team to the best season in school history along with a state final appearance. Winning the Atlantic 10 championship in 2014 and advancing to the Houston Regional. And finally hearing my name called on draft day (selected in the 32nd round of the 2015 first-year player draft).
What defines you as a baseball player?
I like to think of myself as someone who won't back down from a challenge. Whether I win the challenge or not does not really matter as long as I compete my heart out. Usually, with that attitude, you tend to come out on top. My goal every time I take the field is to be as confident as possible and go right after the opponent.
How do you feel about representing Israel at the WBC?
I couldn't be more excited about representing Israel at the WBC. My parents were of different faiths so it was always interesting to hear different perspectives. I know my dad is very proud that I am representing Israel and I hope to make him even more proud with how we play in the upcoming tournament.
What do you think is Team Israel’s main advantage?
I think our roster is very underrated. I have watched a couple of the guys play on television and my brother (Ryan) has played a little with some of the guys and it’s obvious we are going to hit the ball. I think our lineup is going to produce runs. I don’t know too many pitchers on our roster but I know some of us, especially the bullpen pitchers, who are younger minor league arms itching to prove ourselves. That is what I think makes us so dangerous. Jerry (Weinstein) has said we are going to try and staff the games and I think you are going to see one guy after another ready to get after hitters.
What connection do you have with Israel?
My dad is Jewish and growing up my family would celebrate different holidays. My dad was always good at explaining what each holiday meant and why it was celebrated. I always found it so fascinating.
What are you most looking forward to playing for Team Israel and being at the WBC?
Obviously, I am looking forward to Team Israel having the opportunity to win and advance. I really believe we can make it out of pool play and I think everyone on the team is on the same page. Being able to play on the world stage is going to be a unique opportunity. I cannot wait to get to Seoul and compete with my teammates.
What do you feel you bring to the table?
I think I will bring confidence to our team. Even though I’m unproven, I plan on taking the same approach to this tournament as I do with everything else: Making sure I am prepared to compete and bringing confidence to the clubhouse. That is really all I want to bring and everything else will take care of itself.
How do you rate the chances of Team Israel in the tournament?
I think we have a great chance of advancing. We have a great lineup and a bunch of hungry pitchers ready to take advantage of our opportunity. I am excited to watch this team compete and hopefully advance to Japan.