Experiences in Israel

Shalom Shalom, boker tov! Yeah I am fluent in Hebrew, not too mention fluent in Australian and Canadian. I have now been in Y’srael for 4 weeks and I have so much to share with you wonderful people. Let me begin with a blanket statement, Israel is exactly like South Dakota. The only difference I have noticed are in the toilets; I swear in Israel you could flush a bowling ball and tucks pads with no problems – oh you bet I tried this experiment the other night. When I arrived to Israel I really had no concept of what it was going to be like. My friends and family both told me that life is not that much different from life in the states, which I am finding to be very true. There is grass just like in the states. There are buildings, some are tall like in the states and there are walls where hundreds of religious men and woman go to pray everyday, except on Saturdays, which is just like the states. In fact in Chicago I think there is a similar wall in Cabrini Green where adolescents go and write very spiritual notes after sundown.

In all honesty Israel is nothing like I have seen before. Negotiating the cab fare is mandatory, even if it’s a fair deal. Paddleball is the national pastime, not baseball. Salads do not consist of lettuce, rather tomatoes (which must be in excess because no matter what I’m eating there are tomatoes. This might gross some of you out, but my ice cream the other night had tomato skin in place of the sprinkles, what!!!). While driving it is perfectly acceptable to hit the car in front of you if it means gaining position on the driver next to you.

Now that I have shared Israel, it’s time to share with you my experiences of the IBL leading up to this point. The baseball so far has been very enjoyable. The games are every day. Side note for those people back home, there was a mistake with the game televised on PBS. Someone manipulated the film and had me striking out three times, which is just wrong. I bet it was Big Bird, he is such a practical joker. Sorry for going on a tangent, but I need to clear that up. Ok, back to the baseball. Every day, except for Saturday we are at the baseball field. Both teams ride to and from the field together. Interesting dynamic, imagine calling your parents to tell them that you beat the crap out of an opposing team, while sitting next to the starting pitcher. This hasn’t happened to me yet because my team is 3-17, but I have a good feeling about our new team strategy. Because the format has changed and all teams make it to the playoffs, we are going to rest all our starters for the next 22 games, so they are fresh and then make a strong push to be the first ever IBL champs. Laugh, but you will be singing the PT Pioneers praises when it pays off.

My team is actually very talented; we have just had some unfortunate breaks. The experience up to this point has been fantastic. I have met some incredible people, I have seen some magical places and I have been able to play baseball in front of hundreds young children. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and I will be sure to update you lovely people in the very near future.