Under the bright lights of a Tel Aviv diamond, 20-year-old outfielder Eli Cohen waves and overlooks, his heart sinking as the crowd’s cheers fade. Israel’s national baseball team dropped a 3-2 series to the Netherlands last weekend, a loss that stings for Eli and his teammates as they fight to hold their global ranking. The European Baseball Championship qualifier, played in Rotterdam, has left the team facing pressure to prove their mettle.
Israel, ranked 19th by the World Baseball Softball Confederation, struggled against the Netherlands’ sharp pitching. Eli, a rookie, hit a double in game three, but errors cost them dearly. He said, “We gave it everything,” kicking the dirt. “Losing hurts, but it’s fuel to get better.” A slide in rankings could endanger their 2026 World Baseball Classic spot, a stage where Israel excel in 2023 with players like Danny Valencia.
Baseball’s rise in Israel, powered by diaspora talent and youth leagues, has built a intense fanbase. Yet, limited facilities hamper progress. “We’re playing catch-up with teams like the Dutch,” said coach David Blum. Fans on social media vented frustration, with one tweeting, “We need more fields, more support!” The war’s economic toll limits sports funding, making each game a test of grit.
Eli, who grew up playing catch in Haifa, dreams of the majors. “This is for my hometown,” he said. The team faces France next, a chance to rebound. A strong showing could boost Israel’s global standing, but for now, Eli laces up his cleats, carrying the nation’s hopes.
