JUPITER — Baseball, Ivan Nixon said, has always brought people together. So as Israel fought in Iran more than 7,000 miles away, on Tuesday, March 3, he traveled to Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in a show of support for both a nation and a game that he loves.
“Most of the ballplayers are from around the world, so it’s very impressive to be able to see a team like this,” said Nixon, who joined more than 2,500 others at a practice game for the World Baseball Classic, in which Israel will compete starting Saturday, March 7, in Miami.
Nixon kidded that his Team Israel ball cap, signed by the team’s bench coach and former Boston Red Sox standout (as well as his old Cincinnati neighbor) Kevin Youkilis, carried him to the game. But he wasn’t the only person eager for a break after several days of conflict between U.S., Israeli, and Iran forces.
The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County set up several tables inside the stadium, giving out free hats and flags to allow fans the chance to show their support for Team Israel.
At another tent, people looking for a break from the afternoon heat could walk by and listen to the Torah being read while enjoying a traditional pastry with Bob Sandhose, who spoke about the importance of unity and “being at peace together.”
Meyer Prep kids organized by the federation’s youth programs sang the state of Israel’s national anthem “Hatikvah,” which translates to “The Hope” in Hebrew, before the game, preceding “The Star-Spangled Banner,” with all in attendance standing for both and rewarding the young singers with thunderous applause.
“With Palm Beach County having one of the largest Jewish populations in the country, we’re so proud and pleased to host team Israel, to have them play in this exhibition game,” said Michael Hoffman, CEO for the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.
“We’re happy to come out to support Team Israel, especially during this very challenging time for the people and the State of Israel and show our pride in being Jewish. We’re happy to be together for something positive.”
The classic is a tournament featuring 20 teams from around the world that runs through March 17, with its semifinals and final taking place at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
First-round play also will take place there for Pool D, in which Israel is placed with the Netherlands, Nicaragua and two nations that have sent hundreds of players to Major League Baseball, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.
David Friesen, Team Israel’s vice president, welcomed the opportunity to compete and to put geopolitics aside for nine innings at a time.
“It’s fantastic,” he said. “We’re here for the baseball, and we’re getting the best baseball we could possibly imagine. I think baseball is a sport as long as we treat it as a sport and don’t make it political. It brings people together. It’s fun. We’ve got two rivals together playing a game.”
Following Team Israel’s 1-0 victory over the Miami Marlins, C.J. Stubbs and Garrett Stubbs, catchers as well as brothers, signed fan memorabilia and talked with fans after the game.
“Having all different types of backgrounds, watching the same game, and shaking each others’ hands at the end of the day,” said C.J., who is in the Toronto Blue Jays system.
His brother also showed his appreciation for the power of sports for good in a tumultuous political climate when they spoke with The Post.
“Baseball brings people together,” said Garrett, who is with the Philadelphia Phillies. “It has a way of doing that. To be able to be a part of that, especially in the climate that we’re in right now, it’s pretty special to have that opportunity.
“It was fun getting to get after it with these boys today. Not a lot of Jewish teams out there, so to be able to play with them today and get a win was awesome. It was fun.”
Alex Peterman is a high school sports reporter for The Palm Beach Post. He can be reached at apeterman@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Team Israel’s game in Jupiter gives fans day of respite amid war
Reporting by Alexander Peterman, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
