Team Israel Exceeds Expectations at World Baseball Classic

Israel's national baseball team doubles its win total from previous tournament despite failing to advance.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 12:00am

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Team Israel's national baseball team closed out the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a 6-2 victory over the Netherlands, doubling its win total from the previous tournament. While the team did not advance to the quarterfinals, the win automatically qualifies Israel for the next World Baseball Classic, likely to be held in 2029. The team's manager, Brad Ausmus, praised the energy and urgency of the players, noting that the crowd was firmly behind Israel in this final game, unlike in previous matches where they were drowned out by fans of other teams.

Why it matters

Team Israel's improved performance at the World Baseball Classic showcases the growth and development of the country's baseball program. Despite not advancing, the team's ability to surpass its prior records and qualify for the next tournament demonstrates its commitment to the sport and the progress it has made in recent years.

The details

In the final game against the Netherlands, Team Israel overcame an early 2-0 deficit, scoring five runs in the sixth inning to take the lead. The team's offense was led by Jake Gelof, who drove in two runs with a single, and Matt Mervis, who doubled home two more runs. The Israeli pitching staff, including a parade of relievers, kept the Netherlands scoreless through the eighth inning, with Ben Simon striking out the side in the ninth to secure the victory.

  • Team Israel went 1-3 in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic was held in March 2026.
  • Team Israel's final game against the Netherlands took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Brad Ausmus

The manager of Team Israel and a former Major League Baseball player and manager.

Jake Gelof

The third baseman for Team Israel and a prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.

Matt Mervis

A first baseman for Team Israel and a prospect in the Washington Nationals organization.

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What they’re saying

“It's amazing to me that even tonight, despite the fact that Netherlands and Israel were no longer in contention, how much energy it was and how much of a sense of urgency there was in our dugout to win that game.”

— Brad Ausmus, Team Israel Manager

“It's meant so much to me to be a part of it and have Israel across my chest. Even today, with the fans showing out and getting the win and just seeing all the smiles and stuff on everyone's faces was awesome.”

— Jake Gelof

“I think it's always easy to walk in a locker room when you have something really strong in common with everyone else. Everybody's friends as soon as they meet each other. We have Jewish guys. We have guys with Jewish wives. A grandmother's Jewish.”

— Matt Mervis

What’s next

The next World Baseball Classic is likely to be held in 2029, and Team Israel has already qualified for the tournament after its performance in 2026.

The takeaway

Team Israel's improved showing at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, despite failing to advance, demonstrates the growth and development of the country's baseball program. The team's ability to surpass its prior records and qualify for the next tournament is a testament to the dedication and unity of the players, who share a strong bond through their Jewish heritage.