Team Israel Featured with Dr. Jordy Alter on JM in the AM

here at JM in the AM. Uh well, Jordy Alter is with us live via telephone. He is the president of the Israel Association of Baseball. He's president of the Israel National Baseball Team. And guess what everybody, the World Baseball Classic, a lot of people are talking about the World Baseball Classic. It's starting up really, really soon. He'll give us the schedule. And um our beloved team Israel is in it. And um I think they drew a pretty good pool. He'll tell me if I'm right or wrong about that. And on Sunday, March 8th, they start playing in earnest, but there are some exhibition games before that. Um, and those of you down in Florida and other areas, you'll have an opportunity to see the World Baseball Classic. And we'll find out if in fact Israel is going to be uh restricted only to the Sunshine State or not. Uh, Jordy Alter, a pleasure to welcome you back to JM and the AM. Good morning my friend Mal. It's great to be here with you again as always. I just want to just correct make a small correction in your introduction. I'm no longer the president of Israel baseball. I stepped aside in June. Uh a uh fine gentleman. Dr. Ari Varane is the new president of IAB. Um but I'm just I am leading the delegation to the WBC as I have the last uh the last time as well. So it's a pleasure to be with you my friend. >> Is he a native Israeli? Can you hear me? >> I just Yeah. Yeah, I hear you now. >> Is he a native Israeli? >> Uh, he is he is I believe actually born in the US, but he's been in Israel for much of his life. >> All right. So, he's got some baseball background. I don't have to worry. >> Absolutely. And a couple of young children that are very excited to be coming to visit uh visit Florida in the coming week. Uh at the ship, >> you're going to actually greet the team. You're going down for this weekend, assum assuming the blizzard allows people out of New Jersey. Uh you're going to be going down this weekend and you're going to start greeting the team members this coming Sunday, uh the day before Thomas Esther, right? >> Correct. We're going to be in Jupiter, Florida, Florida for our training portion. We got three days of training prior which includes two exhibition games. uh team reports on uh Sunday and then we have games against the Marlins on Tuesday and then um my Mets I'm going to Port St. Lucy on Wednesday which will be pretty exciting and then from there we'll head to Miami where we start actually our first game is Mat Shabbat uh March 7th >> right okay so the exhibition schedule does not have a Monday tanis Esther game but it does have a but it does have a post purim game right >> it has a during purum game actually >> meaning in the afternoon of purim >> correct exactly remember what happened last time that happened in 2017. >> Yes. Yeah. Yeah. That was in Tokyo. This one will be a little bit little bit more uh little bit easier to deal with in uh in Jupiter, Florida. >> Yeah. There'll be more people here that know how to read the McGill than there were in Tokyo. >> You mean there'll be somebody that can read the migillas? Like you mean? >> In fact, in fact, I can only imagine how you're going to be inundated by requests of people down in Florida to be the one to read McGillas in the dugout. We got we got that covered already. Actually, we're going to do a team uh team uh uh McGiller reading Monday night. So, I'm really really excited about that. Uh we're bringing in some local talent and uh it'll be a great experience for our players and our staff, many of them who, you know, may have not ever been exposed to PUM before. Um or some that was were exposed to P when they were very, very young. So, those are the kind of things, as you know, that really get me very excited. >> Yeah, that works out really well. So, right after the fast on Monday night, you're going to have a nice team gathering and a good team bonding session. And how better to bond than with a Jewish victory over the enemy being read from McGillas Esther. And then, and then in all seriousness, and this is just a curiosity. You know me, Jordy. This is just a curiosity. Uh, Tuesday, there will be a dugout reading or it's going to be a much more low-key event. >> Probably more low-key event. Uh, probably more low-key event. We're still trying to work out the details, but it might be in the stand like after they open up the gates, maybe about 11 11:30. Um, if there is something, I'll actually I'll I'll uh message you so you can put out there >> because it's interesting. I I I I would imagine in all seriousness, and I know that some people will find this ridiculous, but I would imagine there are people who would come in the middle of Purim to come see the game. I I I expect there will be actually the game is at one o'clock so people can get delivery and have their suda afterwards by 4:00. >> If I was down in Jupiter, Florida, I would not put it past me to actually come by and participate. All right, that's the idea. >> The question is the question is can they drink enough adul between the Mets and the Israel baseball team? That I think is the question. We should do some research on that. >> And I would guess the only thing available in the stadium is beer, right? There's nothing else available. I would guess. >> I assume I assume so. Yeah. I don't think they'll allow anybody else to bring any uh any wine into their room sooner. >> Jordy Alter's with us. The World Baseball Classic begins really soon. People are talking about it in the sports world. It's become a thing already and obviously Team Israel is in it. Um am I right that team Israel will only be in Florida? I know there games taking place all around the world for obvious reasons, different regions, etc. Will will everything be in Florida for team Israel? >> For us, yes. Um there there's actually four regions, one in uh Japan, one in Houston, in Puerto Rico, and in Miami. The quarterfinals, semi-finals, and finals all come to um uh to Florida in Miami. So, God willing, we we should advance and we'll we won't have to travel at all. and and those who are in Florida and obviously we have listeners down there but there are people who are constantly going down there those who are in Florida on Sunday March 8th that's a real game that's a real pool uh as they call it game against Nicaragua correct that's happening down in Miami on Sunday March the 8th correct at 7 p.m. So correct people can, you know, if they're in that area, they can go and enjoy that game, >> right? And and for those that don't remember in 23 that we had a really exciting game against Nicaragua, came back in the eighth inning, down by a run, clutch double by Garrett Stubs, knocking two runs, and we ended up winning that game and that was the reason why we were able to um you know, uh get into the pool this time um you know, by that vic victory. So that's a huge huge game for us. Also, by the way, Monday afternoon, Monday afternoon's game, which is a high noon game, is against Dominican Republic. And >> I mean, they will Dominican Republic, you know, lineup is stacked with all all really incredible Major League Baseball stars. So, uh um that should be an incredible game as well. >> Yeah, that that could be a rough one, but who knows? You never know. It's baseball. You never know what may happen. Um so, that's happening. So, Sunday night they have a game and then 12 noon on Monday, uh, there's a classic pool game as it's known. And then the next one is going to be Tuesday, March the 10th, starting at 7 p.m. against the Netherlands. And I assume after that, it depends on on how everybody did to see if Israel continues. Correct. >> Exactly. >> And that's how it works. All right, Jordy Alter is with us. We're wishing team Israel the absolute best. So, what do you think? What do you think about people bringing uh Israeli flags to the game, showing their Jewish pride? Do you think it's going to be a lot different than last time around? I mean, we know what's going on with the political situation and you see this all the time when you travel with the team to different cities and different countries around the world. I is it very different now. Jordy, what do you think? >> So, I I I don't expect it to be much different. Actually, you know, we we've faced this before many times. We've spoken about it, you know, in our leadup to the Olympics. We had, you know, tremendous amount of uh negative stuff following us around all over the the world. Um, so I don't expect it to be any different quite frankly. Um, obviously, you know, whatever is going on in Israel at the time could impact that slightly and obviously things might change very quickly. We don't obviously don't know. >> Um, but I don't think it'll it'll you know, we have we have we're in security discussions all the time. You know, we're going to have a lockdown really really well and um I you know, I we'll hear some noise, but I don't think it's going to really impact us at all. But in the stadium itself, you know, it'll be there. I don't think there'll be any issues. Um, you know, the the teams that we're playing for the most part for for the Dominicans as as a as an example are close friends of ours. We know all the Dominican players. Nelson Crew, the general general manager of uh team uh Dr. is a personal friend of mine has been to my house for Shabbat dinner multiple times. Um, you know, and so it is going to be a special love in the area when it comes to that and even in the sand as well. um the people from the Dominican Republic and even from Churis where most of the Netherland players are, you know, have a very good relationship with Israel and think, you know, really really are very well connected to Israel. >> What's the easiest way? Again, I remind you everybody that team Israel is in Florida in real um tournament play in the World Baseball Classic on Sunday the 8th of March, Monday afternoon the 9th of March, and then again on Tuesday night the 10th of March. What's the easiest way for people to get tickets to these games? >> So, they can go to the MLB site or just um go to WBC uh uh World Baseball Classic and there's there are tickets there. Um they can also go to our organization Israel baseball.org and get um the link there as well as learn more about our organization and also to get merchandise. They can go to our organization as well. Um there's also WBC organiz um merchandise available through the MLDD website. Um, so there's all sorts of ways that uh people can find out about it. Um, you know, you'll it'll be exceptionally exciting. >> You're involved in this for so many years and you and I know each other for God knows how long. Uh, I give you a lot of credit for my own career, frankly. That's a whole other story. Um, when when would you what would you say was the most supportive crowd, whether it was Olympics or World Baseball Classic? What what's the day that you remember most in terms of the enthusiasm of the crowd on behalf of Israel? The >> incredible excitement that we had in South Korea in Soul South Korea in 2017. That's correct. In >> 2017, we went into Soul Korea as a underdog with a roster of not many known players. Um, and we beat the South Koreans 2 to1 on a it was a Friday night game. Um I wasn't playing, I was just observing. Um and uh sorry. And uh we won that game and after that game the South Korean fans got behind team Israel and all the remaining three games that we were there, they came out and they rooted for team Israel. It was incredible. Incredible support that will I'll never forget the impact that that had. That was incredible. >> Is there a captain for this year's team? Like who's the leader of this year's team? We don't have a we don't have a captain. Um, >> who would be who would be the biggest name that that us casual baseball fans would be familiar with? >> Um, I think for sure Harrison Bader probably >> Yankee at one time >> and Mets, don't forget that. And the Mets also. >> That's right. >> And Garrett Stubs, Philadelphia Phillies catcher. Um, Spencer Haritch, first baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Um Matt MVvis is returning now with the Nationals BDH in all likelihood. Um so >> you got some players. You got some real players. >> Yeah, we Dean Kramer starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles. >> Um we have a lot of lot of young players, a lot of up and cominging young players um that I think will make an impact and actually help their career, you know, in this or giving themselves an opportunity to help their career. And who's uh who's managing the who's managing the 2026 edition of the Israel World Baseball Classic team? >> You're you're bench coach, Brad House. >> Oh, wow. Amazing. >> Yeah. I mean I mean I mean Yankees bench coach, but >> Yeah, of course. >> I know that would impact you. >> Don't worry. This this audience knows what you mean when you say my bench coach. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So Brad's Brad's been amazing to work with. Uh Kevin Nuclas is returning as a as a as a vent coach for us. Uh >> Jerry Narren, um Blake Blake Galen, some of our old-timers, Brad Goldberg is a pitching coach. You know, one one of our uh former um our assistant pitching coach from last time, uh Alone Lishman is now the pitching coach for the Colorado Rockies. Alone Lishman, this is a great story. Alone Lman grew up in was born and b Israel in Kbud Gazer, grew up in our programs. um you know made a you know name for himself in MLB baseball through with the uh Seattle Mariners and the Cincinnati Reds and and then the Florida Marlin last year and now he is the head pitching coach of the Colorado Rockies. >> By the way, that's not an easy job pitching coach in Colorado. There was a whole article in the athletic there's a whole article this weekend in the Athletic about how hard it is to pitch in Colorado. Yeah. >> Very interesting. Is it what does it say that all these guys you just named want to stay involved? All like Kevin Uclus, every everybody wants to be involved every time team Israel comes around and participates in any tournament. >> It's because the connection that people develop when they're when we're together. It's something that I explained to the team last week when we met for the first time. You know, a lot of the guys don't have a connection now to to, you know, to Israel or to their Jewishness. And somehow when you get in a room together, Yeah. I I've it's incredible the the aka together changes somebody's approach to Israel and to their Jewishness. And I've heard it from many of these players over the years that they always knew that they were Jewish and they always knew the other players that were Jewish on in baseball and they would, you know, get the first base and they would have a conversation with them and whatever. That was the extent of it. But when they come together as a group, it's a whole different ball game. Amazing. >> And you know, they want to stay connected. A guy like Kevin UCLA, by the way, has been one of the loudest voices since October 7th on social media. um supporting Israel in such an amazing way. Um you know these we're you know so proud of people like that and uh you know it's incredible the connection with us. >> Yeah. It kills me that guys like him and Adelman from Boston you know are the ones that are uh out there really representing us well. But boy are they doing a good job. Really amazing. >> Yeah agreed. Uh Jordy Alter encourages everybody as do I to pay careful attention and believe me we'll give it attention here uh to the World Baseball Classic. The exhibition matches are next week uh including one on Tanisester actually excuse me including one on Porum I should say Purim day itself on Tuesday and then the real deal begins on the 8th of um of March down in Florida. All these games are going to be down in Florida. if you're a Flidian or if you're visiting or if you're part of that uh active corridor between New York and New Jersey and Florida, wherever you might be and make sure you are paying attention to the games, rooting for the teams, and certainly if you're in Florida, try your hardest to be in the stadium when the team takes the field. And go to the website, get some merchandise, and support the team. Um, it's it's it's people need to realize, Jordy, that uh you guys really depend on fans around the world to buy the merchandise and to come out to the games and to and to be part of this whole experience. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. Now, our community continues to grow. Our baseball community continues to grow, especially here in America. We opened up an organization, an arm of the organization, Israel Baseball America's IBA, as opposed to IAB. and they've been really really getting a word out um like we weren't able to from Israel um from you know for many years and uh you know definitely here in this country you know amongst the you know the Jewish community all over all over you know from you know from California to Cincinnati to Chicago to New York to Florida we have large now groups of fans and it's so so exciting to see it happen >> amazing one more time give us the website for merchandise so people can go to the site and buy some >> it's is it's very simple Israel baseball.org. >> Simple as that. >> And yeah, and I would be remiss if if it's okay, I give a shout out to my grandkids who are home in PA, New Jersey this morning. By the way, is it is it do you get better listenership in this weather or when people can drive to work? Have you ever done a survey? >> Well, and uh evidence in the last many decades would tell us that it's better if I've got the car pools operating. Let's put it that way. I figured I I I fig so to to Shandi Shia Shandi Shia Rea and Morai are listening at New Jersey home from Yeshiva today. I love you guys. And uh >> when are you when are you when are you taking them sledding this afternoon because you it's rare that you get an opportunity to spend some time with them during a blizzard? Uh are you are you pl are you planning on hitting the the snow course at some point? >> We'll see how that goes. We'll see when it slows down. Right now there's no sign of that. So, I was out. I did my first shoveling this morning. Um, and it must have been at least a foot about two hours ago. So, we'll see where we're going. >> Where are you normally? Be cheesian. Where are you? >> I'm sc I live in I live in Bish. I'm in I live in B. >> No, I'm just I'm laughing because, you know, for for a Beamesh regular to come into this is so weird and strange, you know. >> Yeah. Yeah. Well, listen, it's Listen, I've been doing this for 20 years back and forth. So, uh, you know, it's not that strange. Obviously, I grew up here, so it's not, you know, but I think for all of us, it's strange because the last three or four winters were so mild and, uh, this winter we're getting clobbered. Uh, everybody should stay safe. >> You could say that again. Uh, we're getting clobbered by the weather. Jordy Alter and I encourage everybody to check out the World Baseball Classic again next week. exhibition games including on PURM itself, Porim Afternoon down in Florida. Uh you could also go to um you could also go to the MLB website or any of the uh uh websites that is selling tickets to the actual pool games that start on the 8th of March. And for Israel, it's the 8th, 9th, and 10th. The 9th is in the afternoon, by the way, a Monday afternoon. That might appeal to some people who are down in Florida taking some time off. And uh finally merchandise and to support the uh the the team go to israelbase.org. Again that's israelbase.org. Jordy, thanks so much for the update. Good luck to the team. Have a wonderful purum with them. And uh and just you know what I think of this whole thing. I think it's so important for us and for our people and for our nation. Uh I know people sometimes don't get it. They don't understand the importance of stuff like this on the, you know, happening on the baseball field, but I do get it. And uh call a vote to team Israel. >> I know you do. I know you do and you've been been our biggest fan for many many years and I appreciate it so much. >> Appreciate it. You know what I always say? I may not be the biggest but I might be the tallest. Okay, >> that's for sure. There he is, Jordy Alter, encouraging everybody to get behind team Israel here on a Monday at JM in the AM.