The first pro baseball league is coming to Israel this summer and the organizers—including founder Larry Baras, Commissioner Daniel Kurtzer, director of player development Dan Duquette, three former major leaguers who will be managers: Ken Holtzman, Art Shamsky, and Ron Blomberg, along with New York area players signed to play— are holding a press conference at the Makor/Steinhardt Center on Monday, February 26. The Y has no affiliation with the league, but we’re certainly interested. Check out the Israel Baseball League official website and read a biblical play-by-play of baseball history. What will be different in the land of milk and honey when peanuts and Cracker Jacks are added to the mix? (Break out the Bamba.) Here’s their interesting twist on the rules:
The rules of the IBL are a little different too, all aimed at enhancing fan experiences. Our games are seven innings in duration, with several rules within meant to speed up the tempo. We use a modified DH rule, where a DH can be used only twice per game for one designated player, adding to the strategic use of the DH. And in the most exciting innovation of all, if games are tied after seven innings, they are decided by a Home Run Derby!
