FanHouse IsraeliBaseballLeague

The Israeli Baseball League was a minor topic of fascination among baseball people for a year or so, but in 2007 the league collapsed financially. Apparently Israeli market demand for second-tier baseball players dueling on half-groomed baseball fields is low. Who knew? So Israeli baseball went away, seemingly forever, and I'll admit I totally forgot it was even an interest of mine in the first place. Video games are distracting that way.

Alas, the New York Times' baseball blog informs us today that Israeli baseball may not be dead for long. Apparently, a limited Yankees partner -- who was involved in the first Israeli league but resigned because of his dismay over how poor the league was -- is organizing a new league with an ETA of 2010 or 2011. Why would this league be any different? He seems to have it pretty well-considered:

International Pastime will look at baseball's influence outside the U.S.

Well, that sure was a quick inaugural year. It seems like not too long ago I was blogging about the Israeli Baseball League's draft and here there is already -- a champion.

If you're scoring at home, the Bet Shemesh Blue Sox, managed by former Yankee Ron Blomberg, took home the crown. They finished the season in first with a 29-12 record and then went on to win the title. As far as how the actually Israeli players did this year ... they're still improving. From YESNetwork:

"The Israelis were the weakest players on my team," Blomberg said. "But they're just starting to play the game in Israel. Give them five or six years and they're going to get better and have good baseball there."

[ .. ]

"The games were seven innings, so I realized you had to try to get a lead early. I don't like bunting early in a game, but because the games there are two innings shorter, I found myself bunting in the early innings to try to get a lead."

So yeah, um, congrats to the Blue Sox and congrats to the league -- which from all indications got some decent attendance this year. If you're over in Israel next year, go see a game because they are only seven innings long. You'll still have time to gift shop for the family afterwards.

Via BBTF.