Prior to Game 3 of the ALCS on Wednesday night, former Texas Rangers All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
It was extra special as he was sporting a Team Israel jersey in the process.
Here’s how the MLB world reacted.
Even opposing starter Justin Verlander caught up with Kinsler prior to the game.
Kinsler, represented Israel at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. He obtained Israeli citizenship that March.
During the Olympics, Israel went 1-4 overall before being eliminated due to losses to South Korea and the Dominican Republic.
Kinsler also was the manager of Team Israel during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
More than 1,400 people, including civilians and soldiers, have been killed in Israel after last weekend’s Hamas attacks. The attacks, according to CNN, included Gaza firing thousands of rockets toward Israeli towns on Oct. 7. Hostages also were taken.
Israel since has declared war.
Kinsler, who spent eight seasons with the Rangers, made sure the jersey was a message during such a devastating time in the world.
On Oct. 10, Baltimore Orioles starter and Israeli-American Dean Kremer made his playoff debut against the Rangers while the attacks were going on.
“I still want to pitch, but, I mean, it’s going to be in the back of my head,” he said before his start.
About Jessica Kleinschmidt
Jess is a baseball fan with Reno, Nev. roots residing in the Bay Area. She is the host of "Short and to the Point" and is also a broadcaster with the Oakland A's Radio Network. She previously worked for MLB.com and NBC Sports Bay Area.