Former Texas Rangers star Ian Kinsler dons Team Israel baseball jersey for ceremonial first pitch at ALCS Game 3
Jewish former MLB player Ian Kinsler, currently serving as a special assistant to Rangers GM Chris Young, showed support for Israel amidst ongoing conflict with Hamas. The ceremonial first pitch at ALCS Game 3 was thrown by Kinsler, wearing a Team Israel jersey, to ex-Texas pitcher Derek Holland in his Rangers jersey.
Kinsler, who has represented Israel on the international stage multiple times, obtained Israeli citizenship and played for them in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. He also managed the country’s team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Kinsler has been closely monitoring the situation in Israel since the attacks.
Worst attack on Israel in 50 years: How we got here
2005: Israel unilaterally withdraws from the Gaza Strip over three decades after winning the territory from Egypt in the Six-Day War.
2006: Terrorist group Hamas wins a Palestinian legislative election.
2007: Hamas seizes control of Gaza in a civil war.
2008: Israel launches military offensive against Gaza after Palestinian terrorists fired rockets into the town of Sderot.
2023: Hamas launches the biggest attack on Israel in 50 years.
Over 1,400 Israelis are dead, more than 4,200 are wounded and at least 100 were taken hostage, with the death toll expected to rise after Hamas terrorists fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of militants into Israeli towns.
Hamas terrorists were seen taking female hostages and parading them down the street in horrifying videos.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced “We are at war” and vowed Hamas would pay “a price it has never known.”
Gaza health officials report at least 3,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 12,500 injured.
“I have been following the situation and periodically getting updates from friends and colleagues,” Kinsler told the Dallas Morning News on Oct. 10. “It’s a tough time, and something that is hard to understand. I stand in solidarity with the people of Israel, especially the IDF who are fighting to defend the country and its people. I know people who have been recalled to service and pray for their safety and their family’s peace of mind daily. Innocent lives are being lost on both sides and I pray for a quick resolution.”
Ian Kinsler, a former four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner in his 14-year MLB career, played a significant role in the Rangers’ success, helping them win back-to-back American League pennants in 2010 and 2011.
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