Overview

""Where Traditions Meet"" will tell the story of how Israel baseball, and one man's vision and persistence, overcame all odds to reach the precipice of greatness in the small world of international baseball. ""Where Traditions Meet"" forges together the illustrious tradition of Judaism and Israel, with the legendary tradition of baseball. It shows that victory is not always inspirational, and that defeat is not always heartbreaking, but perseverance is crucial. Fight on and endure, to fight once again. As Yogi Berra once said, ""Baseball is 90% mental, and the other half is physical."" This book will provide the inside story of all the events, first-hand, from the establishment of the Israel Association of Baseball; the initial ineptness of our national teams; the first, last and only season of pro-ball, so far; the World Baseball Classic agony of defeat to Spain and ecstasy of victory over Great Britain; the visit to Israel that resulted in the documentary movie, ""Heading Home""; shocking the world at the WBC in Korea and Japan; and the ultimate quest for gold through Bulgaria, Lithuania, Bonn and Bologna, to the covid tainted and delayed Olympic Games in Tokyo. The context of life in Israel, making Aliyah, fielding a team in the midst of missile attacks, and the Jewish identity and character of the players and coaches involved is explored and documented. ""Where Traditions Meet"" will tell my story, from my perspective and point of view, but will be supported by quotes, articles and material collected over the years - I have a house full of artifacts that will complement my recollections. This book will take the reader from the New York City diamonds of the 1960's to the land of milk and honey, a journey borne of Zionism and idealism. As reality hits and baseball grows from a hobby to a passion, the voyage continues and expounds, and the IAB, with 750 players, one true baseball field, and no federation office, finds itself squarely on the international baseball map, as one of only six countries to play baseball in the Olympic games. A miraculous achievement. ""Where Traditions Meet"" will appeal to people who love baseball, who love Israel, and who love a story of resolve, tenacity, and devotion, with a few timely hits thrown in.

Full Product Details

9789655977943

Table of Contents

Reviews

""In the 21st-century, baseball has become a truly international game. Global interest and participation continue to grow. That includes the against all odds Israeli squad, whose adventures are recounted here."" Bob Costas ""As a former Baseball Commissioner with more than 45 years of experience in the game, I am pleased to endorse Peter Kurz on his work in producing ""Where Traditions Meet,"" an outstanding book that describes how baseball and the World Baseball Classic contributed to bringing the people of Israel together in times of crisis, turmoil and uncertainty. Allan H. (Bud) Selig ""Baseball invites us to dream. Peter Kurz's new book describes the good that happens when we do. 'Where Traditions Meet' explains how the game has helped a people learn more about themselves - while inspiring others who might never have played catch before. Kurz helps us realize that pride in one's identity transcends the greatest trophies in sport."" Jon Paul Morosi, MLB Network ""What Peter Kurz has accomplished in this book is to capture a one-of-a-kind sports story. In 'Where Traditions Meet', he shows how any dream is possible."" Ken Belson, NY Times ""Peter Kurz has done something one would think is impossible...taken his two great loves, Baseball and Israel, and joined them together into what is now Israel Baseball. ""Where Traditions Meet"" is a warm and heartfelt account of how this happened and how he made his dream, and the dreams of young Jewish men, come true!"" Suzyn Waldman NY Yankees Radio Broadcaster

Author Information

Peter Kurz has been deeply involved with Israeli baseball for over 25 years, as a coach, manager, board member, CEO, secretary general, president, and in the position of National and Olympic Team General Manager. Kurz was also the first Vice President of CEB, the European Baseball Federation and served on their Marketing Committee; is on the Board of Israel Baseball America; served as the Manager and fundraiser of JNF Project Baseball; and has extensive contacts in the Jewish and international baseball worlds. Kurz is the owner of P.R. Amaya Consultants, an international marketing and strategic consulting firm with a diverse clientele in the fields of exports, banking, non-profits, sports start-ups, industrial companies, and fintech. Kurz has an extensive network of followers, throughout the baseball world (players, staff, management, ownership, press, bloggers) that he is in constant contact with, as well as in the Jewish world (influencers, bloggers, non-profits, congregations) and he plans on utilizing this network for his book promotions. Kurz has appeared on Israel National and sports TV programming, as well as extensive interviews on US based programming. Kurz is a member of AEPi and has spoken at their conferences. Kurz is a graduate of Tel Aviv University with an MSC degree, and an undergraduate degree from SUNY Purchase. He lives with his wife in Givatayim, a suburb of Tel Aviv, and has three children and, so far, four grandchildren.

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