Where Traditions Meet: The Personal Inside Story of the Israel Baseball Quest for Olympic Gold

“Where Traditions Meet” tells 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 provides 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” tells my story, Peter Kurz, from my perspective and point of view, but is supported by quotes, articles and material collected over the years – I have a house full of artifacts that will complement my recollections. This book takes 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” appeals 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. Read more