Brad Ausmus Appointed as Head Coach of Israel’s Baseball Team
Appointment Announcement
The Israel Baseball Association announced today that Brad Ausmus has been appointed as the head coach of the Israel national baseball team for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) tournament set to begin in March. Ausmus takes over the role from Ian Kinsler, who requested to step down for personal reasons.
Ausmus’s Background and Experience
Brad Ausmus boasts a long history in Israeli baseball, having served as the team’s head coach during the 2012 WBC tournament. He was also part of the coaching staff alongside Kinsler in 2023. His extensive experience and established relationships with the players and coaching staff will facilitate a smooth transition into his new role.
In this tournament, Israel’s team will compete in Pool D from March 6 to 10 in Miami, facing teams from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and the Netherlands. Ausmus, a three-time Gold Glove Award winner as a player, has previously managed in Major League Baseball (MLB), including five seasons with the Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Angels. Most recently, he served as a bench coach for the New York Yankees for the past two years.
Statement from the New Coach
Following his appointment, Ausmus expressed his enthusiasm for the position, stating, “I cannot describe how proud and excited I am to take on this role.” He emphasized his commitment to building a cohesive and competitive team that proudly represents Israel on the global stage. “We have a strong foundation, and I look forward to working with our talented staff and players to achieve our goals for 2026,” he added.
Acknowledgment of Ian Kinsler
Ausmus replaces Ian Kinsler, who played a significant role in the team’s development over recent years. Kinsler, a former player during the 2020 Olympics and the head coach during the 2023 WBC tournament, was recognized for his invaluable contribution to the team. The Israel Baseball Association expressed its gratitude, saying, “After his wonderful time with the national team as a player and coach, we wish Ian success in his future endeavors and are confident our paths will cross again.”
This marks an exciting new chapter for the Israel national baseball team as they prepare to compete on an international level once more under Ausmus’s leadership.