It’s not uncommon that you see former MLB players take on coaching roles once their careers are over.
Such is the case for former MLB All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler.
Kinsler will be managing Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic next season.
Kinsler has also played on the Israel Olympic team, so he will have some familiarity with the country, but he will be the one leading Team Israel in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today revealed the news via Twitter and stated that Kinsler is elated to have the opportunity to manage Team Israel when the time comes.
Kinsler Takes The Reins
Kinsler played 14 seasons in the big leagues, most of them being for the Texas Rangers.
He was a key member of Texas’ World Series squads in 2010 and 2011.
He was a four-time American League All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove Award winner.
Kinsler was traded to the Detroit Tigers before the 2014 season and played there until being shipped off to the Los Angeles Angels.
He finally won a World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox in 2018 and retired after spending the 2019 season with the San Diego Padres.
For his career, he posted a 54.1 WAR, a .269 career batting average, and an OPS of .777.
He hit for a career-high .319 average in 2008, while hitting 18 home runs and driving in 71 runs.
His best season was in 2009, when he hit 31 homers and drove in 86 runs.
Kinsler is a well-traveled baseball veteran who will bring valuable experience and insight to Team Israel when he takes on the team’s managerial role.
The World Baseball Classic will take place next March and will make up for when it was cancelled in 2021.
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