A Unique Journey to the Mound
Like the Dodgers, the Baltimore Orioles find themselves playing a division series Game 3 on the brink of elimination. However, unlike the Dodgers, the Orioles have a starting pitcher with a remarkable journey. Dean Kremer, the first Israeli pitcher selected in the MLB draft by a team other than the Dodgers, will be taking the mound with a heavy heart.
Dean Kremer, who holds Israeli and American citizenship, has deep family ties in Israel, where he spends two months every year. His groundbreaking journey to becoming an established big leaguer is singular.
Facing a Heavy Heart Amidst Crisis
Kremer’s start for the Orioles comes at a challenging time. After a surprise attack by the militant group Hamas on Israel, the nation declared war on Hamas and launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people. In response, Hamas threatened to kill captured Israelis, and the conflict has resulted in a significant loss of lives on both sides, with no end in sight.
Kremer expressed his determination to pitch despite the turmoil, saying, "Is there a hesitation? No. I still want to pitch. But, I mean, it’s going to be in the back of my head." His Israeli-American background adds a unique layer to his story.
A Bicultural Upbringing
Dean Kremer, aged 27, spent his childhood alternating between his parents’ home in Stockton, California, and his grandparents’ homes in Israel. His milestone in becoming the first Israeli drafted into the MLB occurred when the San Diego Padres selected him in the 38th round out of San Joaquin Valley College in 2015.
However, he chose to attend the University of Nevada Las Vegas and was subsequently drafted by the Dodgers in the 14th round a year later. He spent several seasons in their farm system, reaching double-A before being traded to the Orioles in July 2018 as part of the deal that brought Manny Machado to the Dodgers.
A Vital Piece of the Orioles’ Rotation
Today, Dean Kremer is a crucial member of the Baltimore Orioles’ starting rotation. He holds the responsibility of trying to keep their playoff hopes alive against the upstart Texas Rangers, who currently lead the ALDS series 2-0.
Manager Brandon Hyde and Kremer’s teammates have shown their concern and support for his family during this trying time. Kremer expressed his gratitude, noting that his family is "OK right now." Hyde stated, "I gave him my support and sympathies for him and his family that’s involved, and he seemed OK… Obviously, he’s very disturbed, and there’s a lot of things going on. But I think he’s really looking forward to pitching tomorrow, so I didn’t think it was going to affect him."
Representing Israel on the Global Stage
Dean Kremer’s unique background has allowed him to represent Israel on several occasions. He won a gold medal pitching for Team USA in the 2013 Maccabiah Games and was named the Most Valuable Player of Team Israel in the European Championship qualifiers in 2014 and 2015. Additionally, he had the honor of pitching for Israel in both the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classics, showcasing his dual heritage and dedication to the sport.
In the face of personal and international adversity, Israeli American Dean Kremer’s start for the Orioles represents a testament to his resilience and the power of sport to transcend borders.
**Israeli American Dean Kremer to start for Orioles with heavy heart is a story of hope, unity, and determination amid challenging circumstances, both on and off the baseball diamond.
The Resilience of Athletes in the Face of Global Crises
Orioles’ Game 3 starter Dean Kremer, with dual Israeli-American …
Dual Israeli-American Citizenship, Pitching Amid Heavy Heart Over Deadly Hamas Attacks
By Adam Thompson
October 9, 2023 / 7:53 PM / CBS Baltimore
In a pivotal Game 3 of the ALDS, Dean Kremer, the Baltimore Orioles’ starter, takes to the mound. What sets him apart? His dual Israeli-American citizenship. However, this time, he carries a heavy heart due to the ongoing deadly Hamas attacks in Israel.
What does Dean Kremer think about Israel?
Dean Kremer’s Perspective on Israel
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer’s thoughts often gravitate towards Israel, especially when he thinks of family, amid the ongoing violence in the region.
Will Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer start Game 3 against the Rangers?
On Tuesday, the postseason will indirectly intersect with a conflict occurring halfway across the world. Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer is slated to start Game 3 of the AL Division Series against the Rangers, but he will do so with a heavy heart. Kremer has close ties to Israel, where days of fighting have left hundreds dead and countless wounded.
Who is Dean Kremer?
Dean Kremer, a former Dodgers minor leaguer, holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Israel. He is set to start for the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers. In the face of elimination, the Orioles are determined to make a stand, much like the Dodgers.
Does Dean Kremer still want to pitch Tues?
Dean Kremer, who holds Israeli dual citizenship, remains determined despite his thoughts being with the conflict in Israel and his extended family. He expressed his commitment to pitching on Tuesday while acknowledging that the situation is weighing on his mind. Kremer’s teammates have shown their support, and even manager Hyde had a conversation with him over breakfast.
Why is Dean Kremer starting for the Orioles with a heavy heart?
On Tuesday, the postseason will indirectly intersect with a conflict occurring halfway across the world. Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer is slated to start Game 3 of the AL Division Series against the Rangers, but he will do so with a heavy heart. Kremer has close ties to Israel, where days of fighting have left hundreds dead and countless wounded.
