Softball players from Fox Chapel, Franklin Regional savor chance to play for Team Israel

The Israel 12U softball team carried a 5-3 lead against Italy in their first game at the European Massimo Romeo Youth Tournament. Italy had the bases loaded with no outs in the final inning of play. Fox Chapel’s Izzy Zober, 11, took over pitching duties to close out the game.

Italy is a known powerhouse and was the tournament’s host, but the underdogs competing in their first international tournament knew they could stun the hometown team.

Yarone Zober, Izzy’s father, saw his daughter’s years of hard work pay off.

“She ended up forcing an out at home when the bases were loaded,” said Zober, “Grace (Stark) was actually playing third base, not her natural position, and threw home to force the out, and then Izzy struck out the next two batters and that was it, 5-3. It was pretty impressive.”

It was the first time Israel beat Italy in softball in any age group or tournament. Although the team fell short of its ultimate goal, losing in the championship game against Italy later on, the team took home silver and the win against Italy was monumental. Italy had won the tournament in seven of eight years since its inception.

“It was just awe-inspiring, having these girls on the field and having the country that we love, Israel, represented for the first time at this tournament, and it made a big impression with the other teams as well,” said Zober. “It was clear that they knew that we were there, as Israel, and folks welcomed us with open arms, thanked us for coming to the tournament for the first time and hoped that we would be part of tournaments like this going forward.”

The tournament not only gave the players experience on the field, but it also gave them the opportunity to meet new people and visit new places.

“The players had an incredible time, traveling Italy and seeing things that they’d never seen before like the Colosseum or Leaning Tower of Pisa,” said Zober. “But most importantly, they got to really know each other as children with Jewish heritage and with the love of softball. They really bonded quickly, and they spent a lot of time together.”

Although they played like they have been together for years, Team Israel had one practice before the tournament. The players only met over Zoom months prior during the development and funding of the team. The team fielded their roster with American players with Israeli or Jewish heritage and players from Israel.

Not only did the players make bonds with their teammates from Israel, they also learned the Israeli national anthem, Hatikvah, for the opening ceremonies.

“Everything from the bat measurement process to checking of birth dates with passports to how they coordinated meals and coordinated the fields themselves, it was really an amazing experience for all,” said Zober. “There were opening ceremonies and closing ceremonies. It was very much an official tournament and you felt that.”

Izzy Zober, who also plays for the Pittsburgh Power, posted a .500 batting average and led the tournament in saves and wins. The first baseman/pitcher helped lead the team to a 5-2 record throughout the tournament, including wins in its first five games. Zober also boasted a .643 OBP and a 1.254 OPS.

She is grateful that her family was there for her throughout the entire experience.

“They were my everything, basically, because they were always cheering me on even if I wasn’t doing that well,” she said. “They give you reassurance. Even if you’re doing bad, you always have to push through.”

Franklin Regional’s Grace Stark, 10, also played a key role. She mentioned that although there was a language barrier, some players from Team Israel and Team Italy bonded because they both knew a certain dance from an app that both teams had.

Stark also played well, batting .467. The catcher/outfielder who also plays for Team Pennsylvania held an OBP of .529 and OPS of .997.

“It was an amazing experience to watch her play with the girls who are older, and from other countries, and she was able to hold her own and make contributions to the team,” said Jennifer Stark, Grace’s mother. “It was interesting because it was broadcasted on YouTube, and there are announcers, and it was just really funny the way that the announcers would say her name.”

Seeing her daughter play on a big stage was a surreal moment. She was also proud of her daughter for playing at a high level despite being one of the youngest in the tournament.

Similar to the Zobers, Jennifer Stark also enjoyed seeing the team bond with other teams and also enjoyed the time that the players spent on sightseeing.

“We were able to see some of the sights of Italy. The kids were able to go to see a ton of different things that many people don’t ever get to see in their life, and they got to experience the different teams from the different countries,” said Stark. “They made friendships and some of the girls are still talking to each other on Tik Tok and social media, so I think it’s really that was a really cool experience for those girls.”

Grace was grateful that she not only made new bonds with players from all over the globe, but also for her family being there for her.

“They helped me so much,” said Stark. “If my family wasn’t who they are, I wouldn’t be where I am right now in softball.”

Yarone Zober and the team want to compete in the tournament next season and this time, they will have more time to plan out the trip.

“We had really four months not just to put a team together, but to convince 10 to 12 families that this was a worthwhile endeavor to join us and become part of the first 12U Team Israel,” said Zober. “We have a lot more time on our side. We have players that we’re already familiar with. We also know the rules better, we know the system better, and a lot of people are excited to do this again and 2023.”