Ian Kinsler didn’t just wear the jersey—he helped make history in it. In 2021, the former Mizzou Tiger and four-time MLB All-Star suited up for Team Israel at the Tokyo Olympics, where the squad became the first Israeli team in any sport to win a game at the Olympics since 1968. Now, Kinsler’s putting the uniform back on—this time with a lineup card in hand.
The 2018 World Series champ is officially returning as manager of Team Israel for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
“I’m honored to be leading the team for the 2026 WBC,” Kinsler said in a statement published on IsraelBaseball.org. “MLB puts on a world-class tournament, and it’s just an excellent group of people involved. This will be our third WBC and we continue to improve our players and process. I think everyone is excited about this team. I know I am.”
Kinsler, who played one memorable season at Mizzou in 2003, helped lead the Tigers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in six years. He hit .335 with 45 RBIs and swiped 16 bases, earning All-Big 12 honors. It was the launchpad for a stellar 14-year MLB career, capped with a gold medal run in the 2021 Olympics—his final at-bat as a player.
Now, he’s running the dugout.
Ian Kinsler back with Team Israel
“We are thrilled to have him back!” said Dr. Jordy Alter, president of the Israel Association of Baseball, in a quote published by IsraelBaseball.org. “He is just a top-notch human-being, and his commitment to Israel Baseball goes beyond just managing the team. He, Kevin Youkilis and Brad Ausmus are all very involved all year. They attend our quarterly meetings, events and represent Israel Baseball within the larger baseball world.”
Kinsler managed Team Israel in the 2023 WBC, guiding the squad through a brutal pool that included Puerto Rico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Despite a 1-3 record, his leadership left a mark.
“Super exciting,” said Team Israel ace Dean Kremer on IsraelBaseball.org. “He was an awesome manager the first go-round, so second go-round will probably only get better.”
“He’s a natural manager,” added bullpen coach Nate Fish. “Everyone had him pegged as a future manager. Brad Ausmus let him manage the final game of his last season in Detroit as a nod to his potential.”
With Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands and a to-be-determined qualifier rounding out Pool D, Team Israel will once again face a tough draw when the WBC kicks off March 5 in Tokyo, with Israel playing out of Miami.
For catcher Garrett Stubbs, the return of Kinsler is a game-changer.
“You go look at his numbers, he’s a borderline Hall of Famer,” Stubbs said, according to IsraelBaseball.org. “Incredible player. Before even meeting him, I heard incredible things about him and he lived up to all of those.”
Kinsler brings more than just stats. He brings derech eretz—a phrase meaning honor and respect in Hebrew—that resonates with every player who joins Team Israel.
“The guys want to know that someone who gets it is in charge,” Fish said. “There’s no substitute for that kind of experience.”
