Shlomo Lipetz started playing baseball at age 10. After serving in the Israel Defense Forces, he played at San Diego Mesa College, becoming the second Israeli to play college baseball (after Dan Rothem). While in college, he improved his fastball from 66 mph to 88 mph. Transferring to UC San Diego his junior year, he led the staff in ERA with a 5-0, 2.84 record and three saves; he walked just 3 in 38 innings. In 2005, the senior went 2-4 with 7 saves and a 4.42 ERA as UCSD’s closer.
Lipetz stayed in the US, teaching at a Jewish school then working as the music programmer for City Winery in New York. He has continued to play baseball, primarily in semipro leagues in New York against primarily Dominicans and Puerto Ricans. He played for the Netanya Tigers in the 2007 Israel Baseball League, going 3-1 with a save and a team-best 0.98 ERA (no pitcher with 5+ IP had a better ERA in the whole circuit). He struck out 30 and walked 3 while allowing 17 hits in 27 2/3 IP. Among those he outpitched was former minor leaguer Rafael Rojano (6.32).
In the 2008 European Championship Qualifiers, Lipetz led Israel in wins (2-0, 2.63). He allowed three runs in a relief inning against Croatia (which won the pool), tossed a 10-inning, 4-hit complete game to beat Lithuania 2-1 and got another win in relief against Serbia (5 K, 5 H, 2 HBP, 4 R, ER in 2 2/3 IP). He led that qualifier in victories and tied for second in strikeouts (behind Ernesto Pereira).
Back with Israel for the 2011 European Championship Qualifiers, he beat Georgia in the opener with a strong outing (7 IP, 3 H, 1 UER, 0 BB, 9 K). (Baseball Reference. com)
Shlomo, Thanks for taking the time to chat with us.
Growing up who were your influences?
With no real baseball in Israel it is hard to say that I had one main influence. I had no one role model that I could look up to, watch on TV, imitate. The closest I got to that was through baseball cards that I collected a bit each time I was visiting in the US. If I had to name someone I would say Dwight Gooden and the Braves fab three Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, and John Smoltz.
You played for Israel in the WBC qualifier, What was that experience like?
In one word….unreal. To be able at my age, with most of my baseball career behind me, to play in such a tournament as the world classic qualifier with such living legends as Shawn Green, Brad Ausmus and Mark Loretta and soon to be major league players such as Josh Satan, Nate Freiman and Joc Pederson was an experience that I never thought I would have and without a doubt a high light in my baseball career. In addition, the conditions there were fantastic, both on and off the field. In addition, I don’t know if I ever made some many personal connections in such a short time the way I did during those 10 days in Florida. Many of the people I met there I am still in touch with and I am sure I still will be for many more years to come.
What has playing for the National team meant to you?
Playing for the National team has been a highlight of my year for the past 23 years. There is really nothing like playing your favorite sport and to have the added value of knowing that you are playing for your country. Playing for your flag gives you that extra sense of connectivity to your country and elevates the stakes of every game you play. In addition, especially as the case with this year’s qualifier, it brings together a group of people that otherwise would not have a chance to play together.
Where do you see baseball in Israel in five or ten years? Does Israel play in a World Baseball Classic?
I really hope that we played well enough and generated enough interest to be asked to play in the qualifier in 4 years. If this current would Classic proved anything with the advance of the Netherlands and Italy to the next round is that there is room for a country like Israel to compete in this level (with the help of non-Israelis of course), Baseball in Israel with always be a niche sport but we can defiantly strive for a couple of fields and better playing conditions. I think the key for the future success if Israeli baseball has to do as much with the development of local talent as it will be with attracting Jewish players from the US. Young post college players who may want to do it as well as older Jews with baseball background who can contribute for elevating the couching talent. Americans sometime take for granted things such as having coaches who can teach you the physical and mental game of baseball. Even things like gloves, bats and balls is not something you can take for granted in Israeli baseball today.
Is there someone you like to follow in the game today?
To be honest, not really. Now that I have played with many of the Jewish MLB prospects I have defiantly taken an interest in them, but besides that, I would say that I am just a fan of the game and not necessarily this or that player.
What advice would you give the younger players?
I know a lot of coaches preach on just having fun…but the fun begins only when you get to play and when you are good at what you do. Practice hard, have big dreams but keep all your options open. No matter how good you are there is always the chance you won’t make it. In my case, the fact that I have a dream job that is not baseball, at City Winery, made me feel that much better and helped me put things in prospective when things on the field did not work as I envisioned.
Do you have a favorite place you’ve played at?
I loved playing in Baptist Village when the place is packed…there were only two times that happened. Once during the pro league in 2007 and the second was this past summer when we hosted the European qualifiers. Not because it was the best field I ever played on, but because it was on my home court and I never thought I would get to see 3,000 people all at one game….a game that took place in Israel.
Give us a few names of Israeli born players we need to watch for.
The number one prospect coming out of Israel is Alon Leichman who is playing for Cypress College in California. Besides that there are a few talented players such as Tal Erel and Yoandry Gil Levy who was born in Cuba and has shown some great potential
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Oh yes….over the years I have had rituals that included lighting incense, breathing exercises and writing on the mound. Having routines and rituals that put you mentally where you want to be is an important aspect of the game.
What are your five favorite songs?
Dealing with music 24 hours makes me be exposed to a lot of great music. Rather give you my 5 favorite songs these days how about I name my current five favorite albums:
I’ll stay away from classics and focus on what is hot now.
1. Atoms For Peace – Amok
- Villagers – Awayland
- Aaron Neville – Tell it like it is
4 Alberta Cross – Songs Of Patience
- Jim James – Regions of Light and Sound of God
What was it like playing for Brad Ausmus, Shawn Green, and Andrew Lorraine?
Insane, these guys are the real thing. There is so much to learn from them, on and off the field. They played the game and made it. And for them to see the value and want to play and be a part of team Israel says everything about them. They are humble and extremely friendly. All people I look forward to staying in touch in the future.
Shlomo, once again thanks for taking the time