Ex-Hamden Pitcher Stars in World Baseball Classic

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

HAMDEN, CT – Israel’s improbable run in the World Baseball Classic finally came to an end but the team’s star pitcher, who was born in New Haven and pitched for Hamden Hall Country Day School, may have resurrected his major league career.

Josh Zeid was the star of the Israel team, pitching a total of 10 shutout innings in the classic, including four scoreless innings as a starting pitcher, even though he is normally used as a relief pitcher, in the team’s semifinal loss to Japan on Wednesday.

Israel, an underdog, lost in Wednesday’s game to Japan by an 8-3 score in front of more than 43,000 fans at the Tokyo Dome.

The score was 0-0 when Zeid exited.

Zeid appeared in four of Israel’s five games. He was used as a starter in the elimination game – because he was the team’s best pitcher.

"I've never played with or seen anyone who wants it as much as Josh Zeid," Israel first baseman Nate Freiman said. "And we can see that when we play behind him."

Zeid accepted the compliment, but turned it back to his teammates.

"I really do (want it)," he said. "We all do. That's why we're dangerous. These are guys fighting to get jobs, fighting to stay in this game we love. That's a scary blend we're putting out there."

It doesn't hurt to be able to hit 96 mph on the radar gun, which is what Zeid has been doing during the tournament.

Zeid was born to Ira (a dentist) and Karen (who works in a senior center) in New Haven.

Zeid has pitched for several minor and major league baseball teams, most recently in 2016 he pitched with the Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets.