MLB’s lone Sabra stands strong with Israel from near and far as Reds’ assistant pitching coach.
In many aspects, Alon Leichman, the assistant pitching coach for the Cincinnati Reds, blends in seamlessly with his teammates and colleagues in the National League Central team. During games, they all sport the team’s uniform, consisting of white pants and shirts featuring the “Reds” inscription within a prominent letter “C,” topped with red baseball caps bearing the same emblem. Their collective focus remains squarely on the game at hand.
Observing Leichman on the bench in the dugout, meticulously jotting down notes on his pitchers’ techniques and deliveries, one wouldn’t immediately discern that he’s the sole native Israeli in the major leagues. (Although there are other Israeli citizens across MLB, such as Baltimore Orioles pitcher and fellow Team Israel player Dean Kremer, who aren’t native-born.)
While Leichman’s attention is primarily dedicated to the game, he’s also mindful of the situation unfolding back in Israel. Despite his typically reserved and modest demeanor, Leichman hasn’t shied away from advocating for his homeland during these challenging times. Numerous images capture him donning a “Bring Them Home” T-shirt while pitching batting practice, his black glove adorned with an Israeli flag and the phrase “Bring Them Home” stitched in bold white letters, accompanied by an urgent “NOW!” emphasized in larger red font.
Leichman’s upbringing holds an intriguing twist, especially for a Sabra. Raised in Kibbutz Gezer, situated near Latrun along the route from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, he was immersed in an environment where baseball flourished, despite the sport not being a natural choice for many native Israelis.
Though his father hailed from New York and his mother from Michigan, having met in Israel after immigrating in their twenties, they weren’t avid followers of baseball. However, the kibbutz itself, founded by Americans keen on introducing American culture to Israel, fostered a strong connection to the sport.
“Growing up on the kibbutz, baseball was a big part of life. All the kids there played baseball because of the kibbutz’s American roots. I just happened to develop a real passion for it,” Leichman explained, reminiscing about his start as a shortstop and pitcher on his inaugural team at the tender age of six.
Peter Kurz, who previously served as the President of the Board of Directors of the Israel Association of Baseball and now holds the position of General Manager for Team Israel, shares a longstanding connection with Leichman spanning more than two decades.
“I have known Alon for over 20 years,” Kurz reflected. “I vividly remember taking him on his inaugural Israel National Team excursion – which also happened to be my first – to Holland when he was just a 10-year-old. Remarkably, he was the youngest member on a team predominantly composed of 12-year-olds.”
After graduating from the Brenner Regional School in 2007, Leichman embarked on a unique path, serving in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a distinguished athlete. Following his military service, he pursued his passion for baseball by enrolling at Cypress College in Cypress, California, where he played for their baseball team from 2010 to 2013.
“My parents were fully supportive of my decision to attend college in America to pursue baseball – they knew it was my lifelong dream,” Leichman recalled.
During his time at Cypress, Leichman faced a setback when he underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. Undeterred, he continued his academic and athletic journey at the University of California-San Diego, earning a degree in history while also pitching for the university’s team.
Throughout his collegiate years, Leichman remained steadfast in his determination to remain involved in baseball, whether as a player, coach, or scout. He maintained a strong rapport with his junior college coach, Scott Pickler, who consistently encouraged him, affirming, “You have the makings of a great coach.”
Following his collegiate career, Leichman transitioned into coaching, seizing an opportunity to join the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he contributed to the success of the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, culminating in their 2016 Championship victory.
Reflecting on his experience, Leichman shared, “I initially stepped in as a pitching coach, and our pitchers performed admirably. It provided me with a platform to showcase my skills. Networking in baseball is crucial, and one opportunity often leads to another.”
In 2017, Leichman embarked on a six-year tenure within the Seattle Mariners organization, assuming various roles to broaden his expertise. By 2022, he had ascended to the position of pitching coach for the AAA Tacoma Rainiers, competing in the Pacific Coast League.
Leichman emphasizes the incremental nature of advancing from college player to coaching at different tiers within professional baseball. His journey reached a significant milestone in December 2022 when he was appointed as the assistant pitching coach for the Cincinnati Reds.
“Coaching with the Reds has truly been a fulfilling dream,” Leichman expressed. “Every stage of the journey serves as a building block for the next. In my current position, I’m stationed in the dugout, meticulously charting each game.”
He elaborated on his responsibilities: “I ensure that our pitchers stay on course and offer guidance for adjustments when necessary. If I notice any deviations from their usual performance, I engage in conversations to address the issue.”
