Dr. Glenn Copeland delivering a speech to Team Israel ahead of first WBC qualifying game in Florida. Photo: screenshot.

Before Israel’s first game at the World Baseball Classic qualifiers in Florida last week, team doctor Glenn Copeland delivered a heartfelt speech in which he spoke about the pride that Jews around the world felt as Team Israel prepared to make its international debut on the field.

“I want you guys to understand how much this means to all of us,” Copeland told the team in the locker room.  “You are playing as Jews, as citizens of Israel…what you guys don’t understand is that you’re living history to us tonight.  You really are living history.”

The speech given by Copeland, who was on the Toronto Blue Jays staff when they won back to back world series’ in the early 90’s, preceded Israel’s opening game win against South Africa.  Team Israel would make it to the final qualifying game in their group, but would fall 9-7 to Spain.

“Everybody will know your names, everybody will be proud as hell that you represented us,” he said.

To watch the entire speech, click below.