Jewish Family Service of Harrisburg will be partnering with the Harrisburg Senators to sponsor a game between the Israel National Baseball Team (Team Israel) and the Cal Ripken All-Stars.

Striking Out COVID: A Family Celebration will take place on Friday, July 16, 2021 at 10am at FNB Field in Harrisburg and will serve as the final warmup game for Team Israel before they head off to play in the Tokyo Olympics. The event will focus on honoring first responders who have extended themselves to serve others during the COVID-19 pandemic and will highlight the work of JFS to bring hope and healing to the community.

The roster of Team Israel is loaded with players known to baseball fans in the United States; there are seven players with previous Major League Baseball experience plus several current minor league players. Team Israel will be participating in the six-team Olympic Baseball Tournament that will run from July 28 through August 7, 2021.

The Senators are excited to join with JFS in hosting the event. “It’s not often that you get a chance to bring a National Baseball team in that is on their way to the Olympics,” said Kevin Kulp, Senators Team President.  “We’re thrilled to be working with Jewish Family Service of Greater Harrisburg to make this event a reality and help bring the community out to see Team Israel in action.  I expect there are a lot of people in the Central PA Region that will be excited to be able to cheer these guys on to Tokyo.  It’s going to be a fun event.”

JFS’ Executive Director Steve Schauder agreed that the event is a unique opportunity for Harrisburg and the surrounding communities to show support for Team Israel.

“We’re honored to be partnering with the Harrisburg Senators to bring Team Israel to FNB Field,” said Steve. “It’s a major accomplishment for a small country like Israel to make it to the Tokyo Olympics in baseball, and in addition to rooting them on, we will be acknowledging all of the heroic first responders, including those at Jewish Family Service, who were there to help others in need during the COVID crisis.”

The Senators have created a special link to the event where a portion of ticket sales will benefit JFS programs, including adoption and foster care, mental health counseling, meal delivery for homebound seniors, and emergency financial and food assistance. Use the code TEAMISRAEL when purchasing your tickets.

For ticket purchases and more information on sponsorship opportunities and VIP options (including lunch with Team Israel), visit www.jfsofhbg.org.