Former Texas Rangers star Ian Kinsler wore a Team Israel baseball jersey when he threw out the first pitch ahead of ALCS Game 3 between the Rangers and Houston Astros on Wednesday at Globe Life Field.
Kinsler, who is Jewish, is now a special assistant to Rangers general manager Chris Young.
The show of support comes amid an ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which launched an unprecedented surprise attack on the country on Oct. 7, leaving more than 1,400 Israelis dead.
Kinsler threw the pitch to ex-Texas pitcher Derek Holland, who wore a traditional Rangers jersey with his former No. 45 on it.
The former major league second baseman represented Israel on a number of occasions on the international stage, including playing for them during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics — after he obtained Israeli citizenship — and serving as manager for the country at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Kinsler told the Dallas Morning News last week that he had been monitoring what had been happening back in Israel since the attacks.
2005: Israel unilaterally withdraws from the Gaza Strip over three decades after winning the territory from Egypt in the Six-Day War.
2006: Terrorist group Hamas wins a Palestinian legislative election.
2007: Hamas seizes control of Gaza in a civil war.
2008: Israel launches military offensive against Gaza after Palestinian terrorists fired rockets into the town of Sderot.
2023: Hamas launches the biggest attack on Israel in 50 years.
Over 1,400 Israelis are dead, more than 4,200 are wounded and at least 100 were taken hostage, with the death toll expected to rise after Hamas terrorists fired thousands of rockets and sent dozens of militants into Israeli towns.
Hamas terrorists were seen taking female hostages and parading them down the street in horrifying videos.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced “We are at war” and vowed Hamas would pay “a price it has never known.”
Gaza health officials report at least 3,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 12,500 injured.
“I have been following the situation and periodically getting updates from friends and colleagues,” Kinsler told the outlet on Oct. 10. “It’s a tough time, and something that is hard to understand. I stand in solidarity with the people of Israel, especially the IDF who are fighting to defend the country and its people.
“I know people who have been recalled to service and pray for their safety and their family’s peace of mind daily. Innocent lives are being lost on both sides and I pray for a quick resolution.”
Kinsler was a four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner in his 14-year MLB career.
He helped the Rangers win back-to-back American League pennants in 2010 and 2011.