Eric Holtz Will Join Coaching Staff For August 26 Game vs. FDNY All-Stars
POMONA, NY (July 26, 2023) – The Irish Wolfhounds Baseball Club has added former Team Israel coach Eric Holtz to the coaching staff. The Irish will take on the FDNY Bravest at Clover Stadium in Rockland County, NY, on August 26. First pitch is scheduled for 1:30pm.
Holtz was the head coach of Team Israel from 2017-2021. During that time, Israel advanced from the lowest level of European Competition to the World Baseball Classic Qualifying Round and the Olympics. He was the Team Israel head coach at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
“I’m not Irish, but I’m a baseball guy,” said Holtz. “When I look at this roster, I see players who have played at the college and professional level. We have a former major leaguer on the roster. I know these players have what it takes to put Ireland on a path to the Olympics and the World Baseball Classic.”
The Irish Wolfhounds Baseball Club was created to demonstrate that Ireland has enough talent to get to the highest levels of international baseball. The Wolfhounds roster includes college and pro baseball players who are citizens of Ireland. Each player is eligible to play for Team Ireland in the Olympics and World Baseball Classic.
In his role as guest coach, Holtz will be joining a coaching staff that includes manager Vin Malzahn, former major league pitcher Rob Delaney, former St. John’s pitcher James Lally, and Team Ireland outfielder, JP Dolan. Previous guest coaches have included former major leaguers Steve Lyons and Shane Spencer.
“Eric’s experience with Team Israel gives him a unique perspective that is important for our players, and for Irish Baseball fans, to understand, explained Malzahn. “He’s done this before with Team Israel and he knows that Ireland can get to the World Baseball Classic.”
“As a kid from the Bronx, this is something I never imagined I’d be a part of,” said Holtz. “But, again, I’m a baseball guy and I believe what these players are doing could be great for the game of baseball. I’m honored to be a part of something that could be really special.”
