ELON – Former Elon pitcher Ben Simon has been selected to play with Team Israel in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC).
 
"I'm honored to be playing for Team Israel in the upcoming WBC," Simon said. "I am very proud to be representing both Elon and Israel at such an amazing event. I don't feel I'd be here without the coaches, teammates and opportunities Elon has given me. I'm excited to get after it next month in Miami."
 
Simon, who was drafted by the New York Mets in 2023 following three seasons with the Phoenix (2021-23), is coming off his best professional season in the Mets' farm system. After being promoted to the Double-A affiliate in Binghamton, Simon made 11 appearances for the Rumble Ponies and finished his Double-A season with a 1.06 ERA and struck out hitters at a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
 
"We are so excited and happy for Ben to get this opportunity," said Elon Baseball head coach Mike Kennedy. "Ben is doing great things on the mound for the Mets organization and is not only is he a great pitcher, but he is an unbelievable young man. He deserves every opportunity he is getting."
 
Simon was a 2022 All-CAA second team selection for Elon and later posted seven saves with a 3.20 ERA as a junior in 2023 before the Mets selected him in the 13th round of the MLB Draft that summer.
 
Simon and Team Israel are in Pool D of the WBC where they join the Netherlands, Venezuela, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Pool D begins play on March 6.
 
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