Births on March 24

Josh Zeid, American baseball player

Meet Joshua Alexander Zeid: From Promising Pitcher to International Baseball Star

Joshua Alexander Zeid (pronounced "Zide"), born on March 24, 1987, is a fascinating figure in the world of baseball, known for his powerful pitching arm and his unique journey representing both the United States and Israel. An American-Israeli former professional baseball pitcher, Zeid's career trajectory saw him rise through the ranks of Major League Baseball before making significant contributions on the international stage, culminating in a pivotal role for Team Israel.

Early Life and a Stellar Rise Through the Ranks

Even in his formative years, Zeid's talent on the mound was undeniable. In 2003, he proudly played for the gold-medal-winning Team USA Youth National Team, a clear indicator of his immense potential. His high school career was particularly decorated; as a senior, he earned the prestigious title of Gatorade Connecticut High School Player of the Year. Furthermore, the authoritative voice in baseball scouting, Baseball America, recognized him as the nation's 27th-best prospect, highlighting the high expectations surrounding his future in the sport.

His professional journey officially began when he was drafted in the 10th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. Zeid quickly proved his worth in the minor leagues, earning a spot as a South Atlantic League midseason All-Star in 2010. That same year, his stellar performance as a reliever was nationally recognized when he received the MiLB Best Reliever (Class A–Full Season) Award, underscoring his ability to dominate in high-pressure situations.

Major League Debut with the Houston Astros

All of Zeid's hard work and dedication culminated in his major league debut with the Houston Astros in 2013. Stepping onto an MLB mound is a dream for countless young players, and Zeid's moment arrived with the Astros, a team with a rich history and a passionate fan base. While his time in the majors was a significant milestone, it was his subsequent international contributions that would truly cement his legacy in baseball.

A Global Presence: Team Israel and the World Baseball Classic

One of the most captivating chapters in Joshua Zeid's career involves his profound connection to Team Israel. He became a prominent figure for the team, showcasing his skills on a global stage at the 2017 World Baseball Classic. His performance was so impactful that he was named to the esteemed 2017 All-World Baseball Classic team, a testament to his elite pitching and fierce competitiveness. Opposing batters often faced the formidable challenge of his fastball, which was clocked at an impressive 97 mph, a testament to his raw power and refined technique.

His commitment to Team Israel ran so deep that, in November 2019, he took the extraordinary step of obtaining Israeli citizenship. This decision wasn't just personal; it was strategic, enabling him to once again play for Team Israel in baseball at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to his heritage and the sport.

Transitioning Off the Mound: A Role with the Chicago Cubs

After a fulfilling career as a professional pitcher, Zeid transitioned from the playing field to the front office, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. He joined the Chicago Cubs organization as a pitching analyst, a role that allows him to contribute to the strategic side of the game. In this capacity, Zeid utilizes his deep understanding of pitching mechanics, strategy, and player development to help guide the next generation of baseball talent, proving that his impact on the sport extends far beyond his days on the mound.

FAQs About Joshua Alexander Zeid

• Who is Joshua Alexander Zeid?

  Joshua Alexander Zeid is an American-Israeli former professional baseball pitcher known for his time with the Houston Astros and his significant contributions to Team Israel in international competitions, including the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics.

• What teams did Joshua Zeid play for?

  In Major League Baseball, Joshua Zeid played for the Houston Astros. He also represented Team USA Youth National Team and most notably, Team Israel on the international stage.

• What is Joshua Zeid known for in baseball?

  Zeid is recognized for his powerful pitching, earning the MiLB Best Reliever Award, making his MLB debut, and his standout performances for Team Israel at the 2017 World Baseball Classic, where his fastball reached 97 mph and he was named to the All-World Baseball Classic team. His decision to obtain Israeli citizenship to play in the Olympics also highlights his dedication.

• What is Joshua Zeid doing now?

  After retiring from playing, Joshua Zeid joined the Chicago Cubs front office as a pitching analyst, contributing his expertise to the strategic development of pitchers within the organization.

• Did Joshua Zeid play in the Olympics?

  Yes, Joshua Zeid obtained Israeli citizenship in November 2019 specifically to be eligible to play for Team Israel in baseball at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.