Dean Kremer: Israeli Dream

The first Israeli citizen to be drafted and signed to a professional baseball contract is a Los Angeles Dodger.
Right handed pitcher, Dean Kremer, was drafted in the 14th round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Though born and raised in Stockton, CA, Kremer has maintained duel-citizenship with his homeland since birth.
"Because my parents came over from Israel," said Kremer. "The way the government works, the law for Israel is easier to get citizenship than most. I've been going there since I was a baby."
Kremer's parents, born and raised in Israel, moved to America after their respective service in the Israeli army. Kremer's father was awarded a tennis scholarship at the University of Pacific, and shortly after his mother followed to Stockton, CA, for junior college.
Kremer admitted the initial shock of a new culture, country and language must have been difficult for them, but Kremer's parents continue to instill the native traditions in him, including speaking Hebrew fluently.
"I have been speaking it since I was a baby," Kremer said. "Technically, it was my first language because my parents only spoke Hebrew in the home."
Kremer said English is now his most comfortable language after years of school, but whenever he goes back, he can pick it up within a few days. Those trips back to the middle east occurred twice a year up until high school, and now Kremer returns once a year for at least a month, including this upcoming offseason.
Kremer passed on his Israeli army service to play baseball in college because he felt he was not yet finished with the sport. The 21-year old can still enlist in the next five years, but if he continues on with baseball, the non-permanent resident will see no consequences.
When asked where Kremer prefers the food, he quickly answered - there. Falafel is the middle eastern cuisine the righty prefers, and when told it is available in the U.S., Kremer's response was simple.
"Ya, but it is not the same," said Kremer. "My mom makes it too, hers' is not the best I have ever had but it is really good...sorry Mom."
Referenced as his "home away from home", Kremer now plays the flag bearer from afar. With a country so heavily consumed by soccer, Kremer hopes to make waves for baseball in his homeland, by playing in America.
Kremer continues to work from abroad, but has seen opportunities to reunite with his homeland. He dawned a team Israel jersey in the 2017 World Baseball Classic this past spring.
"It is always an honor to put on the team Israel jersey," said Kremer. "Always hits home. I know my parents are always stoked for me."
As for trying to make the Israeli baseball dream a reality back home, surely being the first Israeli citizen to be drafted and signed to a pro deal will help its case. 
"It is a big honor," said Kremer. "I love every minute of it. The higher I go up, the better I feel. Just trying to make head way."