War in Israel on Mind of Baltimore Orioles Starter Dean Kremer Going into ALDS Game 3 at Texas Rangers
ARLINGTON, Texas – Dean Kremer is getting the ball with the Baltimore Orioles’ season on the line Tuesday night against the Texas Rangers in Game 3 of the American League Division Series.
That’s a lot for any athlete to deal with, let alone one making his first career playoff start.
Kremer is also Israeli-American. The current situation on the other side of the world is also on his mind. With war being declared in Israel, Kremer naturally is concerned about family members abroad.
“My family’s okay,” he said. “I mean, obviously, it’s a very sad situation. A lot of things are being brought to light, but everybody’s okay right now.”
Kremer, 27, was born and raised in California to Israeli parents. He has dual citizenship and lives part of every year in Israel.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde checked in with Kremer after making the starting call on Game 3. The two talked on Monday at breakfast.
“We had a nice conversation,” Hyde said. “Gave him my support and sympathies for him and his family that’s involved, and he seemed okay. He seemed like he was ready to pitch. He seemed like he felt comfortable with where his family situation was at with the whole thing.
“Obviously, he’s very disturbed and there’s a lot of things going on. But I didn’t sense that it was going to affect [him] – I think he’s really looking forward to pitching.”
Baltimore trails the best-of-five series 2-0 and needs a victory to stay alive. Kremer never thought about not pitching and appreciates all the support from the team and Hyde.
“He’s had his hands full with all the stuff going on with the playoffs,” Kremer said. “But he and almost every single person in the clubhouse has come in and checked on me at some point over the last 48 hours. And I’m very grateful for that.
“Is there a hesitation? No. I still want to pitch, but, I mean, it’s going to be in the back of my head.”
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