BASEBALL: Jerry Narron helps Israel qualify for WBC

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on March 4, 2017 11:13 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

SEOUL, Korea -- A good 'ole country boy known as a "dirt bagger" during his playing days, Jerry Narron's southern drawl is prominent when he talks about baseball -- even in Israel.

The Holy Land, you say?

Yes, sir.

Narron's enthusiasm becomes contagious and the passion of the 30-year professional veteran soon reveals itself. A former manager in the Major League ranks, he comes from a tradition-rich family -- five generations of Narrons in fact -- who have either played and/or coached in just about every ballpark in America.

But due to a new commitment, Narron won't be on the bench when Israel makes its next stop -- the Gocheok Sky Dome.

That's where the Israelis pen the next chapter of their young -- and vastly growing -- baseball history that started just seven years ago. Better set your alarm clock, though. They face South Korea at 4:30 a.m. EST on Monday in the World Baseball Classic.

Israel is in the same four-team pool with Chinese Taipei and the Netherlands.

"I was flattered. Being a Christian and being a coach of the Israeli team is a pretty big honor for me," said Narron, who helped coach the team during qualifying-round play last September. "As a matter of fact, if I wasn't working this summer, I was going to be the manager of their Israeli team in the European Championships in July."

During the offseason, Narron normally heads overseas to visit his daughter and his grandson who -- not surprisingly -- plays T-ball. While there, he saunters over to Tel Aviv and watches the players work out.

Those trips piqued his interest.

Discussions with Peter Kurz and Nate Fish also stoked the fire burning in Narron's soul. The two Americans have been at the forefront of promoting baseball in the country.

Narron began to advise the team.

"(Fish) wants to make it as popular as he can there," Narron said.

Israel's 2017 roster has a mix of MLB-affiliated players, experienced big league free agents and some Israeli citizens. The team defeated Great Britain twice and shut out Brazil in qualifying-round action.

They, along with Team USA, enter the 16-team Classic at a disadvantage, however. Both countries had between 48 and 72 hours to assemble their respective teams. The Latin American and Asian clubs began workouts at least a month ago.

Pitching was Israel's calling card in the qualifying round.

"In the qualifier, our pitching was pretty deep, but it's a little bit different caliber of baseball we're going to see from here on out," Narron said. "There are a lot more Major League Baseball players who are going to be on these rosters -- almost all of the rosters, including the Latin countries and USA.

"South Korea and the Netherlands will be real good."

The top eight teams will advance to a second round robin. The top four survivors meet March 20-22 at Dodger Stadium to determine the Classic champ. The Dominican Republic won the 2013 WBC title.

Japan won back-to-back crowns in 2006 and 2009.

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Just over a month ago, Narron accepted the managerial position for the Reno Aces -- the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

His main responsibility would have been player development -- the one facet of baseball that pumps extra blood into his heart.

Those plans changed just last week when Narron was named bench coach for the Diamondbacks. He will replace Ron Gardenhire, who announced he has prostate cancer.

"I've got about 29 years I can look back and (see) there are things I could have done different at the beginning of my career," said Narron, who will miss the WBC.

"With all the experience I've got, I can show these guys how to be better players, do things the right way. There's not just one thing, but the whole life experience of being a major league player that only makes the major leagues, but learn to be successful when you get there.

"Baseball is baseball."

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"I love the game."

No doubt.

Narron visited the Goldsboro High baseball facility last spring. He described the field as awful and voiced his opinion that "it wasn't safe."

Pitchers couldn't get into the bullpen.

"I showed people some pictures and they cannot believe a team even played there," Narron said. "I'm really surprised the N.C. High School Athletic Association allowed them to play on the field because it was so bad. It's a shame the condition it was in.

"Now, I don't want you to think I'm throwing somebody under the bus, because I'm not. I wanted to do something about it."

Once the Cougars completed their 2017 campaign, Narron went to work with the assistance of family, parents and baseball enthusiasts within the community. He gave the infield a makeover, put in some sod and over-seeded the field during the winter.

There's still plenty of work to be done.

The backstop is nearly five decades old. A new batting cage is needed. The MLB noticed the sweat equity put in by Narron and his volunteers, and may provide some funding to continue the upgrades.

"Sometimes I've been out there with just a rake and water," Narron said. "I've enjoyed it. It's been good for my soul."