The IBL had 120 players from nine countries in 2007: the United States (77 from 19 states), the
Dominican Republic (16), Israel (15), Canada (9), Australia (7),
Colombia, Japan, New Zealand, and
Ukraine. The league had hoped to be made up of at least 25% Israelis by its fifth year. About 40% of the league was Jewish. The league held tryouts in 2007 in Los Angeles,
Massachusetts,
Miami, Israel, and
The Dominican Republic. Those selected were current and former U.S.
minor leaguers,
professional baseball players from other countries, and starting
college players. The first pick in the draft was
infielder Aaron Levin, 21, who played for
Cuesta College and was selected by Modi'in. The first players signed were outfielder Dan Rootenberg and pitcher
Adam Crabb. former pitcher
Sandy Koufax, then 71 years old, was the last player chosen in the draft, by the Modi'in Miracle. "His selection is a tribute to the esteem with which he is held by everyone associated with this league," said team manager
Art Shamsky. •
Eladio Rodriguez, who was signed by the
New York Yankees, and in 2008 played for their A+, AA, and AAA teams • Jason Rees, who also was signed by the
New York Yankees •
Maximo Nelson, who signed with the Japanese champion
Chunichi Dragons •
Juan Feliciano, who turned down Triple-A offers from the
Washington Nationals,
Houston Astros, and
Pittsburgh Pirates to sign with the
Sultanes de Monterrey of the
Mexican League •
Adam Crabb, who signed and played with the
Adelaide Giants of the
Australian Baseball League • Rafael Bergstrom, who signed and played with the
Bridgeport Bluefish of the
Atlantic League • Jason Benson, who signed and played with the
Newark Bears of the Atlantic League • Josh Doane, who was invited to spring training to try out for the
Boston Red Sox, and in 2008 hit .278 for Texas of the
Continental League • Michael Olson, who signed with Red Sox but retired due to shoulder injury == 2007 season ==