Those familiar chants of "Yooooouuk" might be going international now that Chicago White Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis has said he will play for Team Israel in 2013 World Baseball Classic qualifying next month.
If healthy, Youkilis told Israel Sports Radio Wednesday, he would play. The health question is a big one -- Youkilis has dealt with injuries for the past few seasons.
Israel is among the 16 countries invited to qualifying, with the top four teams advancing to the final round that will be played in March of next year.
Israel is in a four-team pool with Spain, France and South Africa and will play games in Jupiter, Fla. Sept. 19-23. The winner of that group, Pool A, advances to games in March.
Canada, Panama, Colombia and Nicaragua are also in the qualifying stage.
The Israel team allows Jews from other parts of the world to play on its team. Youkilis, 33, has been in the majors since 2004 and was a cult hero and three-time All-Star with the Boston Red Sox.
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