Meet The Freshman: Menelik Israel

DURHAM – As the Blue Devils prepare for the 2022 baseball season, head coach Chris Pollard and the Duke baseball program are excited to introduce the incoming freshman class.

Over the fall semester, GoDuke.com will release individual introductions of its 12-member freshman class.

Menelik Israel is the 10th member of Duke's freshman class to be introduced in the fall.

"Menelik is one of the fastest players in our program," Pollard said. "As he continues to develop offensively, he has the opportunity to be really disruptive on the bases. I have been really excited with his growth on and off the field this fall."

Israel, a native of Lake Elsinore, Calif., lettered four seasons at Norco High School under head coach Gary Parcell. He graduated hitting .358 with 15 doubles, 26 RBIs and 12 stolen bases in his career. During the shortened junior season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Israel hit .452 with four doubles and 10 RBIs.

Israel earned 2019 OIF Second Team honors as a sophomore, recording a .309 batting average with seven doubles and 12 RBIs.

As a senior, Israel surpassed high school baseball to play in the BRG Scout Ball Games, in which he batted .396 with six doubles, two triples, a home run and 12 RBIs in 24 games. He also added 10 stolen bases.

Israel was tabbed the 13th-ranked outfielder out of California. He was also a member of the Philippines roster for the World Baseball Classic qualifiers in 2020.

In addition to baseball, Israel earned numerous honors as a member of the Norco track and field program. He reached the state semifinals in the 4x400 as a freshman and holds the program record in the 100m, 200m and 400m.

Born Menelik Israel on November 21, 2001, he is the son of Mishael and Marilou Israel. He has six brothers, Mishael, Moshe Messiah, Magdiel, Michael and Micah, and one sister, Sarah.

Get to Know Menelik:
Favorite movie: Pirates of the Caribbean saga
Favorite actor/actress: Keanue Reeves/ Johnny Depp/ Chadwick Boseman/ Will Smith
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite snack: Sour Worms
Favorite athlete: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Favorite baseball player: Byron Buxton/ Mookie
Favorite baseball video game: Wii Sports baseball
Why'd you choose Duke? I chose duke because everyone there showed interest in me and my capabilities. I felt wanted and belonged. Duke also has the best of both worlds. A great baseball program and a great academic program.
What're you looking forward to most about Duke? I am looking forward to meeting new people, living the duke experience, and most excitingly, playing with my teammates on the field.
What is your biggest fear? Raccoons.
Who is your role model? Why? My parents because they are the ones responsible for the opportunities I have had throughout my life. They provided me with resources that I need to succeed in the game of baseball. They also paved the right path for me through my academics and my character. I am grateful for them.

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Meet The Freshman: Menelik Israel

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