Ami Baran serves as President of the Israel Athletics Association, CEO of the Israel Softball Association, and Secretary General of World Baseball Softball Confederation Europe (WBSC Europe). Born in Chicago in 1960, Ami Baran moved to Israel on his own at just 13, turning a bold move into a lifelong mission rooted in Israel.
A gifted athlete, Ami quickly rose to prominence in Israeli sports, becoming the national junior champion in the javelin throw at 16 and holding national titles for over a decade, and participated numerous times in the Israeli national javelin championships. He also competed in the Maccabiah Games in both javelin and softball, earning two gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal.
After completing his IDF service, Ami earned his credentials at the Wingate Institute and went on to serve as Head Throws Coach for Israel’s national track and field team. Expanding his professional journey, he obtained a Law degree (LLB) from Sheffield Hallam University and spent over 16 years in law enforcement, specializing in investigations, intelligence, and prosecution.
Ami went on to become the greatest pitcher in the history of Israeli softball. He won multiple Israeli championships and pitched for the Israeli national team, cementing his legacy in the sport. In 2002, he joined the board of the Israel Softball Association and later founded Israel’s first women’s national softball team.
His enduring passion lies in empowering athletes, strengthening Jewish unity through sport, and helping Jewish athletes worldwide connect to Israel and proudly represent the nation on the global stage.
Ami lives in Moshav Maor and is married to Dalit. They have four children.
Ami Baran made Aliyah from Chicago, Illinois in 1974.