It is always an honor to represent my country – Julian Rip
The U-23 European Baseball Championship just wrapped up in Verona, Italy, and former Spartan Julian Rip led all hitters in the tournament as he batted .600 to lead the Netherlands to the championship title. A native of Vianen, Netherlands, Rip started all five games for the Dutch at right field and in the leadoff spot.
“It is always an honor to represent my country. It brings a different atmosphere and pressure to the games because you know that the whole country is following the team,” Rip said. “Being able to represent the Netherlands is an awesome experience every time. I get goosebumps every time the national anthem plays before every game.”
