Team Israel is heading to the A Pool of the European Championships in Bonn, Germany in early September, on the road to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Finishing in the top 5 in the tournament will take Team Israel straight through to the Olympics qualifiers in Italy.

Let's hear from team member Nick Rickles, who played for Team Israel in the 2012 WBC qualifiers and the 2017 WBC tournament.

Bio
Age: 29
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 225lb
Position: C
Throws/bats: R/R
Current Team: Milwaukee Brewers Organization (player/coach)

A brief history
I was drafted in 2011 out of Stetson University where I was a two-time All-American. Played in three minor league organizations: Oakland Athletics, Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies. I’m currently a player/coach in the Milwaukee Brewers Organization.

Your standout moment as a player for Team Israel
Running out of the dugout with the team in Brooklyn, when we clinched a spot in the upcoming World Baseball Classic!

Your baseball mantra
Don’t worry about the things you can’t control.

What you are most looking forward to in Germany
Getting back on the baseball field and competing with my guys! We haven’t seen each other in two years, and now to be side by side, between the white lines, competing for something bigger than ourselves again, is going to be amazing !

You’re a fan of…
My wife (Cass) and daughter (Riley). Without their love and support I’d never be able to do the things I’ve been able to do, in baseball and life.

Superstitions
When I’m playing, I have to be chewing 2 pieces of gum through the game!