12/30/2013-The Pecos League recently caught up with Brian Ramirez who was the Las Cruces Vaqueros leading hitter in 2010. Brian played for the Invaders in 2011 and was Pecos League Post Season MVP with several clutch home runs for the Invaders. He was the offensive leader of the first Pecos League Championship Team. Brian finished his Pecos League career in 2012 with the Invaders. He had another big year for the Invaders at the plate. In the 2013 season Brian went to Europe to play and below is his story.
What was the team that you played for and league that you played for?

I played for the Rouen Huskies in the French Elite League.

How was your experience in France? Would you encourage other Pecos League Players that age out to consider going to Europe to play?

Playing in France was an incredible experience and I was very fortunate to have an opportunity to play baseball overseas and travel in Europe. I would definitely recommend it to any player not just players who have aged out in the Pecos League. It could allow a player with no previous professional looking for a chance to play and gain experience to get a full season of pro experience overseas.

Differences between playing in France and US?

There are a few differences between baseball in the US and France. One difference is the quality of baseball being played. In France the quality is not as good as it is here but the league is still competitive and fun. Another difference is the fan base and support. Baseball is still growing in France and is not a widely known sport to most people. The teams are not as large as well. Most teams only have 15 players where in the US teams have a 25 or 30 man roster.

How were fields/and how often do you play in France?

Surprisingly the fields are decent in France. Most fields in the French League are artificial turf infields and grass outfields. As an infielder I was happy because it means no bad hops.

You seem to win championships every where you go? Why is this?

I guess I am just lucky. I have been fortunate to find myself on two winning teams over my career. My team in France was very similar to the Roswell team in 2011. We had great team chemistry and just gelled at the right time. Plus a little luck is always needed and both Roswell in 11 and Rouen last season had to win huge elimination games when needed and we did.