The success story of Thomas van Bergen van der Grijp

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Thomas van Bergen van der Grijp

Baseball

Thomas van Bergen van der Grijp

Name: Thomas van Bergen van der Grijp

Born: 3 May. 2006
Sports: Baseball
School: Bunker Hill Community College

Placed: Fall 2024

Meet Thomas van Bergen van der Grijp, a motivated pitcher from the Netherlands who began his adventure at Bunker Hill Community College in Boston in the fall of 2024. What started at the age of 12 at Twins Oosterhout, grew into a serious dream: combining baseball with studying in the United States.

A social team player with a clear goal

Thomas is known as a coachable player with a strong team spirit. He is sociable, helpful and always a positive presence in the dugout. His specialty is at the position of pitcher, where he currently achieves a speed of about 70 mph. Together with his best friend, he has been working hard over the past few years to get better, with the ultimate goal of playing at a high level in America – and eventually maybe even making it to the big leagues.

The search for the right match

Although Thomas did not play at the highest level in the Netherlands, he did not let that stop him. Together with Slamstox, he looked for a college where he could further develop both athletically and academically. That proved to be no easy task: the entry level in America is high, and financial feasibility also played a role. In the end, the choice fell on Bunker Hill Community College, a school with a fine coach and a great location in the athletic heart of Boston.

The right mix of sport and study

In the spring of 2024, Thomas completed his high school, then packed his bags for the crossing to the US. At Bunker Hill, he is studying in Business, where he is a member of the varsity baseball team. The transition to the American system went smoothly. “Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I’m having an awesome time and it’s all going well. I want to thank you all again for this opportunity,” he let us know after arriving.

Slamstox as a guide along the way

For Thomas, Slamstox’s guidance was invaluable. We supported him in finding the right school and coach, gave advice on scholarships and universities, and provided a personalized approach that suited his unique situation. His perseverance and clear goals made it a pleasure to work with him.

Are you interested in college baseball in the U.S.? Schedule a free introduction!