Hipps brings up decade with Rangers return

BASEBALL: This month marks 10 years since Brian Hipps first stepped foot in Toowoomba.

Now the American is getting ready to make a comeback for his beloved Rangers ahead of the start of the GBL season.

A return to the mound wasn’t always in his sights however, before a chance encounter with a former teammate convinced him to come back.

“It was a bit of a spur of the moment decision,” Hipps said.

“I ran into Phil (Vandernuet) on the Sunshine Coast. We had a bit of a chat and a few drinks and decided to play again this year.

“It’s been something that I’ve been thinking about. I had a back operation about three years ago and haven’t played a great deal since then.

“I just turned 40, so I wanted to get out, give it another shot and make a run for another title.

“It was 10 years ago this month. I remember landing, and Mick Locke and his family picked me up from the airport and took me to Toowoomba.

“I stayed with the Luchterhand family, and everyone helped me out. They helped me out and are the reason why I’m here 10 years later.”

As well as undoubted onfield talent, Hipps is hoping to bring further intangibles to the group in order to help set up the next generation.

“One of the great things about the Rangers is the camaraderie,” he said.

“I’m happy to lend any knowledge I have. I’ve played the game my whole life, and the Rangers are the ones that brought me out here, so to me they’re like family.

“If there’s going to be a team I play for, it’s the Rangers. I want to help the new guys and be there as a good foundation that anybody can lean on.”

Hipps isn’t hiding the fact Rangers are hunting titles.

“For me personally, that mindset is always embedded going into any season,” he said.

“I’ve got a pretty good history of being on championship teams, and I hope to bring that experience.

“We have to expect to win the season, not be afraid to fail, and have some fun.

“There’s a good group here, and there’s no doubt we should be able to take home the whole thing.”

The Rangers 2020/21 campaign gets underway with a double header at Commonwealth Oval tomorrow, with Bgrade at 9.30am and A-grade taking on Pine Hills at midday.