He started playing baseball as a child when he arrived late to a soccer practice one day. He noticed some children playing baseball in the next field, and went to join them; he enjoyed the game and has been interested in the sport ever since then. As a member of the
French national baseball team, he was selected to play in the Beijing tournament from 15 to 24 August 2007; he also played in the European Championship from 5 to 16 September 2007. He was recruited with a starting bonus of 25,000 euros, and now makes a monthly salary of 800 euros. Joris had visa problems upon arrival in the US, but was able to play in the Gulf Coast League. He quickly adapted to the new culture; he speaks fluent Spanish, and integrated well with his international teammates. A 2008
New York Times article said that the Dodgers expect action from him, and that he was rapidly learning the finer points of hitting, though his parents had not come to see him play in the US; "They don't understand," he said. ==Sources==