NEWS

By Don Leypoldt

“Slow” is not a word associated with Laconia Muskrat OF Joe Torres.  The rising senior from Iona led the NECBL with 22 steals at the All-Star Break.

Yet when the Staten Island native entered his June 19th game at Mystic, he was saddled with a slow start.  Torres had mustered just three hits and one steal in his first six games of the summer.

But despite losing to the Schooners that day, the 5’7” Torres doubled, singled and stole a base.  He hasn’t stopped hitting or running since.

Two nights later against Plymouth, Torres had a four-hit game in a wild 11-10 Muskrat win.  Putting together hit streaks of eight and then nine games, Torres hit .368 over his next 29 games, all the while stealing like John Dillinger.

Torres, who led the MAAC in steals this spring, had only been caught stealing twice this summer; his .478 on base percentage the morning on July 27th ranked second in the NECBL by a percentage point.

And that game would prove to be special for Torres.  Playing in front of his home crowd at Robbie Mills Stadium, Torres singled and scored the winning run for the East, earning himself the Game’s MVP Award.

Muskrat fans have had ample chance to get to know Torres, who hit .245 and led the Laconia in steals last summer.  Here is your chance to get to know the All-Star MVP, who recently fielded some questions from NECBL.com 

NECBL.com: What does it mean to win the All-Star Game MVP and to do it front of your home crowd?
Joe Torres: “It meant a lot.  Playing in front of the home crowd really gave me a boost of adrenaline.  It was really exciting when I stepped on to the field.  The applause they gave me was loud and everyone was really excited.  To go out there, play my best and win the MVP award was great to give back to the town of Laconia.”

NECBL.com: This is your second go-round with Laconia.  How are you a better ballplayer than you were last year?
JT: “Nerves played a little part of it, and getting used to the competition.  This summer, I feel way more relaxed and comfortable.  I’ve already been to Laconia and I feel that’s had a lot to do with the comfort level.  That, and working hard all year.  I’ve been working hard to get back this summer, to play as well as I can and to get better at my game.  

“My strong points are my speed, hitting the ball at a low trajectory, getting on base for the team and stealing some bases.  I’ve focused on that.  I’ve hit fewer fly balls and have worked on that all year so I could come back here and help the team win.”

NECBL.com: Was it an easy decision to re-sign with the Muskrats?
JT: “I loved it out here last summer.  I had great coaches, a great team and a great host family.  When they asked me to come back at the end of last summer, I didn’t even hesitate.  I committed to come back as soon as last summer ended, and it was one of the easiest decisions I’ve made.”

NECBL.com: What has helped you hone your strike zone judgment?
JT: “I decided to move a little bit closer to home plate.  I have a smaller strike zone as it is, so if I’m able to move closer to home plate, I can take away the inside corner to most pitchers.  Most pitchers have a tough time throwing inside when you’re standing on top of the plate.  That’s what allowed me to get hit by so many pitches as well.  I’ve tried to lay off high pitches and because I stand so close, it allows me to focus on the outside corner.”

NECBL.com: You grew up in Staten Island and go to school just outside New York City.  Central New Hampshire is not Manhattan.  What are your thoughts on living in New England for two summers?
JT: “It’s definitely quiet out here.  I’m used to a lot of people running around the City, and a lot of things to do.   Here, it’s nice because you get to focus on baseball only.  One of the things that is cool out here are the Lakes.  I don’t get to experience them in New York City so being able to take the boat out with some of the team, or fishing, I get to do things that I don’t normally do in the City.  That’s been interesting and pretty cool.” 

Joe Torres Personal File
Favorite Food: Chicken Teriyaki
Favorite Movie: Bad Boys 2
Favorite Class at Iona: “It would probably have to be my Criminal Justice and Law class.  That’s where I want to focus on in my next career.”
Favorite Music Artist: Jay-Z
Favorite MLB Player: “Dustin Pedroia, even though I hate the Red Sox!  But being a little guy, he reminds me a little bit of myself.  I’m a Yankee fan.”