In his fourth and final season with the Strawberry Crest Chargers, Damien Torres finally got a district title with his teammates. Torres, a senior, has been an important piece of the Chargers’ puzzle in 2018. In addition to playing third base and pitching, Torres has batted .328 this season with 20 hits, eight RBI, eight runs, five doubles, a triple and a home run. He will play for Florida Southwestern State College in the fall.
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This has been a great season for you guys. Did you think, at the beginning, that the Chargers would eventually be in this position?
Well, we always hope to be in a position like this at the beginning of the season. I’m just happy we’re here.
When did you all first start to think that maybe this season could be special?
At the beginning of the season we weren’t playing our best baseball, and after — I believe it was the Plant game — Saladino, we realized we could really do something special. It was such a great game we played against them. Ever since that, we kind of took off.
What worked for you all in that game?
We played more as a team, confident and weren’t making errors in the field. Unfortunately we lost, but either way it was a good game all around for both teams.
Your team chemistry is solid. What does it take to get a group of guys like this to go from being classmates to being brothers?
That all starts in August when we have workouts. That’s when we all come together as a brotherhood.
What’s been your favorite moment with the team?
So far it’s been winning districts, becoming the first team to do that.
You’ve been called on to pitch in some big moments in addition to playing third base. How do you lower your stress level and keep your head in the game under that pressure?
I’ve been keeping my anxiety down, just making sure I stay calm in those big situations so we can keep playing. You try not to think about the situation too much. That’s what I usually do. Breathe and keep calm throughout the whole game.
What are you going to major in when you get to college?
I’m going to try to major in physical therapy.
Are there any pro players you’ve tried to model your game after?
As a pitcher, I always looked up to Jose Fernandez before he passed away. His energy he brought to the field, it was great. I loved it and I always looked up to him.