After the New England Collegiate Baseball League’s (NECBL) Laconia Muskrats completed their 2012 season, Iona outfielder Joe Torres returned to New Rochelle as a different ballplayer.

Although Torres hit .245 for the Muskrats, getting a chance to play in New England was a valuable experience, which helped him improve his all-around game.

“I got a lot of exposure playing in Laconia. The NECBL is one of the best summer ball leagues in the country. The atmosphere was great, as was the coaching staff.”

Following a season where he hit .263 with a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) leading 26 stolen base in his junior year, Torres returned to New Hampshire to play in a second season for the Muskrats.

Despite playing in the league the year before, Torres started off his second season in the NECBL in a slump. The outfielder had three hits through his first six games, which caused his batting average to sit at .158.

This start was frustrating for Torres. With a talented squad filled with players from top baseball schools like Arizona State and Vanderbilt, Torres went to work to perfect his game.

“I literally practiced and worked on my swing every single day. I never took a day off. I knew if I did not hit, I was not going to start or play so I made it my job to make sure my swing was perfect,” said Torres.

Starting with the Muskrats seventh game of the season, Torres had hits in 17 of the Muskrats next 18 games. Torres also stole 17 bases during this stretch, and the Muskrats were in playoff contention.

The hard work put in by Torres was not ignored by the coaches of the NECBL’s Eastern All Stars, who named the outfielder to the NECBL All Star Game.

In the eighth inning, Torres entered the game as a pinch hitter and singled to left field. He then went on to score what turned out to be the winning run for the Eastern All Stars, earning the outfielder the MVP for the league’s showcase game.

“It was one of the greatest baseball moments ever, and I will never forget it,” Torres said. “It was an amazing experience. Winning the MVP just added to the excitement of the day. Hearing my name gave me chills and listening to the cheers of the crowd was truly amazing.”

Although the Muskrats failed to make the playoffs, Torres completed his summer as one of the top players in the NECBL. The outfielder led the league in stolen bases (28) and walks (33), and had 51 hits to finish the season with a .315 batting average. Additionally, Torres had an on-base percentage of .453, which was the second highest total in the league.

With his time in New England now finished, Torres will look to lead the Gaels baseball team in 2014. The outfielder looks to do this by keeping his game focus through both the fall and winter.

“I need to keep the same mindset from now until the season starts. I want to help my team [Iona] to win as many games as possible next season,” said Torres.