Jaxson Torres (27 NY) absolutely dominant for Body Armor Titans in the chip, went the distance and picked up 7 Ks w/ only 1 H allowed. FB in mid-upper 8s w/ good drive created down slope, still has plenty of upside in frame for future #NEWS@PG_Scouting pic.twitter.com/0FeJeCqSw1
PG Mid Atlantic (NY, NJ, PA, MD,DE,DC) (@PGMidAtlantic) July 30, 2024
If you look at a pie chart of amateur baseball players, a very small sliver (2%) of that has a shot at playing at a Division-I program.
A fraction of those have a chance to play two Division-I sports. Plainedge sophomore Jaxson Torres has a shot to be one of those.
As a freshman, he was dynamite for the Red Devils – compiling a 2.26 ERA over 34 innings with 3 wins, 48 strikeouts and only 25 hits allowed. He started two playoff games and defeated perennial powerhouse, Island Trees, before losing to Wantagh and their high-octane offense.
His high school coach, Colin Fratrik, had the following to say:
“As a freshman, Jaxson was as impressive of a pitcher as I have seen. He started the season as our No. 3 in the rotation, and worked his way to opening the playoffs for us as our No. 1. He has a dominant fastball, sitting around 82-83 MPH last year, complemented with 2 very good offspeed pitches. What’s most impressive is how effortless he throws the baseball, the ball just explodes out of his hands. He does a great job controlling the run game. He is a complete pitcher who has a very high ceiling.”
He continued his excellence into the summer for the Body Armor Titans 2027 coached by Eric Weiner. He posted an unblemished record of 6-0 with a sparkling 0.43 ERA. The opposition batted .101 against him. He fired 32.1 innings, yielding just 11 hits, 15 walks while fanning 57 batters.
He will join junior Taylor Nitsch this upcoming spring to form a formidable 1-2 punch atop Plainedge’s rotation.
In the meantime, he has been leading the Plainedge football team to an 8-1 record and No. 1 seed on the gridiron. He stands 6’3 and has a real shot to be either a Division-I QB or starting pitcher. Or perhaps both.
Time will tell as he still has three full seasons of high school baseball and he’s just 15-years-old. Regardless, he will be a player to watch this season.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say:
How do you split your time between baseball and football? Does it make for some tough decisions at times?
I’ve mostly tried to make my decisions based on season. If it’s baseball season then that would take my priority and vice versa with football. However, since I have been playing football at the varsity level the past 2 years, I had to give up playing fall baseball entirely. It’s pretty much football every day from the end of August to mid November.
Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?
Brian Anderson, my dad, Bobby DeMichael, Eric Weiner, Sean Gaghan, and my mom. I have been blessed with great coaches and parents.
Who are your favorite athletes in professional sports?
Patrick Mahomes because he was both a great pitcher and quarterback in college.
What has been the most thrilling moment in your career?
When I hit a game tying home run in 12u in the bottom of the 6th with 2 outs.
Do you take private lessons with any instructors?
After football ends, in the offseason I go to Prospect Performance pitching phases 2 & 3 an during the season If I feel like I could use some extra work with pitching I will schedule a private lesson with Bobby DeMichael.
When did you experience your biggest jump in velocity?
I would say last year from age 14 to 15. At 14, my fastball was consistently in the mid 70s and at 15 it was mid to upper 80s.
What are your goals for this offseason?
Working on my pitching. I would like to get my fastball into the 90s for the upcoming season.
Do you have any pregame superstitions?
Listen to music.
What is your favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Chipotle
Favorite musical artist?
Drake
Favorite app on your phone?
Block Blast
Favorite TV Show or movie?
21 Jump Street
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
Cooperstown because we were the Champions.
Favorite vacation spot?
Jamaica
Dream Car?
Lambo Urus