Newark Slugger Heads to Prestigious National Tournament

A Newark baseball player has been chosen from among 200,000 athletes across the country to participate in a national tournament later this month.

James Torres, 17, is one of 144 players in the 16-18-year-old category selected for the Tournament of Stars, which will be held June 19-23 in Cary, NC. Sponsored by Major League Baseball, the tournament serves as a tryout for the US team in the IBAF World Series being held this year in Taiwan.  

Several players who went on to join the Major Leagues have taken part in the tournament, including Bryce Harper, Mike Mussina, John Smoltz and Paul Konerko.

Torres has played for the North Newark Baseball League/Newark RBI since he was nine and now helps coach younger players.  League organizers praise his work ethic and drive.   

“I am very excited to participate in this tournament and to represent Newark and the NNBL” said Torres. “It means a lot to me to have been the first player selected from the NNBL, I hope this will open the doors for other players.”

The league’s president, Dr. Vincent DeVincentis was elated to learn about this selection. Dr. DeVincentis agrees with Torres in this selection being one of high prestige and great significance for a player from Newark. Dr. DeVincentis and his brother have been involved with the league since the late 1970’s when they initially joined as players.

“For us this program is about bringing the young people in our community together in a positive and supportive environment” said Dr. Vincent DeVincentis, the president of the league. “Our hope is to offer these young people an alternative to the streets while also infusing mentoring and other support systems.”

The North Newark Baseball League, which began its association with the MLB RBI program in 2009, was started in 1955 and offers youth ages 4-18 individualized training in baseball at low-fees and also offers limited hardship scholarships. In addition to offering youth an athletic outlet and the option to play on a team, the league offers family assistance, which is centered on supporting families by offering community-based referrals and support with college and FAFSA applications.