For three-time USA Baseball alumnus Michael Torres the National Training Complex, located in Cary, N.C., is a “second home.”

Torres first traveled to the National Training Complex in 2018 as a member of the 12U National Team which won gold at the 2018 COPABE U-12 Pan-American Championships. The Miami, Florida, native returned to the complex in 2019 for the 14U Athlete Development Program before earning a spot on the 15U National Team in 2021.

Torres was invited back to Cary for the 16U/17U National Training Development Program and 18U National Team Training Camp where he was selected to represent the United States at the 2022 WBSC U-18 World Cup Americas Qualifier as a member of the 18U National Team last November.

In the qualifier, hosted by Mexico in the cities of Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, Torres appeared in all eight games, including two on the mound, and batted .308 with a 4.20 ERA. He had four hits and six runs on the week with a .571 on-base percentage.

Most recently, Torres competed in Cary at the 2023 National High School Invitational with Doral Academy. The Firebirds finished the tournament with a 2-2 record.

The two-time gold medalist once again returned to the complex on Tuesday donning a different jersey, his travel team Elite Squad, to compete in the 2023 National Team Championships in North Carolina.

Although Elite Squad began the tournament with a loss and tie in two close games, Torres was able to make big plays when it counted, barreling one to right field for a double in the final inning of Elite Squad’s second game of the day against Texas Twelve before holding Texas Twelve on the mound.

Following the second game, Torres spoke to USA Baseball about his experience as a National Team member and his first day at the 2023 National Team Championships:

Q: What do you think the team did well and what areas do you think have room for improvement?

A: “The pitching was outstanding. Hitting, we needed a lot more. We’re letting balls get through and we need to catch barrels. We’re missing a lot.”

Q: How are you able to continue to perform in high pressure situations?

A: “I work on my breathing a lot; I focus on the next pitch. If I get a strike I don’t like or anything negative, I turn it into a positive. I think about the next pitch. I think about winning the game, bringing in our team. Winning is the focus for this tournament and for bragging rights.”

Q: What has it been like playing for Team USA and how has your relationship with USA Baseball evolved over the years?

A: “It’s an honor every time they call my name to tell me that I made the team, to play for Team USA. To wear those three letters across my chest, it’s a big honor. I’m super proud of making it and I’m super proud of representing my country and, of course, winning gold medals.”

Q: What was your experience at the WBSC U-18 World Cup Americas Qualifier this past November?

A: “It was fun. It was really unexpected. I was actually at school when they called me to tell me I made the team. It was a really outstanding moment and the fact that we won it was incredible. I’m so glad I helped the team out a little, pitching and hitting.”

Q: How does it feel to be back playing at the National Training Complex in terms of comfortability?

A: “This is like my second home. I always love coming here. I miss it all the time. It’s an outstanding complex and the fact that they’re building a huge facility is amazing. I just love it here.”

Q: What will you be doing differently heading into tomorrow’s games to change the outcome and make it into bracket play?

A: “Definitely hit more. Get more guys on base. Look for the next pitch and just be positive. We looked a little down today so definitely be more positive, get barrels, and win the game.”