#295) MIKE TORREZ

Mike Torrez was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the New York Mets for Mike Davis on January 13, 1983. The veteran said in a later interview, "I had liked New York (with the Yankees) so I didn't mind coming back." It was a young team and not nearly as successful as the clubs he had recently pitched for. So it is impressive that the 39 year old starter could register 10 wins in 1983. The next season Torrez would only appear in nine games. Mets manager, Davey Johnson had approached Mike about a move out of the starting rotation to clear a spot for Tim Leary. He explained, "Davey, I am not going to the bullpen." The Mets released Torrez on June 22, 1984.

After retirement from his active baseball career Mike has successfully formed his own company, MAT Premiums International. It specializes in promotional items that feature company logos.

Mike Torrez signed his card in the set for my friend Stan when the Newark Bears played the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on May 9, 2009. Mike was the pitching coach for the Bears this season.