Learning experience for two of Casa’s best

Although neither Casa player made the team, both agreed being at the trials and competing against the best of their peers was an exceptional learning experience.|

Two Casa Grande High School baseball players stepped from the small pond of Petaluma right into the ocean of national competition this summer.

Casa sophomores Spencer Torkelson and Chris Joaquim were invited to the National Team Trials for 15-year-olds held at the USA National Training complex at Cary, N.C. Only 40 players from around the country were invited to the trials, with only 20 making the U.S. team.

Although neither Casa player made the team, both agreed being at the trials and competing against the best of their peers was an exceptional learning experience.

“The competition was amazing,” said Torkelson. “Every pitcher threw in the mid to high 80s.”

A varsity starter and all-league choice as a freshman, Torkelson said the trials were an eye-opener.

“I learned a lot,” he said. “The coaches were great on fundamentals. I learned a whole new aspect of baseball I didn’t know.”

Torkelson, who started at third base and also played shortstop for Casa Grande played third base and a little left field at the camp, said he felt he held his own against the nation’s top 15-year-old pitcher.

“Once you get the timing down, it is not as hard as you think,” he said.

He noted that the experience will help him as he continues his high school career.

“I think I’ll be much better next spring,” which is saying a lot considering he hit .429 during his freshman season.

Joaquim agreed with Torkelson about the quality of the players at the trials.

“It was awesome competition, the best competition I’ve ever faced,” he said.

He said he had mixed results at the trials.

“I didn’t hit as well as I would have like, but I pitched well,” he said.

He, like Torkelson, appreciated the chance to improve his game.

“I learned a lot in one week,” he said. “I picked up a lot about playing the outfield.”

The outfield is a relatively new position for Joaquim, who was a pitcher and infielder in youth baseball and was used primarily as a designated hitter when brought up to the Casa Grande varsity late in the season.

He made an immediate impression on the Casa coaching staff, batting .450 in seven games.

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