Long Beach Armada Signs Former Heir Apparent To Barry Bonds

Published on February 19, 2008 under Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Long Beach Armada News Release


(Long Beach, CA. February 19, 2008) The Long Beach Armada of the Golden Baseball League (GBL) announced today that they have agreed to terms with former first round draft choice Tony Torcato for the upcoming 2008 season. A California native and resident, Torcato has four years experience in the major leagues with the San Francisco Giants and has been one of the most consistent minor league hitters over the past decade.

"This is a tremendous signing for the Armada," said Long Beach Armada President Steven Bash. "Tony joins a string of other ex-major leaguers that have played for the ball club and we are looking forward to having him with us for 2008 -- although it may not be long before a big league organization comes calling again."

Torcato, 28, was a first round pick and the 19th overall by the San Francisco Giants in the 1998 amateur draft out of Woodland High School in California where he was a second-team High School All-American. He quickly rose through the Giants farm system and spent parts of 2002 through 2005 in the major leagues. In 2006 he played in AAA with the Chicago White Sox and in 2007 he was in the Seattle Mariners system, including major league spring training. A prolific hitter with good power, the 6-1 200 lb. left-handed hitter has played 3B, 1B, OF, and DH in his nine professional seasons. Producing three minor league seasons of batting averages over .320, Torcato is a lifetime .296 hitter in the minors, and a lifetime .298 hitter in the major leagues.

""It's great to have Tony onboard the Armada," said Long Beach Armada Manager Steve Yeager. "He's going to make the games even more exciting for the fans and I'm looking forward to his veteran leadership and high level of play."

Torcato, the one time heir apparent to Barry Bonds in San Francisco, is known for his toughness as well. He was an amateur boxer, winning the 1994 California Golden Gloves tournament in San Francisco at 147 pounds.

''I am excited about playing baseball in Long Beach," said Torcato from his home in Salem, Oregon. "The field is nice, always great weather, and a great location...you can't beat it. I played at Blair Field in the Area Code games and loved it. I'm glad I have the opportunity to come back here, especially to play for a great team, a great league, and a great manager."

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