40 Facts About Gleyber Torres

Early Life and Beginnings

Gleyber Torres's journey to MLB stardom began in Caracas, Venezuela. His early years were marked by a passion for baseball and a supportive family.

1. Birth Date and Place: Gleyber Torres was born on December 13, 1996, in Caracas, Venezuela.
2. Height and Weight: He stands at 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 205 pounds.
3. Bats and Throws: Torres bats and throws right-handed.
4. Position: He primarily plays as a second baseman but has also played shortstop.
5. Early Life: Gleyber grew up in a middle-class household in Caracas, where his parents, Eusebio Torres and Ibelise Castro, raised him.
6. Name Origin: His father, intrigued by the uniqueness of the name "Qleyber," decided to name him Gleyber.
7. Baseball Beginnings: Torres started playing baseball at the age of four, initially as a center fielder, catcher, and pitcher before transitioning to shortstop.
8. Idol: He idolized his favorite player Omar Vizquel, who inspired his passion for baseball.
9. Basketball Briefly: Torres briefly played basketball in high school but quit on his father's instructions to focus on baseball.
10. Academy Enrollment: At 14, he moved to Maracay to enroll in an academy that had contacts with MLB scouts.

Professional Career and Achievements

Gleyber's professional career took off when he signed with the Chicago Cubs and later moved to the New York Yankees, where he made a significant impact.

11. Chicago Cubs Contract: The Chicago Cubs sought him out and signed him to a contract.
12. Move to the Yankees: Following the 2018 season, Torres signed a one-year contract with the New York Yankees.
13. MLB Debut: He made his MLB debut on April 22, 2018.
14. All-Star Selections: Torres was selected as an American League All-Star in both 2018 and 2019.
15. 2018 Season Highlights: In his rookie season, he became the fourth youngest Yankee to achieve four hits and three extra-base hits in a single game since Joe DiMaggio in 1936.
16. Grand Slams: On June 19, 2019, Torres hit his first career grand slam against the Tampa Bay Rays, and on August 2, 2019, he hit his second career grand slam against the Boston Red Sox.
17. Home Run Records: By hitting his 13th home run on August 12, 2019, against the Baltimore Orioles, Torres set a record in the divisional era for most home runs by a middle infielder before turning 23.
18. All-Star Performance: In the 2019 All-Star game, Torres notched one hit in two at-bats.
19. MVP Voting: He finished 17th in MVP voting for the 2019 season, with his teammate D.J. Lemahieu finishing fourth.
20. Record-Breaking Performance: On October 13, 2019, Torres became the youngest second baseman in MLB history to record at least four RBIs in a game and the third youngest overall to achieve this feat.

Recent Seasons and Position Changes

Gleyber's career has seen some ups and downs, including position changes and adjustments to his game.

21. 2020 Season: In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Torres slashed .243/.356/.368 with three home runs and 16 RBIs in 42 games.
22. Defensive Prowess: On defense, he led all AL shortstops with nine errors in the 2020 season.
23. 2021 Season: In 2021, Torres slashed .259/.331/.366 across a total of 459 at-bats, with nine home runs and 51 RBIs.
24. Position Change: After struggling at shortstop, the Yankees moved Torres back to second base in September 2021.
25. Isiah Kiner-Falefa Trade: The Yankees acquired Isiah Kiner-Falefa to play shortstop, allowing Torres to focus on second base.
26. 2022 Season: In 2022, Torres continued to play a crucial role for the Yankees, contributing to their lineup with consistent performances.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Beyond the field, Gleyber Torres is known for his involvement in the community and his dedication to inspiring young athletes.

27. Personal Life: Torres has been open about his past, reflecting on his journey from Caracas to the Bronx in an exclusive Q&A with MLB.com.
28. Cultural Impact: As a Venezuelan player in the MLB, Torres has become a cultural icon, inspiring many young players from his homeland.
29. Community Involvement: Torres is involved in various community initiatives, including working with local youth baseball programs in Venezuela.
30. Philanthropy: He has been involved in several charitable events, including fundraising for children's hospitals and educational programs.
31. Fan Favorite: Known for his energetic and enthusiastic play, Torres has become a fan favorite among Yankees supporters.
32. Leadership Role: As one of the younger players on the team, Torres has taken on a leadership role, mentoring younger players and contributing to team morale.

Statistical Achievements and Records

Gleyber Torres has achieved numerous milestones and set records that highlight his talent and consistency on the field.

33. Batting Average: Torres has maintained a batting average above .250 in multiple seasons, including .273 in the 2023 season.
34. Home Runs: He has hit over 30 home runs in a single season twice, becoming the second Yankee to do so before turning 23.
35. RBIs: Torres has recorded multiple seasons with over 60 RBIs, showcasing his ability to drive in runs consistently.
36. Awards and Recognition: Torres has been selected as an All-Star twice, a testament to his consistent performance at the highest level.
37. MVP Voting: He has appeared in the top 20 of MVP voting multiple times, recognizing his significant contributions to the team.
38. Record-Breaking Moments: Torres became the youngest second baseman in MLB history to record at least four RBIs in a game.
39. Career Home Runs: Torres has hit over 100 home runs in his career, a significant milestone for any player, especially at his age.
40. Career RBIs: He has driven in over 300 runs, demonstrating his ability to contribute significantly to the team's offense.

Gleyber Torres: A Rising Star

Gleyber Torres's journey from Caracas to the Bronx showcases his dedication and talent. From his early days playing baseball in Venezuela to becoming a key player for the New York Yankees, Torres has proven his worth. His achievements, like being a two-time All-Star and setting home run records, highlight his impact on the field. Off the field, his involvement in community initiatives and philanthropy shows his character. Despite facing injuries, Torres's resilience and hard work keep him at the top of his game. With a promising future ahead, Torres continues to inspire fans and young players alike. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion in achieving greatness. As he builds his legacy, Gleyber Torres remains a name to watch in Major League Baseball.