Full circle: Torkelson reunites with Little League coach in Williamsport

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson and his former Little League coach Rick Duarte sat side by side in an empty row in Volunteer Stadium. The pair took the opportunity to catch up and talk about all things baseball -- from the Little League World Series game happening in front of them to changes in the bats.

It was a full-circle moment.

“It’s just a pride that maybe I had a little bit to do with something that he’s taken from his Little League days and has carried forward into what he’s doing now,” said Duarte, who has coached Little League for over 40 years.

Williamsport is the ultimate vacation destination for Duarte. He has traveled to the Little League World Series since 1989. There have been two instances in 35 years in which he was reunited with former players. The first was Jonny Gomes, who attended a game in 2012, and the second is Torkelson, who is part of the the 2024 Little League Classic.

“It’s just amazing. To see somebody that was once one of these kids grow up to be a Major League player is just incredible,” Duarte said. “I think it’s super important for these kids to see that. These guys were their age, size and skill level at one time, and [they] had the same dream to be a Major League player. They're everyday kids that once in a while become MLB players.”

It was once a dream for Torkelson -- the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft -- to have the opportunity to experience the Little League World Series. He almost had the opportunity. When Torkelson was a Little Leaguer, his team, Petaluma Valley, beat the Petaluma National team in the first championship game. However, Petaluma Valley lost the second game, and Petaluma National traveled to Williamsport.

But Torkelson got his trip after all.

“It’s honestly a dream come true,” Torkelson said. “I always dreamt of coming here as a kid. Once my time in Little League was up, I never thought about Williamsport. [I thought,] ‘Oh, that time’s up and I will never be able to go back.’ But to come back here and check it out and see it all for myself, it’s really special.”

He may not have made it to Williamsport as a Little Leaguer, but Torkelson would go on to become a legend at Arizona State University. He was two homers shy of tying Bob Horner’s school record, became a unanimous All-American and played in the U.S. Collegiate National Team in 2018-19 before being drafted by the Tigers.

With everything he’s accomplished, Torkelson does not forget his roots and where his love for the game originated. As the 24-year-old recalled the memories from his youth, Duarte could not contain his smile. He remembers Torkelson as a talented yet humble player.

“He would always praise other younger, maybe less talented kids with, 'Hey, I heard you got a base hit the other day, congratulations,'” Duarte recalled. “And the kids would be in awe that Spencer Torkelson talked to them. [He did that] as a 12-year-old, but that’s just the type of person he was, and he never really lost that.”

Moments before, Torkelson was next to his former coach signing autographs for players on the Mexico team and fans sitting right in front of him. They also gave space to kids who wanted signatures from his teammate Javier Baéz, who was a few steps above them.

Two innings into Mexico’s 8-0 win against Canada, Torkelson parted ways with his coach to get the complete Little League experience and go down the infamous hill slide before heading to Bowman Field to prepare for the game.

Duarte stayed behind to watch the rest of the game and continue enjoying his vacation.

“I just love it. I watch games, trade pins, and hang out with people that I know from other parts of the country,” Duarte said. “It’s just lots of fun.”