More Than Baseball on his Mind

Aeros catcher Wyatt Toregas spent a good portion of Monday on his cell phone calling friends and family to make sure everyone was alright after hearing about the shooting rampage that happened earlier in the day at Virgina Tech - his alma mater.

"To see the footage on TV, it really hit home,'' said Toregas, who was selected by the Indians in the 24th round of the 2004 draft out of the school. "I'm thinking, 'That's the building I used to go to math class at. That's the dorm I lived in during my freshman year.' Luckily, everyone I know who are still there were all O.K.''

The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder is as nice a guy as you'll ever meet. He's a good kid, with a mature head on his shoulders. Toregas is also a rising star in the Indians minor-league system. He's reponsible enough to know he as to be focused every game - not only for himself, but for the pitcher who depends on him every night.

Yet, there was no mistaking that the events on Monday back home shook him. Toregas was born in Fairfax, Va. He lives in Ashburn, Va. Two off seasons ago, he said he went back to live near school in Blacksburg simply because he missed the place.

Although he's three years removed from playing at Va. Tech, Toregas still has friends on campus, including players who were red shirt freshmen when he was a senior. He said his younger sister goes to school near Blacksburg, and is on campus often.

"I still have school to finish up after my baseball career is over,'' Toregas said. "I can't envision myself not being there. Blacksburg is a beautiful place, and the people there are really good people.''

Despite the tragedy, Toregas hopes we don't forget that.