The Union County Freeholder Board today joined with local baseball legend Jeff Torborg, his family, municipal officials from Mountainside and Westfield, and two youth baseball teams in dedicating the Jeff Torborg Youth Baseball field at the County’s Echo Lake Park in Mountainside.
Jeff Torborg was on hand with his wife, Suzie and his sons, Dale and Greg, and extended family to celebrate the occasion.
“Suzie and I and our entire family are so very appreciative of all the efforts of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders and their staff in creating this beautiful new Jeff Torborg Youth Baseball Field, which will provide a great place for kids to play for generations to come,” said Jeff Torborg, a native of Westfield who later resided with his wife, Suzie and their sons for more than 30 years in Mountainside.
“When I first was told about this amazing tribute, I was literally speechless…this is a tremendous thrill for me and for my family. It is an honor to be recognized by my home county, which has been the site of events important to generations of my family.”
Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski who emceed the event said: “Jeff Torborg is one of the most accomplished ball players to ever come out of Union County. Jeff went on to achieve an impressive Major League baseball career, both as a player and manager, and is certainly worthy of today’s dedication.”
Freeholder Vice Chair Alexander Mirabella who introduced Torborg and presented him with a resolution honoring him with his colleagues, said: “We welcome you home today. We are pleased to name this field in your honor, and our hope is to inspire future generations of our younger county residents to follow in your path.”
The event also included tributes from Jim Iozzi, the President of the Union County Baseball Hall of Fame (whose organization previously inducted Torborg into their Hall of Fame), Jeff’s son Greg who read a letter of congratulations from Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, and appearances by former Major League Baseball players Willie Randolph (Yankees and Mets), Al Leiter (Mets and Yankees), and Mike Lowell (Marlins, Red Sox), and Jay Horowitz, long-time Mets’ public relations guru.
**IMAGES CREDIT:**Union County Freeholders