A minor-league baseball player born in The Bronx struck out when he was cut from a Cleveland Indians farm team — but hit a home run when he won a $1 million jackpot in a scratch-off lottery game.
Outfielder Joel Torres, 21, said that when he realized he had hit the big leagues playing the “Sweet Millions” game, he jumped like he was going for a deep fly.
Torres yesterday collected his $660,300 lump sum payment at the Garden City, LI, State Lottery office. He bought the ticket while staying at his mom’s house in Queens.
Torres bought the ticket at a food store on Linden Boulevard in Elmont, LI, on Feb. 24.
“The first thing I plan to do with the money is buy my mom a new house,” said Torres. He said the money will allow him to pursue his hopes of playing ball in the major leagues.
“My dream, since I was a kid, is baseball. That’s what I’m going to continue doing. I’m going to keep swinging, swinging for the fences,” Torres said.
Five other $1 million winners received their jackpot winnings along with Torres.