TORRINGTON, Conn. — When Torrington P38s took the field against Milford last Saturday, many players were drained from the previous day’s high school graduation festivities. But Justin Dattel stepped up—literally—blasting back-to-back three-run home runs to spark the team.
It’s the kind of leadership Torrington has come to expect from the recent high school grad.
A Leader from Day One
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Dattel, a senior captain for Torrington High School’s 13–7 baseball team, has always done whatever the team needs. After years as the Raiders’ starting catcher, Coach Pat Richardson asked him to take over third base—an unfamiliar position but a crucial one for the team.
“I loved every minute of it,” Dattel said, embracing the challenge. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed—he earned Second-Team All-NVL honors at third base, showcasing his versatility and commitment.
From 250 to 190: The Work Behind the Game
At 5’10”, Dattel admits he’s “always been one of the biggest kids” in class. In high school, he weighed 250 pounds but made a decision: “I can’t be like this.” With gym memberships supported by his 20-hour-a-week grocery bagging job at Market 32, Dattel built a five-day training routine that brought him down to a lean, strong 190 pounds.
“The gym is where I go to let everything out,” he said.
Behind the Plate and Beyond
Baseball is more than a sport for Dattel—it’s been a lifelong journey with childhood friends. Even a brief stint playing linebacker in football couldn’t pull him away.
As a catcher, Dattel takes pride in his role as a strategist and leader. He studies hitters, manages pitchers, and adjusts outfield positions in real-time.
“Being a catcher gives me the real leadership,” he said. “I have to think, see the whole field, and call the game.”
With pitchers like Will Parkhouse and Logan Tucciarone, Dattel thrives in his role. He starts at-bats with each pitcher’s best pitch—not just to get strikes, but to keep hitters guessing.
A Thinker On and Off the Field
Dattel’s approach to life mirrors his mindset in baseball: strategic, disciplined, and goal-driven. He plans to attend Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) to boost his academics and athletic skills. He connected with Coach Joe Hopkins, who laid out a path to Division II or I baseball and reassured Dattel he’d retain four years of eligibility under new rules.
While he enjoys English, history, and Spanish, his real passion is law enforcement. He’s already toured the Police Academy and envisions becoming a detective or State Police officer—but with a human-centered approach.
“A lot of people just want to be heard,” he said. “The job is making sure they’re okay and the situation doesn’t escalate.”
The Takeaway
Whether it’s reshaping his body, mastering a new position, or supporting teammates on and off the field, Justin Dattel leads by example. He’s not just preparing for a future in law enforcement—he’s already living out what it means to protect, support, and serve his community.
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