A Bridgeport man who played professional baseball is teaching children the sport and giving back to the community.

Former player Manny Torres is working with children from all over southwestern Connecticut at his baseball facility in Trumbull.

Torres played at the University of Alabama, helping pitch the Crimson Tide to three College World Series. He then he signed a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Reds, but an injury ended his professional career.

After moving back to Bridgeport, coaching stints at schools led Torres to create Technique Tigers Baseball Academy and Travel Program. He says the program's staff is committed to making a difference.

"We're very passionate about teaching kids and we all love baseball," he says.

Torres says he and his staff use the game as a way to instill pride, respect and a strong work ethic in the hundreds of young athletes who participate every year.