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Dale Torborg
Dale Torborg
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Dale Christian Torborg (born October 24, 1971) is an American baseball trainer and professional wrestler. In wrestling, he is best known for portraying the Kiss themed character, The Demon.[1] He is the son of Major League Baseball manager Jeff Torborg. He was the strength and conditioning coordinator for the Chicago White Sox from 2003 until 2022.

Key Information

Baseball career

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Torborg attended Northwestern University, and played college baseball for the Northwestern Wildcats. He played professional baseball after graduating from college. His career began in 1994 with the Kingsport Mets of the Appalachian League. According to Torborg, he suffered two injuries that led to the end of his baseball career. The first occurred when he attempted to pickoff a runner while playing first base. Torborg broke his humerus bone when his arm was tangled with the base runner's arm. Torborg's final injury, which proved to be career ending, occurred when took a fastball to the face which broke his zygomatic bone and caused a change in his depth perception.[2][3]

Professional wrestling

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World Championship Wrestling (1998–2001)

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In 1995, Torborg worked for the American Wrestling Federation as The MVP, a baseball player character.[citation needed] After the AWF dissolved he was hired by World Championship Wrestling and sent to the WCW Power Plant to train alongside Bill Goldberg, Lodi, Chuck Palumbo, Mark Jindrak, Jimmy Yang, Evan Karagias, Shane Helms, Allan Funk, Christie Wolf, and Ron Reis. He and Chad Fortune were briefly a tag team known as "The Pit Crew". In 1998, after two matches as The MVP, he was asked to portray a character named The Demon, a gimmick modeled on the stage persona of Kiss bassist Gene Simmons. The gimmick was initially assigned to Brian Adams who never wrestled as the character, after which it was given to Torborg. He was managed by Asya (Christi Wolf).

The "Demon" character was originally supposed to be the beginning of a stable called The Warriors of Kiss, in which the other original members of the band would have a wrestler representing their look and gimmick.[4] Kiss was guaranteed their "Demon" themed wrestler would wrestle a Main Event match with the contract they made with WCW. This was supposed to happen at a special 1999 New Year's Eve PPV against Vampiro. The PPV and the match were taken off the table, however, after Eric Bischoff lost his position in September 1999. In order to fulfill the contractual obligation, he was booked in a "Special Main Event" match at Superbrawl in early 2000. Uncharacteristic to "Main Event" matches, it was the fourth match on the card and saw Torborg face The Wall which saw The Wall win with a chokeslam. Because Bischoff lost his position before the character's wrestling debut, The Demon character got off to a rocky start, losing to Terry Funk in its debut. Bookers at the time wanted to make Eric Bischoff look bad. Torborg contends that the character was hurt because the Kiss concert to debut The Demon was one of the lowest rated segments in the history of WCW Nitro up to that point and even though Bischoff believed in the character, others believed it was dead on arrival.[5]

Afterwards, he was known simply as "The Demon" and placed in a stable with Vampiro and the Insane Clown Posse called The Dark Carnival. He later turned against the group and feuded with Vampiro.

When WCW was bought out by the then-World Wrestling Federation in 2001, Torborg opted to go back to baseball as a strength coach and not do his scheduled tryout for the WWF. In November 2001, Torborg worked for Xcitement Wrestling Federation only wrestling two matches before he retired from the sport.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling (2005–2007, 2021, 2023)

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Torborg appeared with White Sox catcher A. J. Pierzynski on an episode of TNA Impact! on December 8, 2005, along with veteran wrestling manager and color commentator Bobby Heenan. Torborg and Pierzynski presented A.J. Styles, Chris Sabin and Sonjay Dutt with memorabilia from the 2005 World Series until they were interrupted by The Diamonds in the Rough. Simon Diamond, the leader of the Diamonds and himself a former baseball player, mocked Pierzynski's .256 batting average, telling him that he needed a designated hitter. Diamond then slapped Torborg, leading to a brawl. As a result, Torborg, Sabin and Dutt, with Pierzynski in their corner, faced the Diamonds at Turning Point 2005 on December 11. At Turning Point, Dutt pinned Diamond following interference from then-Boston Red Sox outfielder Johnny Damon.

On the January 18, 2007 edition of iMPACT!, Pierzynski and Torborg attacked Lance Hoyt, helping James Storm win, who was also aided by Miss Tennessee.[6] At Against All Odds 2007 Torborg, with Pierzynski in his corner, was defeated by Hoyt, who had David Eckstein in his corner.[1] Torborg and Pierzynski's appearance were some of the highest-rated episodes for TNA.[7]

On October 23, 2021 Torborg made a brief return to wrestling at Bound For Glory Pay-Per-View where he appeared as The Demon in a Gauntlet For The Gold match, where he was eliminated by Ace Austin.[8] He went on to appear on the November 18, 2021 edition of Impact Wrestling, teaming with Decay to defeat Johnny Swinger, Fallah Bahh, and Hernandez. He appeared again on November 25, 2021 edition as part of the Wrestle House 2 special, where he again interacted with Swinger.[9]

He returned again on the February 16, 2023 edition of Impact during Swinger’s match against Barry Horowitz, causing Swinger to lose.

Baseball coaching

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When WCW was purchased by the World Wrestling Federation in March 2001, Torborg left wrestling and joined the Montreal Expos as a coach. His duties with the Expos included strength and conditioning coaching, assisting with infield drills and batting practice pitcher. At the time his father, Jeff Torborg, was the manager of the Expos.[10][11]

Torborg later served as the strength and conditioning coach for the Florida Marlins during his father's tenure as manager from 2002 to 2003. He made news when he scared Marlins pitcher Antonio Alfonseca into hiding in a trainer's room after Alfonseca swore at him in Spanish while refusing Torborg's request for a weigh-in.[citation needed]

In January 2004, Dale was hired by the Chicago White Sox baseball team as a roving strength trainer. Torborg has been a part of two World Champion baseball teams: 2003 Marlins and 2005 White Sox.

Torborg had a small role in the film Transporter 2, as well as numerous commercials over his acting career. He also worked with Tom Selleck for the movie Mr. Baseball, as well as with Madonna and Geena Davis for the movie A League of Their Own.

Personal life

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Torborg married Christie Wolf on October 5, 2000.[12] The couple had their first child, a daughter named Sierra Raye on August 18, 2005.[13]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Dale Christian Torborg (born October 24, 1971) is an American former player, professional wrestler, and longtime in (MLB). The youngest son of former MLB and manager —who caught in 1965 and Nolan Ryan's first no-hitter in 1973 and died in 2025 after battling —Torborg briefly pursued a playing career after starring at , where he batted .321 with five home runs and 43 RBIs in his senior year of 1993. Signed as an undrafted by the in 1994, he appeared in 19 games for their Rookie-level affiliate in Kingsport, batting .289 with a .719 , before an orbital bone injury from a pitch ended his playing days after just one more season in 1995 across three teams, where he hit .187 overall. Transitioning to professional wrestling in 1995 after training under and and meeting , Torborg debuted in (WCW) as "MVP" before adopting the persona of "The Demon"—a KISS-inspired character with black-and-white face paint, standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 275 pounds—who entered arenas to the band's song "God of Thunder." He wrestled in WCW until retiring full-time in 2001 following the promotion's sale to the World Wrestling Federation (now ), later making sporadic appearances in /Impact Wrestling from 2005–2007, 2021, and 2023, including a 2005 stint managed by White Sox catcher . Returning to baseball, Torborg served as a coach for the in 2001 and the Florida Marlins from 2002 to 2003 before joining the organization in 2004 as their strength and conditioning coordinator—a role he held until 2022, contributing to the team's championship. In this capacity, he implemented innovative motivational tools like replica title belts for players to earn in the weight room, fostering a competitive environment. Torborg, who is married to his former wrestling valet Christie and has a daughter, has also advocated for awareness, inspired by his father's 1998 diagnosis.

Early life

Family background

Dale Torborg was born on October 24, 1971, in Mountainside, New Jersey. He is the son of Jeff Torborg, a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and California Angels from 1965 to 1973, and Suzie Torborg (née Barber), a former Miss New Jersey 1960. Jeff and Suzie married on June 6, 1963, and raised their three sons, including Dale, in a family home in Mountainside, New Jersey, where they resided for more than 25 years. Jeff Torborg's baseball career profoundly influenced the family environment, as he caught three no-hitters during his playing days: in 1965, Bill Singer's no-hitter in 1970, and Nolan Ryan's first career no-hitter in 1973. Later, Jeff transitioned to coaching and managing, including stints with the Cleveland Indians (1977–1979) and (1989–1991), which kept the family immersed in during Dale's childhood. The Torborgs lived in during Jeff's tenure as a coach with the New York Yankees from 1979 to 1988, providing a stable backdrop for Dale's early years from ages 7 to 17. Growing up in this athletic household, Dale gained early exposure to through his father's career, frequently attending games at and Municipal Stadium in . discussions centered on strategies and player performances, while Dale often played catch with professionals, including future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., and idolized stars like . This environment fostered his initial passion for the game before he pursued higher education at .

Education and amateur career

Torborg attended in , from 1991 to 1994, where he earned a degree in radio/television/film. As the son of former player and manager , he pursued a similar path in athletics while balancing his academic studies. At Northwestern, Torborg played as a for the , standing at 6 feet 6 inches and batting right-handed. In his senior season of 1994, he posted a .321 with five home runs and 43 RBIs, helping to cap his amateur career on a strong note.

Baseball playing career

Minor league tenure

Following his collegiate career at Northwestern University, where he hit .321 in his senior year, Dale Torborg signed with the New York Mets as an undrafted in 1994. Torborg made his professional debut that season with the Kingsport Mets of the Rookie-level , appearing in 19 games primarily as a . In 45 at-bats, he posted a .289 with one and six RBI, showing early promise as a power-hitting corner at 6-foot-5. His performance included a .400 and .719 , highlighting his potential for extra-base production despite the limited sample size. In 1995, Torborg appeared in full-season affiliates across three teams. He played five games for the St. Lucie Mets of the ( affiliate), batting .111 in nine at-bats. He then joined the Single-A Greensboro Bats of the , a New York Yankees affiliate, where he played 33 games and batted .198 with one home run and 11 RBI in 81 at-bats, before briefly appearing in two games for the Tampa Yankees, also in the . These stints reflected organizational movement, though his overall output that year was .187 across 40 games. Over his two-year minor league career, Torborg appeared in 59 games, compiling a .221 with two home runs and 18 RBI in 136 at-bats, primarily at first base. As a towering right-handed hitter, he entered with expectations of developing into a power bat, but his brief tenure ended without further advancement.

Injuries and retirement

In 1994, while playing in the , Torborg took a to the face, fracturing his left orbital bone and resulting in permanent issues that affected his vision. These injuries significantly impaired his ability to track pitches effectively, contributing to diminished performance in 1995. Torborg's minor league career ended after the 1995 season, at the age of 24, marking the end of his playing days and a pivot away from the sport.

Professional wrestling career

World Championship Wrestling (1998–2001)

After retiring from professional baseball due to injuries, Dale Torborg transitioned to wrestling through a chance encounter with a wrestler in 1995. He began training at the in 1998 under mentors including The Warlord and in , where the regimen was described as particularly grueling. Torborg debuted in (WCW) in 1998 as "The MVP" (Most Violent Player), a baseball-themed character, appearing on in enhancement matches, though WCW announcers often used his real name, sometimes misspelled. After limited appearances in this role, including bouts with Chad Fortune as part of The Pit Crew, Torborg was selected to portray The Demon, a KISS-inspired modeled after bassist ' stage persona, complete with demonic makeup, costume, and entrance to the band's song "God of Thunder." The character debuted on on August 23, 1999, in , initially embodied by Brian Adams before Torborg assumed the role full-time in February 2000 following Adams' departure; KISS performed live (lip-synced) at the event as part of a promotional deal with WCW executive . As The Demon, Torborg competed in mid-card matches on and Thunder from 2000 to 2001, often in squash bouts or as enhancement talent, though he gradually built fan support despite creative decisions that positioned him as frequent jobber to undermine Bischoff's influence. He joined the Dark Carnival stable, aligned with and elements tied to the , leading to key angles including a high-profile feud with ; this culminated in a Graveyard Match at on July 9, 2000, where The Demon and battled in a surreal, horror-themed encounter involving a pond and elements. Additional storylines featured appearances and occasional singles matches against opponents like The Maestro and , emphasizing The Demon's persona without pursuing championships. Torborg's WCW tenure ended in March 2001 when the promotion was purchased by the World Wrestling Federation (now ), resulting in the roster's disbandment and his contract not being retained, effectively retiring him from full-time wrestling at that point.

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling/Impact Wrestling (2005–2007, 2021, 2023)

Torborg debuted in (TNA) on the December 8, 2005, episode of Impact!, appearing alongside teammate and wrestling personality to present White Sox memorabilia to X Division wrestlers A.J. Styles, , and . The segment turned chaotic when The Diamonds in the Rough (Simon Diamond and ) interrupted, leading to a brawl after Diamond slapped Torborg. Three days later, at TNA's pay-per-view on December 11, Torborg teamed with Sabin and Dutt—with Pierzynski in their corner—to defeat The Diamonds in the Rough; Dutt pinned Diamond following interference from Boston Red Sox outfielder , drawing mainstream media coverage from outlets including and . On the March 11, 2006, episode of Impact!, Torborg and Pierzynski were presented with replica belts by announcer and wrestler as a gesture of appreciation for their involvement. Later that year, at Turning Point on December 10, Torborg returned to rip up a copy of baseball player David Eckstein's book during a segment, igniting a confrontation with Lance Hoyt. Torborg's 2007 appearances continued the baseball-themed feud with Hoyt. At Final Resolution on January 14, following a match, Torborg and Pierzynski confronted Hoyt in the crowd, with Torborg shoving him and Pierzynski striking him with a steel chair. On the January 18 episode of Impact!, they attacked Hoyt again, with Pierzynski autographing his forehead using a marker. The storyline escalated on the February 1 Impact! when Hoyt challenged Torborg and Pierzynski to a "Basebrawl" match. This culminated at Against All Odds on February 11, where Torborg—managed by Pierzynski—lost to Hoyt, who had Eckstein in his corner. These segments highlighted Torborg's crossover appeal from baseball, positioning him as a part-time performer in low-card, celebrity-driven angles. After a 14-year absence, Torborg returned to Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA) on October 23, 2021, reprising his WCW "The Demon" persona—characterized by KISS-inspired makeup and attire—during the Bound for Glory . He entered the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match as the 25th participant but was quickly eliminated by via pinfall. The appearance was promoted as Torborg's match, marking the end of his in-ring career. Torborg then wrestled in a six-man match on the November 18, 2021, episode of Impact!, teaming with Decay (Black Taurus and ) to defeat , Hernandez, and . Torborg made a surprise return as The Demon on the February 16, 2023, episode of Impact!, interrupting a involving the Swinger's Palace storyline to align with the babyface side. This brief cameo revisited his demonic without a full , serving as a nostalgic nod to his wrestling history.

Baseball coaching career

Montreal Expos (2001)

In 2001, Dale Torborg returned to by joining his father Jeff Torborg's staff with the as a . His primary responsibilities included designing and overseeing player workouts, implementing programs, and preparing the team for games throughout the season, often assisting the head strength coach in bulking up key positions like catchers. Torborg's contributions focused on maintaining player fitness amid the Expos' challenging 68-94 season in the National League East, where the team grappled with ongoing financial instability and contraction threats that cast uncertainty over its future in Montreal. He served in the role for one season, departing after the Expos' 2001 campaign as relocation discussions escalated, ultimately leading to the franchise's move to Washington, D.C., in 2005.

Florida Marlins (2002–2003)

In 2002, Dale Torborg moved to the Florida Marlins as head , serving on the staff of his father, manager , after his initial role with the . He designed individualized workout programs for players, focusing on enhancing overall athletic performance through targeted . Torborg's approach emphasized balancing intense physical demands with recovery to push athletes to their limits without causing breakdowns, as he noted: "Everyone is trying to get the ultimate ... But everyone also is trying to get the ultimate out of their body without breaking it down." This regimen included sprint and drills suited to baseball's repetitive short bursts, aiming to build for game situations. Torborg's tenure concluded on May 11, 2003, when he was dismissed alongside his father and pitching coach Brad Arnsberg, following the Marlins' 16-22 start to the season. The team, under interim manager , subsequently improved dramatically, clinching the National League pennant and defeating the New York Yankees 4-2 in the .

Chicago White Sox (2004–2022)

Dale Torborg joined the organization in January 2004 as the strength and conditioning coordinator, a roving role that involved overseeing fitness programs across the team's affiliates. Bringing experience from his time with the Florida Marlins, Torborg focused on building durable athletes through tailored training regimens that emphasized injury prevention and performance optimization. During the 2005 season, Torborg's contributions to player conditioning played a key role in the White Sox's dominant postseason run, culminating in a four-game sweep of the Houston Astros to secure the franchise's first World Series title in 88 years. His programs helped maintain peak physical condition for the team throughout the playoffs, reducing fatigue and enabling sustained high-level play in a grueling schedule that included 11 postseason victories without a loss. Torborg continued in his role through 2022, directing annual conditioning drills—such as those held in —and supporting injury rehabilitation for players. He motivated minor leaguers with innovative incentives, including replica championship belts awarded for fitness milestones, fostering a culture of discipline and resilience that extended to the major league club. After 19 seasons with the organization, Torborg departed in November 2022 as part of broader staff changes amid the White Sox's disappointing performance and internal restructuring. His long-term efforts supported the team's multiple playoff appearances, including the 2008 , 2020 Wild Card, and 2021 ALDS, by ensuring consistent player readiness across eras of roster evolution. As of 2025, Torborg has not returned to a coaching role.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Dale Torborg married professional wrestler and bodybuilder , known in the ring as Asya, on October 5, 2000. Their relationship originated from a WCW storyline in which Wolf portrayed Torborg's , which evolved into a real-life partnership. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Sierra Raye Torborg, on August 18, 2005. Sierra's birth coincided with Torborg's active coaching career, adding to the family's adjustments amid his professional travels. Torborg and his family reside in Ormond Beach, Florida, where they have maintained a stable home base despite his extensive career commitments in and occasional wrestling appearances. has been a supportive presence, occasionally joining Torborg at wrestling-related events, reflecting their shared history in the industry while prioritizing family life.

Father's death and legacy

Jeff Torborg, father of Dale Torborg, passed away on January 19, 2025, at the age of 83 in , due to complications from , which he had been diagnosed with in 2010. Jeff, a former , manager, and broadcaster, had a distinguished career spanning over four decades, including catching three no-hitters and serving as the 1990 Manager of the Year with the . Jeff's MLB tenure profoundly shaped Dale's professional trajectory, blending family heritage with Dale's own pursuits in and . Growing up in a baseball-centric household, Dale drew inspiration from his father's roles with teams like the , where Jeff caught Sandy Koufax's 1965 perfect game, and later as manager of the White Sox, a position Dale would support as strength and conditioning coordinator from 2004 to 2022. This paternal influence extended to Dale's wrestling persona as The Demon, a KISS-themed character, reflecting a unique fusion of athletic legacies that Jeff's career exemplified through discipline and perseverance. In the wake of Jeff's death, Dale played a key role in honoring his father's legacy through public tributes, including the 2025 documentary Jeff Torborg: A Wonderful Baseball Life. Directed by Matt Flesch and released on YouTube on September 4, 2025, the film chronicles Jeff's journey and his 15-year battle with Parkinson's, featuring interviews with figures like and . Dale announced the documentary on behalf of the Torborg family, expressing gratitude to Flesch for capturing Jeff's life as a devoted , , and lifer, thereby preserving the intergenerational impact on Dale's career. Professional wrestling promotions, such as TNA Wrestling, also issued condolences, noting Jeff's ringside appearance at a 2005 event supporting Dale.

References

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