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Ward Melville Ready to Continue Winning Tradition

by Andy Smith

Ward Melville is coming off another successful season. The Patriots finished with a record of 16-9 and qualified for the playoffs once again.  The Patriots season came to an end after losing to Longwood in the Long Island Class AA Semifinals.

Head Coach Lou Petrucci reflected on what lessons were learned during the season.  “We learned how to battle through adversity and the importance of concentrating on every pitch.”

Petrucci is entering his 17th season as the head coach of the Patriots. Petrucci, a native of Connecticut, played college baseball before taking on the responsibilities of coaching.

Ward Melville is entering the 2023 without last year’s captain, Tom Ribaudo.  Petrucci described the primary backstop as a, “great leader and an outstanding athlete.” Ribaudo was an integral part of the Patriots offense last year.  A highlight of his senior campaign was when he crushed a three-run homer late in a game against Commack.  Ribaudo hit .259 with an OBP of .476 in his final season.  

However, the entire starting pitching staff is returning in 2023.  Petrucci highlighted three players in this rotation. Senior Thomas Ruehle, entering his third year on the varsity team will look to build off his strong season last year.  The Southern Arkansas commit threw a complete game in the previously highlighted game against Commack.  Ruehle threw 42.2 innings last season with a 2.62 ERA and won 6 games.   

Joining him, fellow senior Charlie West is committed to the University of Connecticut. Also a third-year starter, the southpaw saw major innings on the mound and in the outfield in 2022, when he recorded an OBP of .444.  On the mound, West struck out 50 batters in 25.2 innings pitched. 

Junior Nick Carnovale is also entering his third varsity season and will continue to make an impact as a two way player. Carnovale hit .308 and had an .921 OPS in 2022.    

Other names Petrucci noted were senior shortstop Jack Friend (.343 AVG) and senior outfielder Alex Moraitis (.344 AVG).  Both are college commits (Maine and Caldwell) respectively.  Friend led the Patriots in plate appearances and hits. The Caldwell-commit led the team in RBI last season with 16. 

Lastly, Petrucci highlighted a very special commit. Senior Robert Looney is committed to the Marine Corps, following in his father’s service footsteps. Petrucci spoke about how important the armed forces are and reflected on his player’s sacrifice.  “He is going to dedicate his life to serving this country. There is nothing like this.”  

Petrucci is focused on the March 13th tryouts and how his roster construction will take shape.  “I am looking forward to seeing the underclassmen play.  We have a very strong program.  We have to keep building off of last year.”

When looking at his new league opponents Petrucci explained, “All twenty games will be a dogfight.  I am really looking forward to it.  Our opponents have some really good managers. I am excited to make new friends.”

Ward Melville’s league opponents will be; Connetquot, Smithtown East, Bellport, Centereach, and Newfield.  

“The greatest thing about baseball is that you can go 0-20 but can go out and beat the best team in your next game.” Ward Melville, of course, has built a powerhouse program and they currently have Steven Matz (2009) and Anthony Kay (2013) in the big leagues with Ben Brown (2017) on the cusp. Not many high school programs in the country can compete with that star power.

The Patriots begin their 2023 campaign at Connetquot on March 27th.