Rocky River Baseball History

The 1998 Rocky River Varsity team delivered one of the most memorable seasons in program history, finishing 20–10 overall, and advancing all the way to the Division II State Championship game. Led by Head Coach Jim Rucki, their postseason run was defined by resilience and timely performances, beginning with a hard-fought 3–1 victory over Columbus Bexley in the state semifinals. In that game, the Pirates capitalized on balanced offense—Jeff Werbeach and Mike Dickey each recorded multiple hits—while Chris Meyer delivered a complete-game performance for the ages, allowing just five hits and one earned run over seven innings. He bested Bexley's Doug Deeds, a future Minnesota Twins draft selection (R9, 2002).

Despite the depth and fight shown throughout the tournament, the Pirates ultimately finished as State Runner-Up, capping a historic playoff run. In that historic state final, Rocky River collected 10 hits against a strong Cincinnati McNicholas squad. Drew Fortenbaugh and Mike Dickey led the offense with multi-hit efforts, each contributing a 3-bagger. On the mound, Matt Brumbort nearly went the distance, before giving way to Meyer in relief to face the final McNicholas batter in the bottom of the 7th.  

The 1998 team is remembered not only for its postseason success, but for its depth, pitching strength, and ability to perform in high-pressure moments, setting a lasting standard for Rocky River baseball and solidifying its place among the program’s all-time great teams. 

The team was nominated and inducted into the Rocky River Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.

Team Members:

Chris Blue, Matthew Brulport, Matthew Brunner,  Michael Dickey, David Fortenbaugh, Jeremy Hitt, Anthony Martin, Christopher Meyer, Thomas Oxley, AJ Pease, Adam Petrovic, Eric Rocks, Russell Tigue, Jeff Werbeach 

Not to be upstaged, and determined to finish the job from the previous year, the 1999 Rocky River Varsity team delivered one of the most dramatic and dominant seasons in program history themselves, but again came up one run short, finishing as the Ohio High School Athletic Association Baseball State Tournament Division II State Runner-Up. This marked back-to-back trips to the state finals under Head Coach James Rucki, establishing his helming this end-of-the-century run as the finest in RRHS program history. The Pirates’ postseason run was fueled by both explosive offense and clutch performances, highlighted by a commanding 13–0 Regional Semi-final victory, a statement win that showcased the team’s depth and ability to overwhelm top competition.

Anchored by the now senior graduating class, Rocky River combined disciplined hitting with strong, reliable pitching throughout the tournament. Contributions from Matt Brulport, Russ Tigue, Chris Meyer, Dave Fortenbaugh, Jeff Werbeach, Matt Novotny, and A.J. Pease provided balance across the lineup and staff, allowing the Pirates to consistently execute in high-pressure moments.

The season again culminated in a thrilling Division II State Championship game, where Rocky River battled into extra innings in one of the most tightly contested finals in program history. Despite a relentless effort, the Pirates came up just short in a walk-off loss, finishing again as State Runner-Up but leaving a lasting impression with their grit and competitiveness on the biggest stage.

The 1999 team not only matched the success of the 1998 squad but added its own identity: defined by resilience, postseason dominance, and one of the most memorable championship games ever played by a Rocky River team; cementing a program legacy as the late 90's being the golden era of program history.

Team Members:

Chris Blue, Adam Petrovic, Cole Emde, Matt Brunner, Eric Rocks, Justin Bain, Nate Selak, Bill Weston, Matt Brulport, Russ Tigue, Dave Gutfranski, Chris Meyer, Dave Fortenbaugh, Jeff Werbeach, Matt Novotny, AJ Pease

The 2024 Rocky River Varsity team delivered one of the most transformative seasons in program history, finishing 23–6 overall, setting a school record for wins, and capturing the program’s first-ever Great Lakes Conference Championship with a 10–2 league record. 

Led by a deep and dynamic roster, the Pirates quickly established themselves as one of the top teams in Ohio, rising to No. 1 in the Division II state poll after the 4th week, and remaining ranked through the year’s end.

This group was defined by its balance, athleticism, and playmaking ability across the lineup. At the top, Josh Mommers set the tone as a catalyst—getting on base, creating pressure, and impacting the game with speed, including multiple stolen base performances. Anthony Ferchill and Thomas Rossi anchored the heart of the order, consistently driving in runs, while Griffin Hill and Michael Perry provided power and run production throughout the season. Jeffrey Maslar emerged as a key contributor both offensively and defensively, highlighted by run-producing at-bats and strong play behind the plate.

On the mound, the Pirates were powered by one of the strongest pitching staffs in  program history. Rees Heigle delivered a defining moment for the season—and the program—throwing the first no-hitter in Rocky River baseball history, a dominant 7-inning performance with 9 strikeouts in a 5–0 win over conference foe North Olmsted. 

Heigle was complemented by lefty Joseph Brant and co-captain Michael Perry from the right side. The top 3 starters gave the Pirates the ability to control not only games, but entire series throughout the regular season and positioned them for tournament play.

“I’ll put our top three up with anybody,” Head Coach Ed Piazza said in a week 3 preview with Prep Baseball Report.

And it truly would become a historic run. Rocky River opened the year with the best start in school history, including a dramatic 13-inning comeback victory over Lakewood, where clutch hitting—highlighted by a game-tying three-run inside-the-park home run from Rossi—showcased the group’s resilience and belief. That ability to respond in big moments became a defining trait throughout the season.

In the postseason, the Pirates continued to perform at a high level, earning a regional tournament victory over Akron Hoban before advancing to the District Championship game. Despite falling short in the final, the team’s run solidified its place among the elite seasons in program history.

The 2024 roster also reflected the continued growth of Rocky River as a pipeline for college baseball talent. Players advancing to the next level included:

• Class of 2026 
  • Jeffrey Maslar — St. Olaf College (DIII) 
  • Kyle Rush — Drew University (DIII) 
• Class of 2025 
  • Joseph Brant — John Carroll University (DIII) 
  • Rees Heigle — Mount St. Mary’s University (DI) 
  • Griffin Hill — Adrian College (DIII) 
  • Josh Mommers — Bowling Green State University (DI) 
  • Michael Perry — John Carroll University (DIII) 

The 2024 team is recognized for redefining the modern era of Rocky River baseball combining record-setting success, historic milestones, and a core group of players who elevated expectations for what the program can achieve moving forward.

Team Members :

Griffin Hill, Joshua Mommers, Dan Capka, Dylan Kolonik, Elliot Hibshman, Henry Tovissi, Jack Petrus, Jeffrey Maslar, Joe Brant, Kyle Rush, Landon Biscardi, Lucas Konopka, Luke Petrus, Matt Gutia, Michael Perry, Rees Heigle, Thomas Rossi, Bryant Hurt, Andrew Locsei, Anthony Ferchill, Brady Patsouras, Henry Ward