The Future 12U travel baseball team was formed in 2003 by co-managers Rich Ruffolo and Michael Ferri out of Chicago, Illinois. Since 2003 beginning as a part time travel team, the Future has compiled an impressive 220-30 record. In 2008 the Future Baseball Team decided to hit the national scene intensely, due to the desire to compete against the best out in the nation. The Future defeated the number #5 team in the nation on Travel Ball Select, West Chester Sluggers  4-3 in Cincy in a game for the ages. The Future lost two heartbreak games to national powerhouse teams Florida Fire and Hawaii Warriors, the Fire game was 3-2 at AAU nationals in July where the Florida Fire won on a walk off homer in the last inning. The loss to powerhouse Hawaii Warriors was also at AAU nationals and the score of that game was 2-1. A few notable wins include the Raliegh Wildcats, S.W.A.T out of Texas, Columbus Sharks, and Region Redbirds (3 times in 2008). The Future won eight tournaments in 2008 and compiled a record of 63-8.

The team picked up three new additions to an already loaded team, Parker Huttel, Scott Kapers, and Jesse Wilkening will join the team in 2009. The Future expects that this year is the year for a championship run. The three new players added to the Future squad will give them 9 strong starting pitchers and several middle infielders. Powerhouse pitcher Joey Uvelli, always wants the ball in the big games and worked his tail off in the off-season which should pay big dividends in 2009. The infield includes Michael Ferri Jr. who plays flawlessly at second base. Getting Big Frank Malicki back from injury is a huge boost, Malicki will bolster the strong pitching staff, and provide another monster stick in the middle of the lineup. Another key addition is Parker Huttel who will man the outfield, the leadoff spot and will be a very strong addition to the pitching staff. Jesse Wilkening will split time with Jason Santana behind the plate, and will be a force in the top of the lineup while being another dominating pitcher and infielder. “Big Game” Scotty Kapers who does everything for the Future Kapers can pitch, hit and play anywhere in the field, while bringing some additional leadership to the team. Jason Santana will continue to be the "Rock" while splitting time with Jesse catching, playing all infield positions, even a little outfield and hitting in the top 4 of the lineup. The Future are looking for big things out of Anthony Mroz this year, Mroz will also hit in the top of the lineup while playing first base and has the capabilities to be a big game pitcher. Caleb Demerging is an amazing athlete and will be counted on to play another year of flawless defense in the middle infield, some outfield, and continue to be one of the aces on the mound. Sam Ferri will provide great defensive play off the bench and continue to be one of the best clutch hitters for the Future Baseball Team. Finally Michael Ruffolo will provide rock solid defensive play in centerfield, while continuing to make countless circus catches and web gem plays.

The Future Baseball Team will play in national powerhouse tournaments including, the Battle in the South in May, St Joes Memorial Invitational, Cincy Flames Classic in June, Cooperstown in July, and Myrtle Beach in August. The Future will play against the very best in 2009 and expect to compete for championships in every tournament they compete in. The Future team feels that their team is filled with the Midwest's best young men on and off the field. The young men are as follows: Joey Uvelli, Jesse Wilkening, Michael Ferri Jr., Parker Huttel, Anthony Mroz, Scott Kapers, Jason Santana, Michael Ruffolo, Caleb Demerging, Frank Malicki, and Sam Ferri. The Future has nine stud pitchers, and an unbelievable offensive lineup. This team has bonded and has become a family ready to take on the best of the best. So be prepared in 2009 because "The Future" is Now!
TravelBallSelect would like to wish the 2009 12U Future Baseball Team much success this season.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Show/hide comment form