Rondinelli, B League champion, a favorite in Connie Mack event

By John Kovach

STRUTHERS — Blessed with outstanding defense, great overall pitching and several power hitters, the Rondinelli Tuxedo baseball team is one of the favorites to win the 47th annual State Connie Mack tournament that will begin Thursday at Cene Park.

The Class B League championship team under veteran manager Tony Gorvet, Rondinelli (26-7) will be one of six Class B League teams entered in the 24-team tournament that will be held through July 21.

“[We] played four games in the championship series and made only one error. The whole defense was outstanding,” said Gorvet, whose team lost the first game of the best-of-5 championship series to 1080 Media, then rallied to win three in a row for the title.

Gorvet, in his ninth season managing Rondinelli after the team previously was known as Sam Camens, Brandywide and the original Steeltown Bandits, also had an abundance of very good pitchers.

“We had the lowest team ERA in the whole league. We had eight guys that we used during the season. None qualified for the ERA title because they didn’t pitch enough innings,” said Gorvet, who had three pitchers with a combined 17-0 record, including Drew Fitzpatrick (7-0) of Cardinal Mooney.

“He had the best record in league. He didn’t give up an earned run the entire season,” said Gorvet. “He ended up throwing 22 innings for the entire season, mostly in relief. He is going to Louisville on a baseball scholarship.”

When not pitching, Fitzpatrick is the regular center fielder.

The other two unbeaten pitchers were D.J. Simonicic, a 6-foot-7 right-hander from Highland, Pa,, and Aaron McGee from the Pittsburgh area, who were both 5-0.

“They were the guys that pitched a majority of the playoffs,” said Gorvet of his undefeated trio, who pitched to one of the top catchers in the league, Jason Bagoly from Austintown Fitch.

“It was [Bagoly’s] leadership ability behind the plate. He probably is one of the best hitters in last 20 years for pure power,” said Gorvet. “Other teams tried to pitch around him.”

Bagoly was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 40th round of the Major League draft, but will attend Kent State on a baseball scholarship.

Other top Rondinelli hitters were Fitzpatrick, first baseman Eddie Reese from Mooney, and shortstop Phil Lipari of Poland.

Rounding out the infield are Jaymee Shepard from Hickory at third base and Adam Shrodak of Howland at second base.

Other outfielders are Kyle Vaclav of Canfield in left field and Jake Double of Seneca Valley in right field.

“We had three platoon players who also contributed,” said Gorvet about Chris Leiby of Howland, Danny Reese of Mooney and Zack Stein of North Allegheny. “They contributed as platoon players as DHs, pinch hitting and running.”

Gorvet’s assistant coaches are Marty Kanetsky of Hubbard, Sammy DePizzo and Ken Quinn of Campbell.

Rondinelli will be joined in the tournament by five other area teams: 1080 Media, Astro Falcons, Wharmby Sports, Dave Sugar and OTN Performance.

Gorvet said if his team wins the state title, it will not go on to play in the Mack regional.

“We will be in three tournaments,” he said, the other two being the NABF Senior Regional July 26-Aug. 2, and the Continental Amateur Baseball Association World Series from July 27 through Aug. 2, both also at Cene Park.

kovach@vindy.com