Ridgewood sophomore Michael Ruffolo verbally committed to play baseball at Indiana State on Sunday afternoon.
The Sycamores extended the scholarship offer after the shortstop took in one of their games and toured the campus. He accepted their offer immediately.
“It’s always been my dream, since day one, when I started playing baseball,” Ruffolo said of earning a Division I scholarship. “Now that it’s happened, it’s just an unbelievable feeling. Me and my dad and my whole family, we’re kind of shell-shocked. We’re so excited and grateful for the opportunity. It’s unbelievable.”
The relationship Ruffolo had built with the Sycamores’ staff was among the reasons why he didn’t hesitate to accept their offer.
“I just felt like that was the right fit for me,” Ruffolo said. “The way they coach and the [scrappy, hard-working] way they play the game fits my style of play. I just felt like it was a second home to me, and I felt more comfortable with them than any other place.”
Check out this week’s edition of the Norridge-Harwood Heights News for more about Ruffolo and his path to becoming a Division I player.