Coaches

Joe Ruback: 'The Hit Doc' & 'License Plate Guy'

Known for years throughout Rockland County, Westchester and Bergen County as the famous "HIT DOCTOR", Joe was a standout player at Spring Valley High School before entering the University of Western Connecticut. Playing just one year with the Colonials, Ruback earned "Player of the Year" honors after leading his team in both average and stolen bases. Ruback went on to the State university of Cobleskill where he led the Tigers to their first playoff appearance while leading the team in seven different offensive categories: Runs Scored (25), Hits (42), Batting Average (.492), Doubles (18), Triples (6), Home Runs (10) and Stolen Bases (19). Ruback was named "Player of the Year" in his conference and also was named first team all-star NJCAA.

As the MVP, he was also named Defensive and Offensive "Player of the Year" and was the first player in Cobleskill college history to ever win the Triple Crown.

Upon earning his Physical Education degree at Cortland State University, Ruback went on to teach at his alma mater. His coaching achievements include becoming the youngest head football coach in Section 1AA history and leading the S.V. Tigers to their first ever Section 1 Championship and the School's first ever victory in the Eastern Regional playoffs taking the team to the state's semi final football game. This feat earned him "Coach of the Year" honors in New York State and the New York football Giants named him football coach of the week in 1997. He moved on to become the Athletic Director of the JCC and led a 15 and 16 year-old Rockland baseball team to a Bronze medal victory in the Maccabi games in Miami Florida. Ruback continued to show his love for the game and children initiating a baseball/softball program at Reuben Gittleman Day School and introduced a new program at the school, starting a league for all nonpublic schools called the "Rockland County Interscholastic League."

Joe's "Hit Doctor" program incorporates the vast knowledge he learned from the great Charley Lau SR., along with his own baseball vision. Ruback teaches both Charley Lau and Ted Williams style hitting. He continues to work with All-star teams around the county and runs the minor league clinics for all of New City Little League. In addition to teaching Hitting, Pitching and positional play Ruback insists a good training exercise and sports specific training will enhance any young athlete to better reach their goals. Ruback continues to strive for excellence in instruction of Hitting.

Will Cunnane: Pitching

A Conger, NY native, Will initially signed with the Florida Marlins as a free agent in 1992. After four (4) years in the minors, Cunnane made his major   league debut with the San Diego Padres in 1997. Will spent three (3) years with the Padres before moving onto stints with the Brewers, Cubs, and Braves.

Cunnane was primarily a reliever in the Majors, with 184 major league appearances. Will was part of the Padres NL West pennant in 1998. He also contributed to a pair of National League East Division titles with the Braves in 2003, including appearances in two (2) NLDS games. Cunnane was also part of the Braves roster in 2004, perfecting his craft under the guidance of the infamous pitching coach Leo Mazzone.

Michelle Gerdes: Windmill Pitching 

 Michelle Gerdes spent twelve (12) years as the Division 1 Army Softball Coach.  Gerdes lead Army to the Patriot League title and an automatic bid in to the NCAA Championships twice in the last several years.  In 2002, the Army Black Knights has a remarkable 1.38 ERA.  Coach Gerdes and her team were also named the Mid-Atlantic Regions #1 coaching staff. 

Coach Gerdes is ready to take her years of teaching the art of windmill pitching in private and clinic settings at TSP.  She works well with kids of all ages, from those just starting out and straight through the college years.  She is a well knownin the region as one of the leading coaches and talent evaluators.  Come and learn from the best!

Dane Samuels: Basketball, Football 

A Rockland native, Dane graduated as 1st Team All-County  in 2004 meriting an All-American Honorable Mention.  Dane was 1st Team All-Conference in the MAAC, 2006-2007 MAAC Player-of-the-Year,  as well as the leading rusher that same year.  In 2007,-2008, Dane was invited to the Philadelphia Eagles rookie camp, Buffalo Bills camp, and the New York Dragons, Arena-1 camp.   

In 2004, he was named to the All-County Clarkstown Noth basketball team and was the leading scorer on the 2006 Hudson Valley Communit College team as the starting point guard.    Dane is available for lessons and clinics, and conduts the Speed & Agility class through Premier Fitness in Nanuet.

If you are interested in an exclusive coaching relationship with The Sports Place, please contact us at 845-358-GAME (4263).