Top Three Ruffnecks Teams Travel

Summer has begun.  And with the calendar comes the heat!  With the heat comes travel for the oldest Ruffnecks teams as they challenge themselves against some of the top competition in New England, the Mid- Atlantic, and in the Nation.  The 16u and 17u Ruffnecks traveled to Flemington, New Jersey June 16-19 to participate in the Super17 at Diamond Nation. Both teams earned 2-2 records at the event.  It is a time to sort our lineups, recalibrate pitchers for the summer season, and to compete.  The Super17 serves its purpose.

16u Ruffnecks Head to Georgia for Perfect Game WWBA

On June 24th the 16u team boarded a flight for a week long trip to Marietta, Georgia.  The 16’s are entered in the 17u Perfect Game WWBA Nationals. This is arguably the most competitive event of the summer in the Nation.  The 16’s will be tested.  Coach Jon Beverly guides the 16u Ruffnecks in 2025 as they navigate a summer of serious competition, player development, and the acquisition of personal self-awareness, and self advocacy skills.  The recruiting landscape continues to evolve.  Our goal is to play good baseball and to improve each day.

15u and 17u Ruffnecks Travel to Nashville

Meanwhile, on June 24th, both the 15u and 17u squads traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to participate in the Music City Classic.  While Nashville is a fun trip, it is also defined by challenging competition.  Both teams play 5 games in less than a week at the event.  The 15’s play in the 16u Division of the Classic.  Coach “KG” Graber is tasked with developing our youngest of our “oldest” teams.  It is a journey marked by playing against more experienced and physical opponents.  The goal is to understand preparation, and what it takes to move personal and team goals to a level that is expected from players aspiring to play college baseball.

The 17’s use the Music City trip to build a team character and to perform in a manner that underscores their individual and team goals.  Coaches Kevin Casey, John Brickley, and Ace Adams provide one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the Northeast (perhaps the country).  It is a professional/collegiate approach to playing “every day” baseball.

Great Turnout For Rising 13u (and limited 14u) 2026 Candidates 

The New England Ruffnecks Program held an OPEN HOUSE for rising 13u and 14u players Sunday, June 22.  Approximately 40 rising 13 year olds (current 12’s) and several 14u candidates attended the NO-FEE workout.  This was a first time event.  The Ruffnecks Open House offered a way to get to know our program and for us to get to know candidates with sincere interest in becoming a Ruffnecks player in 2026.  This OPEN HOUSE was a full scale workout with our staff of coaches and members of our current 13u and 14u rosters.

No Charge – No Pressure – No Money Grab!

We are doing what we believe should be happening in youth sports.  The objective is to treat others as we would like to be treated, with transparency.  Not every player will become a Ruffneck, but we will have a good session.  Other objectives for holding a June 22 OPEN HOUSE follow:

• We understand there are many choices for 13u players. The landscape is confusing.  The OPEN HOUSE answers questions in person for families.
• NO FEE – Means no obligations, no money-grab, and no pressure to commit.
• Players and families should see what a typical Ruffnecks workout looks like. We will spend the day mixing rising candidates with current 13u and 14u players in skill work and drills we commonly use.
• There will be a parents Q&A going on while the workout takes place (parents can still watch the drills).  There will be ample opportunity to ask questions and get answers.
• Selection: We can provide some families with a sense of whether the Ruffnecks program is a fit for their child.  We will NOT ask for a deposit for 2026 before September and Fall Baseball.

Does this sound different?  To be sure!  We think it is fair.  And there is no cost or pressure. Just come and participate.  Players will learn something along the way.

About the Process of Choosing a 13u Program

The 13U Ruffnecks is the entry point in our program.  We do not run 12U or younger teams.  We promote “Baseball Begins at 90,” which means the 90 foot diamond.  We attract candidates through referrals, word of mouth, and our reputation for development.  Tryouts in June, July or August just do not make sense to us.  Accordingly, our “Fee-Free” OPEN HOUSE is a sincere effort to enable families to learn about us durring a time when anxieties are high about finding a program.  And yes, we can give some folks an idea of whether or not the Ruffnecks may be a fit.  Most importantly, we can learn about each other for the player’s and family’s benefit.

13U candidates are also encouraged to participate in Fall Baseball where we work with 40 to 50 players, teaching what we do, but it is not mndatory.  The Fall Program is staffed by the coaches in the Ruffnecks program and other professional associates.  We have as many as 15 coaches working our sessions every Sunday.  Those coaches contribute a range of knowledge and experience to the 13U Fall experience and instruction.  Ruffnecks Fall Baseball is a six week (Sundays Only) program.

Patience, confidence, and the desire to be a Ruffneck are important attributes in our selection process.  Ability is important, of course, but these are 13 year olds!!!  They all grow and develop along different timelines.  We did not take Ben Rice back in the days when we had traditional “tryouts.”  He is with the New York Yankees!  So much for tryouts!

The Slippery Slope

There are several pitfalls at the transitional stage of 13U baseball:

1. The “All-Star” mentality that is entrenched in the 12 year old year is problematic. It is vulnerable to promises of continued stardom and success, sold by some who aggressively recruit 13 year olds.  Boys and families are enticed by the prospect of winning at 13U with a “bunch of good players.” If chasing trophies at 13U is important, the Ruffnecks program may not be a fit.
2. A “Herd Mentality” takes clusters of boys to one team or another. This usually runs its course in a year or two.  Geography plays a role, but we try to draw from a wide range of communities.
3. The race to puberty is not a predictor of future success.  Size and strength provide an immediate advantage, but they are not predicting factors.
4. There is “market clutter.” There are too many choices at the 13U level.  Families often simply do not know what they are looking for or where to find it.

We gladly answer inquiries and questions about our process.
2026 Ruffnecks candidates are encouraged to participate in Fall Baseball.
Contact us directly at (781) 400-1959 (leave message) or email neruffnecks@gmail.com. We respond.

“Play Ball!” Hails the Start to 2025

The long, cold, lonely winter has morphed into cold spring weather for the 13u and 14u Ruffnecks teams.  Nevertheless, both sqauds are off to a good start.  Great effort has been made to play our games, and the Ruffnecks have been dogged in their determination to do so.  This is not to say weather has not taken away field time.  It has.  But New England is our home, and we play in tough conditions.

13u Ruffnecks Earn #1 Seed in Perfect Game Event

The weekend of March 28-30 saw the 13u Ruffnecks get off to a strong start in the 13u Perfect Game Invitational at the NEBC in Northborough.  A solid performance in pool play earned the team the #1 seed in bracket play.  Although the squad lost in the semi-finals, the coaches and players felt good about the early season success.  The tournament provided a solid, competitive, format to learn to play together, teach, and to perform in game situations.  Mission accomplished, with much success.  The team batting average was an impressive .425 over the course of three games.  Jack Freyermuth, Colin Paddock, Sam Vogel, and Ryan Cullen led the way with their bats. Caden Healey, Henry McGeough, Gus Colangelo, Trent Siegal, and Cullen were stalwarts on the mound.  Leo de Llano, and Micah Goddess shared catching duties.  April’s schedule includes participation in the Ocean State Classic along with independent games and doubleheaders.  Ruffnecks 13u players have an opportunity to join the 14’s in several combined roster contests against prep school Frosh and JV opponents.

14’s Deal with Weather; Earn a Sunday Sweep and Slog Through PG Event

Weather has affected the 14u schedule more than the 13’s.  After getting “weathered out” against the Deerfield Academy JV’s, the 14’s settled for several games against local opponents.  This included a single game loss and a doubleheader sweep on consecutive Sundays, March 23 and March 30.  With high hopes and great anticipation, the 14’s entered the 14u Perfect Game Invitational at the NEBC April 4-6.  Alas, weather again proved the Ruffnecks most formidable foe.  The team slogged through two rain soaked games on Saturday, April 5th, earning two ties.  James Hamlin, Tyler Mock, Jacob Malin, and Johnny Dickie led the way in the hitting and RBI departments.  Buster Heller and Mock pitched well for the Ruffnecks under challenging conditions.  The 14’s look forward to gaining some much needed game experience against prep JV opponents in April and May.  They participate in the Ocean State Classic April 12-13.

We Have Winter!

The “Off Season” is a time to prepare.  Winter Workouts provide Ruffnecks with ample opportunities to work on the things that will advance their personal development.  Over the years, we have learned that “less can be more,” with proper intent and approach.  The quality of winter work is more important than compulsory practices that create tiresome obligations and conflicts.  We continue to tweak our approach.  Winter workouts are, after all, preparation for the rigors of spring and summer baseball.  New England weather presents its distinctive set of challenges.  Fortunately, between the Facility and our use of the Boston College “Bubble” we are able to provide a vibrant off season program

Scouts Continue to Visit and Instruct

The FACILITY hosted Pro Scout Hitting Clinics in December.  These informative, instructive, and active sessions have been a mainstay for the past three winters.  Matt Hyde (NY Yankees), Jim Bretz (Detroit Tigers), and Ron Vaughn (Oakland A’s), lend their time and expertise.  The high repetition sessions are exclusively for Ruffnecks and well attended.  In addition to the Pro Scout Hitting Clinics, the scouts attended the individual Team Hitting sessions in January for the 15u, 16u, and 17u position players.  Several college coaches also stopped by to watch.  The Rich Gedman Catchers Clinics spanned 6 sessions from late November to the first week of January.  Geddy is an amazing instructor who provides valuable drill work, insight, and knowledge to the skills for catchers.

It is a credit to our players that the Pro Scouts voluntarilty return to the Ruffnecks each year to instruct and actually “follow” some of our players they consider “prospects.”  And while that does not necessarily mean hitters will be drafted out of high school, the scouts are sincerely generous in their willingness to provide players with evaluations.

13u & 14u Ruffnecks Commence Their Winter Journey

Of course our young players are not ignored.  For the 13’s and the 14’s Winter Work is a more frequent occurance on the schedule.  With weekly Team Hitting sessions at The Facility, the 13’s and 14’s prepare for the spring.  Many of the 13’s and 14’s can be found hitting on their own during the week along with a number of older players.  These players are learning that getting better is not a function of scheduling, lessons, or clinics, but rather a commitment to work on your own and enjoying the investment of effort and time.  It is growing up as a ballplayer.

February Brings Indoor Workouts at Boston College

Winter Workouts transition to high repetition positional work in sessions (Spring Training style) at Boston College.  These are early morning workouts that begin at 6:00am in “The Bubble” at Boston College.  Workouts include positional work for all players in the program.  Among the features is the opportunity for our youngest players to learn the drills and to take reps right along with the older players.  And again, pro scouts are in attendance both as instructors and evaluators.  Why?  Because they want to be here, working hands on with players who care to get better.  On Sunday, February 2nd, 80 players gathered in the early dawn of winter and participated in a brisk two hour workout.  Positional stations were manned by professional scouts along with Ruffnecks coaches.  Infielders did bucket work and low impact throwing.  First basemen conducted a range of footwork and receiving drills.  Outfielders practice drop steps, conducted angle work, and took fly balls. Rich Gedman prepped the catchers with blocking and receiving drills.  And of course, pitchers listened to Ace and conducted flat ground throwing.

Banquet: Thursday, December 19th – Packed House

The 15th Annual Ruffnecks Banquet was held Thursday, December 19th at the Needham VFW Hall with a happy, festive, packed house in attendance. The 2024 Yearbook was available and, as usual, it was the conversation starter at the dinner tables.  A sumptuous pasta dinner was catered with everyone getting plenty to eat.  The evening program featured two guest speakers.  Matt Hyde, long time Area Scout for the New York Yankees spoke.  He emphasize the theme of TEAM in the game of baseball and how the Ruffnecks stand out among club travel programs with their emphasis on team development and team play.  Rich Gedman, a 13 year MLB veteran, two-time All Star, and Red Sox Hall of Fame catcher, spoke as well.  He shared several thoughts on his career and how baseball has been a teaching tool for life. He also shared a taped tribute from former Red Sox great, Roger Clemens, on the retirment of Steve August as Director of the Ruffnecks.  The evening concluded with the Johnny Pesky Teammate Awards.  Nate Dubuc earned the 13u Award.  Max Fukudome was recognized for the 14u Teammate Award.  Angus McKenna garnered the 15u Pesky Award.  Barrett “Bear” Adam, was the 16u Teammate winner.  Five year veteran Tommy Hennessey, committed to play college ball at UMass Amherst, won the 17u Johnny Pesky Award.  It was another great banquet that entertained everyone with three videos capturing the action, a few laughs, and memories of the 2024 season.

Busy Facility During Holiday Break

The Facility is a busy place during the holiday break.  Numerous Ruffnecks alums who are curruently playing in college drop in to hit at the Facility.  It is a great opportunity for younger Ruffnecks to meet those who have gone before and to see how players grow and develop.  The Facility is also host to the Pro Scout Hitting Clinic and the Gedman Catcher’s Clinic.  Both offerings are intended for current Ruffnecks players.  These are focused clinics run by professional MLB scouts and instructors.  The Facility continues to be a unique training home for Ruffnecks to use.  It provides nearly unrestricted access for Ruffnecks players.

Third Decade of Ruffnecks Baseball

As 2024 draws to a close, it is worth a moment to look back on the first year of our third decade.  The players and coaches in the Ruffnecks program devote hours and hours to baseball.

The experience is difficult to explain to those outside our circle and culture.  But for those of us fortunate to be a part of this program, we are grateful for the moments we share and the memories we build.  We see our success in the smiles of new 13u players, not quite knowing what to expect, but forging new friendships that go beyond wins, losses, or moments of doubt.  Coaches demand the confidence of 14u players who must mentor the newest class as they were mentored.  Then there is the hot summer, looked forward to all winter long.  Once the heat arrives, the daily grind is a new experience for the 15u Ruffnecks who play “up” for two months of every-day baseball, measuring success in small moments, hard-earned wins, and tough losses.  For the 16’s there is a certain readiness for what lies ahead.  Players compete to win every day.  They are in search of success and expect much from themselves.  And for the 17u/Seniors we revel in the final stages of our Ruffnecks days, hoping to extend our playing careers at the next level while enjoying the experience, bonds, and joys of playing together for five years (or more!).

This past year is like many others in our 22 year history.  But what endures are the memories.  We are a program in continual growth, with contributions from all who pass through our dugouts.  We travel together, eat together, live together, and spend more time together than with any other subset of teammates in our lives to date.  This is the essence of the Ruffnecks experience.  We welcome our next class of 13u Ruffnecks, selected from a competitive and earnest Fall Baseball program that begins the process all over again.  May 2024 be an inspiration for 2025, making memories once again in this most difficult, yet exhilarating, team sport… Baseball.