13U Ruffnecks 2023

13U Ruffnecks Bring Enthusiasm & Talent to 2023

TEAM ROSTER | TEAM SCHEDULE

We welcome an exciting and energetic, new class of 13u Ruffnecks in 2023.  This is our 20th new 13u team.  The squad is prepared to makes its own mark on the history of the program.  The 2023 journey began with one of the best 13u Fall Baseball turnouts since the pandemic.  Nearly 50 talented and focused players participated.  Off season work began in late November with team hitting sessions.  As the 13u team preps for a long season players face the challenges of transitioning to the big diamond.

Our 13u team is comprised of a sound, and balanced group.  This does not mean that we select the most “talented” players.  We look for committed ones.  The primary objective is development and preparation.  Our goal is to serve young Ruffnecks who aspire to reach the high school level successfully.  Beyond that, it is difficult to project.  Practices play an important role in the 13U year.  We encourage players to be multi-sport athletes, and during the winter months we expect players to honor their commitments to their “in season” sports and teams.  Off-season Ruffnecks workouts are plentiful, but they come second to other sports.  Once the spring and summer comes, we expect Ruffnecks to be the priority.

2023 Schedule is a Challenge

We do not participate in league activity.  Instead, the 13U game schedule is customized to challenge players through a mixture of competitive  opportunities.  We practice regularly.  The cumulative “wear and tear” affect players at this age.  It is, quite simply, not advisable to play the massive schedules many players experienced at the 12U level.  Accordingly, while the schedule is built to address the capacity of what a 13U player can withstand, we design it in a responsible manner.  “More” is not always more!  Especially when players are vulnerable to overuse injuries.  During late March through May, the schedule features weekend series and several tournaments.  It also includes opportunities for 13U players to play on combined rosters (with 14U Ruffnecks) in mid-week games against high school JV and Frosh opponents.  Mid-week rosters are built around availability, pitching, and positional needs.

Roster Update for 2023

The 13U Ruffnecks 2023 roster is posted.  The roster is populated by players from a wide range of communities throughout the New England Region.  The Ruffnecks are NOT a “local” team.  The 2023 roster features players from 8 different communities throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Season Highlights

The 13U Ruffnecks season traditionally opens with a 14U tournament in late March in New Jersey.  We enjoy getting on the road right away.  It is a great opportunity to learn about each other.  During April and May the 13U Ruffnecks play a combination of weekend doubleheaders and against some high school and prep freshmen/JV teams.  By May, the team participates in some tournament play.  From Memorial Day Weekend to the end of July, the 13U season shifts almost exclusively to tournament baseball.  The 13U Ruffnecks play in many 14U events.  Much of the activity is at the NEBC and in the New England region.  The Ruffnecks’ home, the New England Baseball Complex, provides game and practice facilities.  The Ruffnecks indoor “Facility” in Needham, Massachusetts provides an indoor hitting home exclusively for Ruffnecks.  The 13U Ruffnecks program provides a thoughtful and purposeful approach to baseball for players this age and level of development.  We are competitive, but the primary objective is to get plenty of  experience and learn the game.

Schedule Updated March 23, 2023 at 11:29 am
Thursday, March 23 Practice at NEBC 6:00pm (Report at 5:30)
Saturday, March 25 (Split Squad) at Deerfield is canceled
Saturday, March 25 Practice at Roxbury Latin 9:00am
Sunday, March 26 vs. US9 Prospects at RL 9:00am

13U Ruffnecks Schedule 2023