16U Ruffnecks Grow Stronger and Talented
Following a challenging and developmental 2020, the 16U Ruffnecks face 2021 with optimism and talent. This is a group that has strengthened its roster through hard work, commitment, and the addition of several talented new players. The 16U year presents the most significant challenge to a player’s focus and resolve. It is common for players this age and stage of development to be distracted by the college coaches and recruiters who may be watching. Indeed, the 16U Ruffnecks attract attention. But the distractions of recruiting must be met with a focus on individual development, team play, and performance. It is a simple formula in which success rewards preparation and focus.
The 16U Ruffnecks traditionally travel to high exposure events. Our intent for 2021 is to return to those events outside the New England Region that make sense for competitive, developmental, and exposure objectives. We also plan to play in the top events at the NEBC and in our home region where the college recruiters intend to see us multiple times. As the college recruiting landscape continues to change and evolve, the 16U Ruffnecks are prepared to pivot and play a brand of baseball that gets everyone better. The primary objective is development and preparation.
Like those of the 15U and the 17U/Seniors teams, the 16U schedule is designed for “every day baseball.” There are very few days off, as we roll from event to event. Practice and instruction continue to provide a foundation for our body of work. We often practice prior to a game or after a game to go over details, team concepts, and skill work.
The Ruffnecks’ home, the New England Baseball Complex, provides game and practice facilities that are unmatched in the region. With field reliability and the certainty that comes with playing on a synthetic surface, the 16U Ruffnecks are well positioned for the summer of 2021.
2021 16U Team Rosters & Schedule
16U Roster
| # | Last Name | First Name | Positions | School | Grad Class | Hometown |
| 4 | Barlage | Brennan | INF | Belmont Hill | 2023 | Wellesley, MA |
| 31 | Bendremer | Ryan | LHP | Dover-Sherborn | 2022 | Dover, MA |
| 1 | Benestad | James | C | St. John's | 2023 | Northborough, MA |
| 7 | D'Avanzo | Dante | IF | St. Mark's School | 2023 | Ashland, MA |
| 44 | Dushney | Max | C, IF | Ashland HS | 2023 | Ashland, MA |
| 3 | Gomez | Max | OF | Noble & Greenough | 2022 | Cohasset, MA |
| 13 | Grady | Trevor | OF, IF, RHP | Phillips Andover | 2023 | Sterling, MA |
| 14 | Hegarty | John | RHP, 1B | St. Mark's School | 2024 | Needham, MA |
| 33 | Henshon | James | IF | Roxbury Latin | 2024 | Wellesley, MA |
| 8 | Jewell | Ryan | OF, RHP | Suffield Academy | 2023 | Longmeadow, MA |
| 54 | Kirkpatrick | Caleb | 1B | Deerfield Academy | 2024 | Norton, MA |
| 27 | Lee | Oisin | RHP | Newton North HS | 2023 | Newton, MA |
| 26 | Milewski | John | RHP, 1B | Belmont Hill | 2023 | Framingham, MA |
| 15 | Mitchell | James | IF | St. John's | 2023 | Southborough, MA |
| 11 | Sacerdote | Sam | RHP, OF, IF | Hanover HS | 2023 | Hanover, NH |
| 45 | Sokhos-Drude | Jack | RHP | Newton North HS | 2022 | Newton, MA |
| 2 | Spadaccini | Teo | RHP | Phillips Andover | 2023 | Lexington, MA |
| 17 | Sullivan | Danny | C, OF | Dover-Sherborn | 2023 | Dover, MA |
2021 16U Schedule
(Under Development)