16U Ruffnecks

16U Ruffnecks Grow Stronger, Focused, Better

TEAM ROSTER | TEAM SCHEDULE

Following a challenging 2020, the 16U Ruffnecks face 2021 with optimism and talent.  The 16U Ruffnecks roster in 2021 is characterized by players who have grown stronger through hard work, and the addition of talented new players.  Several players have reclassified and will repeat the 16U year.  The result is an older, seasoned, roster.  The 16U year presents a challenge to a player’s focus and resolve.  The recruiting process creates distractions.  Our goal is to maintain a focus on development, team baseball, and getting players better.  We frown on players leaving their team for showcases or college camps during June and July.  Indeed, the 16U Ruffnecks attract attention.  College coaches follow our 2023 (16U) roster.  We meet the distractions of recruiting with a focus on player development, team play, and performance.   It is a formula in which success rewards preparation and focus.  Performance attracts attention.

Pre-Season and Scout Day

The 16U schedule begins in mid-June.  In response to the Covid 19 impact on high school schedules, the program commences “Pre-Season” training on June 8th at the NEBC.  These sessions are designed to be daily workouts to include batting practice, skill work, and to recalibrate pitching arms for the busy summer.  The Pre-Season culminates with a SCOUT DAY on Thursday, June 17.  With uncertainties in the recruiting landscape, we continue to evaluate what to do and to play a brand of baseball that gets everyone better.  The primary objective is development and preparation.  The 16U Ruffnecks will travel to Georgia in 2021 to compete in the 17U Perfect Game WWBA.

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.  When on the road, we often practice prior to a game or after a game to go over details, team concepts, and skill work.  Our intent is also to play in the top events at the NEBC and at college TEAM Camps.  As we continue to monitor recruiting guidelines and to emerge from Covid restrictions, it is valuable to present our players in our home region where the college recruiters see us multiple times.  Their eyes, ears, and feedback will provide an informed narrative for the 2023 recruiting class.

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.

Tournament Update: 16’s Travel to 17U Perfect Game WWBA in Georgia July 6-12

The 16U Ruffnecks travel to Georgia for the 17U PG WWBA.  The event is among the most competitive in the United States.  Follow through the PG link and through updates here.

The 16’s got off to a rough start on Day #1.  The team dropped the first game by a 9-1 score.  In the second game of their doubleheader day, the ‘Necks battled back to play better in a 5-2 loss.  Teo Spadaccini delivered a good start on the mound.  On Wednesday, July 7 the Ruffnecks rebounded with a 7-1 win led by the starting pitching of Jack Sokhos-Drude.  James Henshon had two hits, as did Huxley Holcombe.  John Milewski leads the team with 3 RBI.

Dante Leroy pitched 5 strong innings on Thursday, July 8 and left with a 5-2 lead.  The team could not close the door as they surrendered 3 runs in the top of the 7th as a result of errors.  The game ended in a 5-5 tie.

On Friday, July 9 the Ruffnecks erupted for 8 runs in the top of the 5th and added another 3 in the top of the 6th on the way to an 11-2 win.  Max Gomez was 2-4 with a double, and Daniel Sullivan was 2-3 with a triple.  Sam Sacerdote pitched a complete game, striking out 8.

The Ruffnecks finished strong at the 17U WWBA with three consecutive wins, finishing with a 4-2-1 mark.  It was an impressive rebound after dropping the first two games in Pool Play.  Max Gomez led the Ruffnecks offense with a .450 average over the week.  John Milewski, Huxley Holcombe, and Daniel Sullivan also had strong offensive performances.  On the mound, Jack Sokhos-Drude pitched two strong outings.  Sam Sacerdote, Milewski, and Teo Spadaccini had strong starts.

16’s Win Championship at Underclass World Series July 19-23

After sweeping four games in the Boston Invitational, the 16U Ruffnecks got off to a Game #1 win 3-2 in the Underclass World Series at the NEBC.  Teo Spadaccini gave the ‘Necks a strong start.  Eli Robbins closed it out with 2 innings of no-hit work.  The ‘Necks took Game #2 by a 5-1 margin behind two RBI from James Henshon.  Nick Doucette gave the Ruffnecks a strong start on the mound.  The Ruffnecks won their pool with a 4-0 record and eventually earned the #1 seed in the playoff round.  They lived up to the #1 expectations as they won three consecutive games on Friday, July 23 for the championship.  Will Fosberg homered for the Neck’s.  Teo Spadaccini earned the win on the mound in the championship.  Every player on the 19 man roster contributed in meaningful ways to the successful run.  With 31 games under their belt, the 16U Ruffnecks continue to improve.  They head into the 18u College Prep 9 Inning Classic with momentum.

2021 16U Team Rosters & Schedule

Schedule Updated July 25, 2021 at 5:30 am
Sunday, July 25 (2 Games) at Springfield, MA is canceled.
Northeastern Team Camp begins Tuesday, July 27
18U College Prep 9 Inning Classic July 29-August 1 schedule is now posted.

16U Ruffnecks Schedule 2021