17U Ruffnecks 2021 Summer Outlook

TEAM ROSTER | TEAM SCHEDULE

The 17U season is considered the Ruffnecks “Senior” year.  The 17U roster is comprised largely of rising seniors, as defined for the summer of 2021, players in the HS graduation class of 2022.  For most players, the Ruffnecks season will culminate with a college destination prior to entering the senior year of high school.  Some pursue a post-graduate year at prep schools.  The 17U roster is also populated by some 2023 grads.  The “Seniors” roster is traditionally a large one, with specialization among the pitching staff in particular.  Our roster is comprised of approximately 13-15 positional players for whom we allocate at-bats.  The remainder of the roster features PO’s (Pitchers Only) along with some two-way players.  It is not unusual to have a pitching staff of 10 to 11 pitchers.  All get plenty of work.

The coaching staff works manages the schedule (particularly the pitching schedule) with a professional approach.  There are four full-time coaches who work with the 17U roster.  Among them is a dedicated, professional, pitching coach.  The program is fortunate to have Ace Adams in the role of Pitching Coordinator.  He is accompanied by a staff that includes former professional scout, John Brickley.  The 17U squad is managed by John Toffey and assisted by Brendan Casey.  Other staff roam in and out for instructive purposes.  The 17U team, more than any other in the Ruffnecks program, is collegiate in its approach and execution.  Stamina and focus are in high demand.

Pre-Season & Scout Day

The 17U schedule begins in mid-June.  The impact of Covid 19 lingers on high school schedules, which in turn affects our rosters.  As such, the program will commence “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 17U Ruffnecks will travel to several highly competitive events outside our region in 2021.  We also plan to attend the Super17 at Diamond Nation in New Jersey June 21-25.

Travel is an important feature in the “Seniors” experience.  With Covid restrictions and guidelines, the organization did not travel during the summer of 2020.  The disappointment was offset by intensive training, development time, and a robust schedule in our region.  With field reliability and the certainty that comes with playing on a synthetic surface, the 17U Ruffnecks got plenty of on-field experience.  In 2021 we intend to resume our traditional travel schedule.  Destinations are chosen to provide the best competition and exposure for our players.  Significant changes in the recruiting landscape continue to evolve.  Our objective is to put our Seniors in the best places for them in the context of TEAM Baseball.

2021 17U Team Rosters & Schedule

Schedule Updated April 4, 2021 at 9:44 am

Additional changes may be made to the schedule in April and May.

17U Ruffnecks Schedule 2021