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 populated by 2022’s and 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 11 to 12 pitchers.  All get plenty of work.

The coaching staff works and 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 start date and having a full roster.  As such, 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 17U Ruffnecks will travel to several highly competitive events outside our region in 2021.  The travel season starts with attendance at the Super17 at Diamond Nation in New Jersey June 21-25.

Travel & Current Tournament Updates

Travel is an important feature in the “Seniors” experience.  In 2021 we resume our intensive travel schedule.  Destinations are chosen to provide the best competition and exposure for our players.  Our objective is to put our Seniors in the best places for them in the context of TEAM Baseball.  The team will travel to New Jersey, Arizona, and Ohio in the summer of  2021.

Super 17 at Diamond Nation: Flemington, NJ June 21-25

The 17U Ruffnecks opened at Diamond Nation June 21-24.  The “Senior” Ruffnecks took three out of four games.  Dante LeRoy started on the mound and pitched three effective innings.  Scooter Beverly pitched two and Dylan Knightly pitched the final frame in a time-shortened six inning 7-3 win.  Edo Spadaccini and James O’Connell had two hits each among the 9 hits for the Ruffnecks.

In Game 2 on Tuesday, June 22, The Ruffnecks lost 3-1.  Hagan Ward pitched two shutout innings.  Dante D’Avanzo drove in the sole run and Mark Henshon doubled for the Ruffnecks only two hits.  Wednesday, June 23 saw the ‘Necks bounce back with a decisive 5-1 win behind the pitching of Skyler Bordiuk, John Tully, and Danny Collins.

The Ruffnecks won their final game in comeback fashion in the bottom of the sixth.  Trailing 4-2, the Ruffnecks loaded the bases.  A two-run pinch hit double by Dante D’Avanzo gave the ‘Necks the lead 5-4.  Scooter Beverly drove in the 6th run with a pinch hit single.  Gabe Fitzgerald pitched well in the start.

2021 17U Team Rosters & Schedule

Schedule Updated June 24, 2021 at 11:40 pm
Saturday, June 26 at Team Cape Cod Time changed to 12:00.  Report at 10:30
Sunday, June 27 at GBG Hawks is canceled.
17U PG Super25 Schedule, June 28-30 is posted.
Firecracker Schedule: Thursday, July 1 (Only) 1:00 and 3:15 at URI
Friday, July 2 & Saturday, July 3 are now OFF Days.
Boston Invitational Schedule July 4-6 is posted.  We play 7:15pm Sunday, July 4 at NEBC
Ohio Tournament Schedule is Posted August 4-8

17U Ruffnecks Schedule 2021