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 Update:  Boston Open July 8 – 12

The 17U Ruffnecks opened the Boston Open with a 5-1 win behind 5 innings from starter Dagen Darnell.  Matthew Fernandez pitched the 6th and Danny Collins closed the 7th for the win.  Sam Chutkow and Jesse McCullough had big RBI hits to lead the ‘Necks.  Rain washed out Friday and Saturday, July 9-10.  A dominant pitching performance by Jack McLaughlin and Hagan Ward led the Ruffnecks to a 10-0 Boston Open win on Sunday, July 11.

PBR/Expos Classic July 15-18

Game #1 of the PBR/Expos Classic saw the Ruffnecks earn a convincing 9-1 victory behind the strong starting pitching of Dagen Darnell.  All Pool Play games are scheduled at Franklin Pierce University in Rindge, NH.  The final games on Sunday, July 18 were rained out.

17U Perfect Game World Series: Surprise, Arizona July 27-31

The 17U Ruffnecks lost a close, hard fought contest to GBG National by a score of 6-4 in the opening game of the 17u PG World Series.  Dagen Darnell pitched well for the Ruffnecks.  On Wednesday, July 28 the Ruffnecks played two games, the first of which was at 1:00 in 107 degree Arizona heat.  The team jumped out to an early 2-0 lead against a formidable NorCal squad (indeed the Ruffnecks have led in each of their three pool play games).  The ‘Necks did not score again as NorCal went on to a 9-2 victory.  In Game #3 the Ruffnecks again jumped out to a 3-0 lead against Arizona T-Rex.  After falling behind 5-3, the Ruffnecks rallied with 3 runs in the 7th behind a leadoff single from Aidan Barry and a clutch 2-strike double from James O’Connell.  Dante LeRoy got the win in relief.  The Ruffnecks finished the event with a disappointing 1-3 Pool Play record.  Nevertheless, the experience at the 17U World Series was outstanding.  The level of competition, play, and the narrow margins for error, provided invaluable experience.  The team returns home on Saturday, July 31.

The 17’s turned around and hit the road again on August 4th for the Tournament of Champions in Cincinnait, Ohio.  The squad had considerable success at the TOC earning a spot in the Diamond Bracket (top championship bracket).  Following a tough 3-2 loss the Ruffnecks finished with a convincing 9-1 victory.

2021 17U Team Rosters & Schedule

Schedule Updated September 7, 2021 at 9:54 am
2021 Season is complete.

17U Ruffnecks Schedule 2021