The 2021 Ruffnecks Spring program centers on the development and game activity for the 13U and 14U Ruffnecks.Both rosters have an active spring season that includes at least one 0n-field practice per week and a weekend schedule of games. In general our April and May weekly activity consists of 3-4 days of baseball activity. The schedule for the 14U Ruffnecks includes games against school JV teams.
13U & 14U Ruffnecks Under Way!
Ruffnecks and The BASE
Through the last week of April the 13U and 14U Ruffnecks teams have played nearly 15 games each. A busy May schedule will likely bring that number to over 30 games before summer even begins. Game experience is essential to development. The 13U Ruffnecks play in a competitive 5 team NEBA association. All games are at the NEBC. The 14U Ruffnecks play an independent schedule comprised of NEBA organizations and non-NEBA organizations, including several school JV teams. Both the 13’s and the 14’s play in two 14U events at the NEBC during the spring: The Patriot’s Day Bash and the May Classic.
Collaboration with The BASE
In 2021 the Ruffnecks program is collaborating with The BASE to bring inner city baseball players to the NEBC. The BASE makes its home in Roxbury, Massachusetts. The two programs practice together on alternating Thursday evenings. The BASE also participates in the 13U NEBA Division play at the NEBC. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement that enhances the quality of practices while simultaneously sharing experience with players from different communities.
Indoor Cage Update: Open Hitting CLOSED
OPEN HITTING hours at the NEBC Cages have ended for the 2021 Winter/Spring. Renovations of the NEBC cages have commenced. Limited cage ability remains for the spring.
Players wishing to schedule cage time may call the NEBC directly
Please call (508) 409-4101 to check for availability and rates for non-Ruffnecks cage time.
Updates and last minute notifications (usually weather related) regarding indoor sessions are available on the home page of this website, this page, and through email. Families should NOT depart from home during winter weather without checking email and the website for updates.
The NEBC hitting tunnels provide state of the art indoor hitting facilities for Ruffnecks. Some hours are designated as TEAM hitting sessions (for 13U and 14U). OPEN hours provide opportunities for Ruffnecks to use the batting cages independently or with teammates. We ask players to wear Ruffnecks apparel and to identify themselves at the front desk of the NEBC when they are using the cages during OPEN hours. Please monitor the website home page and the links to the Winter Schedule.
At all times, Ruffnecks are to use ONLY WOOD BATS in the NEBC hitting tunnels.
Players are expected to wear Ruffnecks apparel and caps while hitting in the cages.
All equipment is to be returned to its proper place.
The NEBC cages are expected to be put in order. Trash to be picked up.
There are no machines in the batting cages. Ruffnecks players are encouraged to work with each other and to use the buckets, tees, and L-Screens to conduct high-repetition hitting routines taught in our program, on their own.
Covid Guidelines for NEBC Cage Use
The safety and health of Ruffnecks players, coaches, and families is a priority. Links to the regulations and guidelines are updated on our COVID REGS page. Please review. The NEBC follows current Commonwealth of Massachusetts protocols and guidelines governing indoor athletic spaces. We urge all Ruffnecks to use good decision making. Follow the guidelines.
General Guidelines:
Participants, Coaches, and chaperones must be symptom free for Covid-19 for 14 days prior to activity.
If a participant experiences symptoms after attending a hitting session, the Director of Ruffnecks and NEBC must be informed.
Any positive test requires notification to the Director of the Ruffnecks (It will be shared with the NEBC).
Cages (Area) Specific Guidelines:
Players MUST register at the monitor’s desk by signing the Ruffnecks Daily Register. Please specify time in and out.
Players MUST wear face coverings while engaged in activities in the cages.
Players SHOULD wash their hands before and after hitting and handling baseballs and equipment.
The Cages are limited to PLAYERS & COACHES ONLY.
A maximum of 15 (TOTAL) players and coaches are permitted in the cage area.
Players should use their own bats (Wood ONLY) and bring their own water.
There is limited viewing space on the walkway in the cage area. Spectators and chaperones are asked to remain outside the cage area.
Team Hitting Sessions:
Specific TEAM Hitting sessions for 13U and 14U are scheduled periodically. They begin and end ON TIME.
Other players are not permitted to hit in the cages or to wait in the cage area during a team hitting session.
Coaches will provide a list of players attending team hitting sessions.
