Players and families seeking a sound baseball program for their sons’ development are challenged by numerous choices, solicitations, mixed messages, and even their own expectations. The Ruffnecks program is established among the most experienced and well regarded College Development programs in the country. It has taken 8 years to accomplish what we do as a program, and like the individual development of players success is not achieved overnight.
Tryouts: How to be considered for the Ruffnecks
Inquires for new candidates are welcome throughout the Fall and Winter. Prospective players and families may contact the office directly by phone or by email. Our Tryouts are conducted through direct involvement with our activities such as Fall Baseball, Winter Workouts, or other events or clinics. While we do not hold schedule Tryout Dates, we will discuss an appropriate evaluation opportunity with any serious candidate.
College Development and Track Record
The Ruffnecks were among the very first to establish a College Prospect development program in Massachusetts and Eastern New England. Since 2006 we have earned a distinguished track record that spans five years of college development and placement of our players. Players who have matriculated through our program are currently playing at Division I schools that include: Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Holy Cross, William & Mary, University of North Carolina, Florida International, Georgetown, Binghamton, Kennesaw State, Stanford University, the University of Massachusetts, among others. Division III schools such as Amherst College, Bates, Bowdoin, Curry, Dickinson, Endicott, Trinity, Williams are represented by former Ruffnecks. Other outstanding baseball schools including Ithaca College and Franklin Pierce University also have Ruffnecks on their rosters. Ruffnecks players in the Class of 2011 are currently committed to Boston College, Brown University, Vanderbilt University, Coastal Carolina, Bryant University, University of Connecticut with additional commitments still pending. This is a proven track record and one we stand by. In fact, close to 90 percent of our players who play on our prospect teams have gone on to play at least some college baseball.
Selection to Teams and Openings
We field five teams: One each at 13U, 14U, 15U, and two College Prospect Teams. Our two College Prospect rosters are skewed by age and graduation class. In 2011 the 17U/18U is comprised primarily of 2012 high school grads, while the 16U team is primarily 2013 grads and some younger 2012 grads.
13U Tryouts and Other Entry Points
Many of our players to return and advance through our developmental system. Nonetheless, we experience some attrition, albeit a small percentage each year. The best point of entry is the 13U Ruffnecks year. We encourage players and families to consider the program at 13U. More information is available on the 13U Team Page. We encourage participation in Fall Baseball for 13U candidates. At every other level we accept new candidates and add good players to our rosters.
Candidates for Ruffnecks High School Teams 15U and Up
Serious candidates for our summer travel teams for high school players are welcome to inquire at any time of the year prior to the summer season. However, our goal is to assemble our roster by positional needs at each level. We work out as a program, not individual teams during the fall and winter for high school aged players. Our Fall program and Winter Workouts are the best evaluation mechanism for selection to one of our advanced travel teams.










