Both the Ruffnecks “Red” (18U Ruffnecks) and the Ruffnecks “Blue” (16U Ruffnecks) have enjoyed a tremendously successful summer.  These two teams have traveled extensively during the past two months playing in Georgia, South Carolina, Memphis, New Jersey, Ohio, New York, and throughout New England.  However, it has been their performance at several of the top events in the country that has earned the program distinction in the eyes of professional scouts and college recruiters.  The 18U Ruffnecks is actually a roster comprised of 2011 graduates, all of whom are 17 and under.  The team recently earned the #1 overall seed at the 17U CABA High School World Series in Euclid, Ohio.  Coach Dan Brookes commented, “This group of kids are the hardest working and most dedicated group I have ever been around as a player or a coach.  I can’t imagine a better summer of baseball.  I get emotional when I speak about the kind of effort, focus, and caring for each other these kids have shown.”  The squad is truly a collection of college prospects, supported by 18 players, all of whom make contributions.  Three players have earned distinction by being named to the Northeast Area Code team, managed by Matt Hyde of the New York Yankees.  Adam Ravenelle, who has been in the program for five years; John Gorman (2 years); and first year pitcher Jordan Cote.

Meanwhile, Coach Kirk Fredericks has managed another strong group of college prospect Ruffnecks with the 16U or Ruffnecks “Blue” roster.  This team is comprised primarily of 2012 graduates and a few younger 2011’s.  The Ruffnecks “Blue” squad has also competed at a consistently high level, traveling to Memphis, East Cobb, South Carolina, and elsewhere in a grinding schedule.  The team has made it to the round of 16 at the CABA Wworld Series in East Cobb.  The core of the roster is also built around players who have come through the program.  Pitchers John Nicklas, Dan Dymecki, Max Tishman, Eric Oberg are all 4-5 year veterans of the Ruffnecks.  Position players Jake Levine, Bryan Rocha, Chris Nadeau, Davy Kussell, Conor Reenstierna, Dan Cellucci, Rhett Wiseman are likewise seasoned Ruffnecks.  Coach Fredericks has this group well positioned and prepared for another terrific class to hand to Coach Brookes for next summer.

Adam Ravenelle

The Ruffnecks took first place in a challenging pool play round by defeating the Jacksonville (FL) Warriors 3-2 Saturday morning in a gut wrenching game.  The first place pool finish was among one of the most competitive pools at the tournament.  The only loss came at the hands of the 2004 tournament champions Houston Kyle Chapman.  The Ruffnecks advanced to the Final 16 by virtue of a total team effort.  On Saturday  Jordan Cote stepped to the mound for the Ruffnecks for the second time in the tournament and again showed tremendous poise and talent.  Pitching 6 innings and supported by an offense sparked by AJ Zarosny, Cote helped carry the Ruffnecks to a 3-2 victory.  Three year Ruffnecks veteran David St. Lawrence got the call in the final inning to close the game and delivered a scoreless 7th.  The Ruffnecks moved on to win a late Saturday afternoon playoff game by a decisive 9-1 score.  Matt Luppi was ready to deliver, as he pitched a very effective start for the Ruffnecks.  Offense was not a problem to support Luppi as Carl Anderson, Ben Smith, David St. Lawrence, Adam Ravenelle among others swung the bats with success.  Ben Smith made the catch of the tournament, crashing into a brick wall.  He was fine, but the effort defined the way the team played all week long.

Ruffnecks Battle All American Prospects to 2-1 Decision

The game of the tournament took place in front of a large crowd at the East Cobb Baseball Complex between the All American Prospects from Miami, FL and the Ruffnecks from Boston, Massachusetts.  Starter John Gorman battled in a complete game effort against a formidable lineup.  The All American Prospects staff had not given up a single run the entire week outscoring their opponents 30-0 in Pool Play.  Gorman, along with his Ruffnecks teammates, created a buzz around the complex as they engaged in a wicked battle of pitch-by-pitch and out-by-out baseball.  Despite coming up on the short end of the decision, Gorman finished with 5 Ks and one walk.  The Ruffnecks managed six hits and a run against a strong All American Prospect pitching staff.  They loaded the bases and had some chances to win the game, but the effort fell short by a run.  Not only did the Ruffnecks draw the  attention and respect of the national baseball community, they distinguished themselves by going deeper in this marquee tournament than any team has ever gone from New England.  Coach Dan Brookes and his staff have much to be proud of as the Ruffnecks program is coming of age in a big way.  Already there is talk about a talented Ruffnecks class of 2012, as college recruiters and scouts look forward to the next group of players coming through the program.