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.

The 16U Ruffnecks “Blue” squad took the championship game in the Seadogs Select Six Tournament with a convincing 5-0 victory in the finals.  The team was led in the final game by an outstanding pitching performance from John Nicklas.  The four day tournament tested the team’s depth in the pitching department.  Dan Dymecki, Max Tishman, Eric Oberg, Trevor Holmes, and Tom Crispi all contributed strong outings during the hot weather. The 16s head to Philadelphia next week to participate in a tournament at Temple University, and then travel to the site of the former USA Baseball Training Complex outside of Memphis, Tennessee for the 17U CABA Wood Bat World Series.

13U Ruffnecks Reach Finals in Connecticut

Davis Wall makes a play

Meanwhile the 13U Ruffnecks found their way to their first tournament championship game with a strong three day effort at the Connecticut Bombers Invitational over the July 4th holiday weekend.  Although the team fell short by an 8-5 score in the trophy game, the journey to the finals was marked by some outstanding play by a team that has improved over 45 games.  Once again a strong pitching start by Derek Grubis in Game 1 set the tone.  The victory was an exciting 6-5 win punctuated by a game-ending double play with the infield in and the tying run on third.  A hard ground ball to Christian Reenstierna was cooly played into an out at first and a bang-bang throw from first baseman Mike Greco to catcher John Simourian who blocked the plate and put the tag on the runner from third.  Simourian had a very strong tournament at the plate with a triple and three doubles.  Mike Greco and Davis Wall also had a strong offensive tourney.  Reenstierna also pitched four strong innings for a 3-2 win in Game four.  The team looks to continue its winning ways in the final two tournaments of the year, in Fall River, Mass and Indianapolis, Indiana.