Coaching has always been at the core of the Ruffnecks baseball program. As we move into the 2010 season we celebrate several recent achievements by Ruffnecks coaches. Devitt Moore, who coached the 18U Ruffnecks College Prospect team this past season was hired by the Seattle Mariners to be Area Scout in the territory covering Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. His contributions to the Ruffnecks program are appreciated by the players, fellow coaches, and college recruiters for whom he always represented our organization professionally and with passion. Joining Devitt in the professional ranks is John Birtwell, who was hired by the Florida Marlins to be the Short Season-A pitching coach in Jamestown, NY. John has helped the Ruffnecks for the past several years during the winter. John, a Harvard grad, pitched in the Oakland and Detroit systems, reaching Triple A. He also coached a group of Ruffnecks on a Spring Trip to Florida last March. This is not the first time the program has lost coaches to the profesional ranks. Duncan Webb, who coached with the Ruffnecks for two seasons in 2005 and 2006 is currently a coach in the Red Sox system. We are also grateful for the presence of Rich Gedman (pictured) around the program. Players who seek him out can benefit from his wealth of experience and knowledge. The quality of coaches distinguishes the Ruffnecks experience for our players, and provides a level of instruction and organization that reflects our commitment to the highest standards of baseball development from 13U to 18U. We are steadfast in the principle of non-parent coaches for our teams. Yet most importantly the Ruffnecks assemble coaches, advisors, and medical professionals that are unsurpassed for a college development program of its kind.

Ruffnecks Announce Dan Brookes as Coach of 18U Team

The 18U Ruffnecks have a new skipper for the 2010 season. Dan Brookes will take over the manager’s duties from Devitt Moore, who is now with the Seattle Mariners. Coach Brookes’ credentials include several years experience coaching in the New England Collegiate Baseball League (Summer College), at Westfield State College, and as an associate scout with the Boston Red Sox and LA Angels. “This is a great opportunity for me to work with real focused kids,” remarks Coach Brookes. He is also highly recommended by Yankees scout and advisor to the Ruffnecks, Matt Hyde who says, “Danny will be a very professional addition to the Ruffnecks.” He is ready to guide the 18U team through an intensive travel schedule during the summer that will take the squad to South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and througout the Northeast. In addition to his coaching duties with the Ruffnecks, Dan will be helping Matt Hyde, Ray Fagnant, and Greg Morhardt with the Area Code Team and other prospect events. Dan Brookes makes his home with his wife in Springfield, MA.