History of the Ruffnecks

The New England Ruffnecks is a College Development Program, not just a collection of teams. Founded as a non-profit 501-c-3 in 2003, the Ruffnecks have established a national reputation as one of the finest CDPs in the country as well as in the Northeast.  In 2006 the 16U Ruffnecks achieved national attention when they took third place at the Super 7 Invitational Tournament in East Cobb, Georgia.  That team also advanced to the championship round of the World Wood Bat Championships in Georgia, and ultimately led to the establishment of the College Prospect team in 2007.  In 2008 our 14U Ruffnecks took home third place at the CABA World Series in Nashville, TN, establishing national prominence, even at the younger levels.  This past summer of 2010 our Ruffnecks “Red” College Prospect Team (17U) finished in the “Sweet Sixteen” of the Perfect Game 17U Wood Bat Championships in East Cobb, Georgia where close to 200 teams from around the country competed.  It was the highest finish ever by a New England team. 

About Our Program in 2011

In 2011 the Ruffnecks program fields teams at 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U and 18U.  The Ruffnecks travel schedule continues to be one of the most aggressive and challenging in the Northeast.   The Ruffnecks receive invitations to many events throughout the country where our teams face the top travel programs in high exposure, competitive events.  Although our teams can not participate in every event, the program has made an enormous commitment to travel, far more than most other development programs of our kind.  The 18U (Class of 2012) College Prospect team, along with Ruffnecks squads comprised of players in the classes of 2013 and 2014 will be on the road for significant periods during June and July.  In the past two years these teams have competed at venues such as Clemson University; the University of South Carolina; Wake Forest University; Ft. Myers, Florida; Marietta, Georgia; Illinois, Tennessee, and several tournaments throughout the Northeast.

The 13U and 14U Ruffnecks play in a combination of Northeast Baseball Alliance (NEBA) competition, as well as in several national tournaments.  The 13U Ruffnecks are focused on making the transition to the big diamond, while the 14U schedule reflects a serious commitment to expanding the boundaries of developmental baseball.  At all ages 13U to 18U the Ruffnecks is a serious travel baseball program.

Our Mission & Track Record

Our mission has been to develop baseball players and young men on and off the field.  We do this by providing devoted coaches and playing against the best competition in the country.  The results speak for themselves… on field results, kids going to schools, Area Code selections, and even drafted players.  Other programs may make promises and claims, but we have a proven track record.  Consider:

• Past Ruffnecks and Class of 2011 players are at or committed to schools such as Harvard, Brown, Dartmouth, Columbia, Holy Cross, North Carolina, Vanderbilt, BC, William and Mary, Florida International, UMass, UConn;  Small Colleges such as Amherst, Williams, Trinity, Colby, Tufts, Wheaton, and others.  This is not ancient history… this is current.

• Our teams are successful in terms of wins and losses, not because we demand victory, but because we ask players to prepare and conduct themselves by standards of excellence that have endured over time.  We succeed in high-profile tournaments because of these principles and the way in which we conduct ourselves in travel, preparation, and effort.
  

  Ryan Westmoreland Signed with Sox in '08

• Our 17U College Prospect had a program best-ever showing at the Perfect Game Wood Bat Championships in Georgia.  Our 16s, 15s, and 14s similarly enjoyed victories and strong showings.  Even our 13s, where development is the absolute priority, fought their way into a tournament championship.  Winning is a by product of what we do, not the dominant objective.  It is easy to assemble a good team; it is more difficult to develop a good program.

• We have had 6 Area Code selections in the past four years.  Three of them in 2010.  This is the most selective amateur pre-draft team event supported by Major League Baseball.  Ruffnecks who make Area Code are deserving players, not political slots.  They are observed over time and through our year-round activities, not simply a tryout.
• We have had three players drafted since 2008.  We are most proud of Ryan Westmoreland and the courage he has exhibited off the field… which brings us back to the underlying foundation of the Mission… Develop players and young men on and off the field.

Developmental Philosophy & Objectives

The Ruffnecks is not an AAU program. We are a College Development Program (CDP) committed to travel baseball.  We seek competitive opportunities in the context of multi-association play.  We are committed to advancing the development of our players much like a school curriculum.  Each year builds on the prior year’s experiences, developmental foundations, and principles.  We tell our players that if they want to find out how good they are, we will put them in front of the best competition, wherever that takes us.  Few programs in the Northeast commit comparable resources, a higher proportion of its operating budget, and subsidizes more in development than the Ruffnecks.  We are committed to Non-Parent, professional coaching for all our teams.  We do not permit parent coaches or assistants.  We are founded on this principle and we ask parents to support our goal to have each player become his own advocate on the baseball field.

Age and Class are factors in deciding which roster a player is assigned to.  A summary of those objectives follow below:

• 12U Ruffnecks: The Ruffnecks no longer offer a 12U competitive program.

• 13U Ruffnecks: This is a year of transition to the big diamond. It is also a year of separation of talent as well as preparation for high school baseball.  We like to say, “Baseball begins at 90.”  Of course we mean the 90 foot diamond.  13U players need to re-learn the game of baseball.  Success on the small diamonds of Little League does not necessarily translate to success on the big diamond.

• 14U Ruffnecks: A year of accelerated competition and travel.  We commit our team to a VERY demanding schedule.  The 14U developmental curve is challenging.  In the past two years our 14U team has played 62 and 59 games respectively.  April and May are dedicated primarily to NEBA play.  From Memorial Day through the first week of August, we are focused on tournament play and travel.

• 15U Ruffnecks (Mostly Class of 2014 and some younger 2013 grads): The program is designed for players with the talent and focus to become significant varsity level high school contributors.  While some tournament competition is age-specific for 15U players, we continue to seek tournament opportunities that have no age or even class restrictions.  If we must choose, we will almost always “play up.”  A June – early August schedule includes weekday activity.

• Ruffnecks “Blue” – 16U: ( Primarily 2013 grads and some 2012s): This is the equivalent of a highly competitive 16U-17U program, designed for players who are currently high school varsity contributors. This is an every-day program June – early August.  While many of our players are developed from within our own system, each year we consider new candidates. The competitive objectives are consistent with the same exposure objectives as the 18U team.

• Ruffnecks “Red” – 18U: College Prospect Team (2012 HS Graduates): Designed primarily for rising seniors identified as likely college-bound prospects. This is a team-oriented competitive program. It is high exposure and high intensity. If you perform successfully in the context of this team you will be followed by college recruiters.  We do NOT claim to be exclusively a D-I college prospect team.  Nor do we offer claims that we can get players a college scholarship.  We work hard and honestly with each rising prospect to be his advocate, and to advise him with regard to his college aspirations.  We have many very solid players who matriculate to outstanding D-II and D-III programs. It is an every-day program mid-June through the beginning of August. This team is strictly for established high school varsity players. Professional scouts help coach during the winter workouts.  While we have enjoyed several professional signings from our ranks, this is a college development program first and foremost.

Travel & Costs

The New England Ruffnecks is a travel baseball program.  Accordingly, players and families should expect significant local, regional, and national travel.  Tuition and fees run between $2,800 and $3,000, depending on age level.  Ruffnecks tuition includes hotel, meals, air and/or ground transportation to national tournaments.  The Club does not pick up hotel or transportation costs to most regional tournaments in the Northeast.

Financial Aid and Outreach Initiatives: In 2009 the Club awarded over $17,000 in financial aid to players who otherwise could not afford to participate.  The Ruffnecks have reached into the greater Boston community over the past several years to enable players from inner-city backgrounds to enjoy the experience of travel baseball.  In 2008 and 2009 the Ruffnecks initiated a Dominican Host Program.  Five Dominican boys have enjoyed the experience of playing in Boston with the Ruffnecks.  We always include a visit to Fenway Park!  These initiatives are a result of the generosity of several benefactors and the collective efforts of those who participate in the program.

How We Travel

Travel is done as a team.  Parents are not responsible, and only involved as spectators.  Parents are not required to travel.

• While on major road trips, players fly or bus with their teammates.  We stay in hotels, eat, and transport our players to and from games in team vans or buses.  There is very little “down” time.  Curfews are imposed.  Roommate arrangements are arbitrarily made.  We have devised a meal plan with the consultation of a sports nutritionist.  Our coaches do their very best to adhere to the guidelines and parameters of healthy diets and schedules on the road.

• When traveling, the team is on our watch.  We  have a parent representative who helps coordinate communication between the activities of the team and the core of parents in attendance on a given trip.  Of course not all parents can attend all trips.  Our parent groups have traditionally evolved into very supportive partners in our effort to make sure each player has someone looking out for him while on trips far from home.

• We exercise careful accountability for players.  The hotels we designate as “team hotels” are for the players and coaches.  We discourage families from staying in the team hotel.  Almost without exception, we contract with hotels that have a second, nearby property for parents.  The Club pays for and coordinates player travel.  We do not book travel or hotel rooms for parents.

We encourage all players and parents to understand that the team experience on the road belongs to the players.  It is our intent to teach them how to live, interact, bond, and work out their differences with each other.  While there is some time for players to go off with their own parents or friends, we work hard to keep the team together.  We try to maintain a focus on baseball.  Activities such as a team movie, attendance at a minor league game, or other non-playing options are usually done as a team.  The Club often pays for these activities or they are paid for by a contributor to the program… parent or otherwise.  We usually go out to team dinners while on the road.

For additional information on how to become a candidate for the 2010 Ruffnecks Travel program, please call the office at (617) 366-4246 or email neruffnecks@gmail.com