The annual Ruffnecks fall baseball program has come to a close! Over the course of five weeks, our players had the opportunity to compete, learn, and develop at a high level. Every age group received extensive instruction while continuing to experience the pace and challenges of game-speed baseball.

The 13/14u program followed a familiar and successful formula. Instruction played a crucial role in helping our new 13u players adjust to the challenges of the big diamond, while the 14u players embraced their roles as mentors and leaders, a tradition that has long been a staple of the Ruffnecks community. Having once been new to the program themselves, our 14u players understand the value of the guidance they received from older Ruffnecks and now have the opportunity to pass that knowledge and experience along to the next generation. There is tremendous value in learning from coaches and experienced players, but there is just as much to gain from teaching, leading, and mentoring others. These multiple avenues for learning and developing the game of baseball have been a key part of the Ruffnecks’ continued success.

Our older Ruffnecks also gained tremendous value from the intrasquad scrimmages. These relaxed yet competitive game situations allowed players to focus on specific skills, make adjustments, and continue developing their games heading into next season. Fall scrimmages aren’t about wins and losses; they’re about growth. Each game provided an opportunity for players to make physical and mental adjustments, build confidence, and prepare for the challenges ahead. Much like spring training, the focus is on putting in the work now to create success next spring and summer.

As always, our coaching staff remains committed to providing individualized instruction and guidance to every player. The shared passion for baseball among our coaches and players creates an outstanding learning environment, one that challenges everyone involved to continue improving and stay sharp.

With the fall season behind them, each Ruffneck player now has a blueprint to follow throughout the offseason as they work toward their individual goals. At the same time, the importance of teamwork remains at the heart of everything we do. Every player must understand their role, execute their responsibilities, and trust their teammates to do the same. That’s how teams grow, develop, and ultimately play winning baseball.

Although fall baseball has come to an end, the work is far from over. Players may need to give their arms a break for several weeks, and competitive games in the Northeast may not return until March, but the commitment to improvement never stops. Great players understand that development is a year-round process. Even when the weather forces us indoors, there are countless ways to continue building the physical skills, mental toughness, and baseball IQ needed to compete at the highest level.

Now, the true offseason begins! Keep working, keep learning, and keep getting better! We’ll see you at the facility!

Fall baseball has always been a little different for the Ruffnecks.

It is not a second spring season, and it is not simply a collection of games after the summer ends. The fall gives players room to work, experiment, compete, and improve without treating every inning like it carries the weight of a championship.

For our 13U and 14U groups, the fall is development-based by design. The emphasis is on learning how to play the game on the big diamond, understanding situations, building better habits, and becoming more complete baseball players.

At the high school levels, the approach is a little different but the principles are the same. Returning players use the fall to take a measured approach to their development. Pitchers throw in small doses. Players may move around the field. New players mix in with returners. Coaches experiment. Players experiment. Games give us a place to see what works and what needs more work.

Last weekend marked the beginning of that process.

This weekend, the storm interrupts it.

That is fine.

Development does not happen because we managed to squeeze another game onto the schedule. It happens because players learn how to prepare, how to compete, how to pay attention, and how to use the opportunities they do get.

Run hard.

Pay attention.

Compete.

Learn something.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
  Rutgers vs Minnesota
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
  Chris Galland, Scott Holzwasser, Joey Walsh (at Ft. Myers 2019)
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Thank You

The New England Ruffnecks program was founded in 2003.  In 2007, we established our program as a 501-c-3 non-profit entity.  We are much like a private school or a college.  Since 2007, the philanthropy of Stuart and Susan Porter has led the way for subsidization, financial aid, and support of our mission.  Mr. Porter partnered with Steve August to build the Ruffnecks program in such a way that it still thrives in its 24th year.  Mr. Porter also led the way as the sole investor in building the NEBC (New England Baseball Complex), which stands today as a centerpiece for all baseball youth in the Northeast.  Yes, it was Ruffnecks and Mr. Porter who set out to meet the challenge of “if you build it they will come.”  And while the NEBC is no longer the base of operations for the Ruffnecks program (the entity New England Baseball Enterprises still owns it and leases it to Perfect Game), we proudly look at that contribution to the New England baseball landsape for the past 14 years.

Make a Gift (Click on this Header!)

There is still time to make a contribution.  Just click on the link above.  July 15th was our second Giving Day!  July 15, 2026.  Our goal was not set on a dollar figure.  Indeed, it is set on the simple Golden Rule of doing for others.  We hit our participation goal.  Small gifts of of $25, $50 unlock “challenges” of bigger gifts upwards of $10,000, funded by the generosity of individuals, alumni parents, and others for whom the Ruffnecks experience has made a difference in lives.

It is our annual “ask.”  As Stu and Susan Porter exhort us to this day… Let’s make the Ruffnecks a program that delivers an experience to any player and family, regardless of their financial means.  Your support helps.  Scroll through the Alumni Photos Slider (above).  Enjoy! And Thank You to all who helped!

The long delay from extended public school calendars did not deter the older three Ruffnecks teams from a strong start to Summer 2026.  Led by strong coaching staffs and rosters comprised of dedicated players, Ruffnecks are competing well.

Combined Success at Super17

A combined roster of 2027 and 2028 grads (built from the 16u and 17u rosters) traveled to Flemington, NJ for the Super17 at Diamond Nation June 15-18.  This combined roster played well and came away with a 2-2 record.  The primary objective was to get pitchers work, get position players AB’s in competitive situations, and to restart the “engines” for our players.  The Super17 is well attended by college recruiters from the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast.  Consequently, the event provided an opportunity for some Ruffnecks to be seen.

Nashville: June 23-27 Is Big Success

All three College Prep Ruffnecks teams, the 15u, 16u, and 17u traveled together to the Music City Classic in Nashville, TN.  The trip provided the elements of competitive, developmental baseball within the TEAM framework that defines the Ruffnecks program.  The competition was solid.  Our 15u and 16u teams competed in the 16u Division of the event, while the 17u team competed in the top 17u division.  Games were played on excellent fields including Belmont University and Lipscomb University, two strong Division I programs.

Coaches Ejaaz Jiu, Tommy Leimkuhler, and Bryan Muenzner led the 15u team.  They played well and hard going 2-2 in the event.  Most importantly the team embraced the demands of travel, preparation, performance that accompanies the jump to the higher level of competition.  Newcomer Nicholas Grindle had an exciting inside the park home run at Lipscomb.

The 16u Ruffnecks are led by the steady hand of Coach Jon Beverly. He is assisted by Dr. Dirk Baker, and Jack Beverly.  Mrs. Beverly (Fenna) provided extraordinary culinary and nutritional support with meal planning and cooking.  Meanwhile, the team performed very well on the diamond going 4-1 in the event.  The only defeat came in the final game 10-11, but not without several combacks and timely, clutch hits.  Alas, the pitching ran short, even if the bats did not.  Coach Beverly manages an instructive, developmental approach.  Daily team meetings, briefings and constant “baseball talk” permeate the hotel stay, meal times, and bus rides.

The 17u Roster is guided by John Toffey, who returns to fill Kevin Casey’s void after 5 seasons.  Toff is no stranger to the Ruffnecks program.  He managed the 17u Ruffnecks from 2015 to 2021.  The venerable Ace Adams is pitching coach, while the experienced veteran, John Brickley is Bench Coach.  It is an amazing staff, with a solidly professional approach.  Michelle Miakos helped again with the meal planning and execution.  The 17u Ruffnecks also had a 4-1 record.  They attracted considerable attention from the college coaches in attendance.  The team bonded, learned about each other, and discovered a competitive spark.

All three teams and parents benefitted from a Recruiting Presentation.  Former Ruffnecks player (and Vanderbilt & MLB) Will Toffey attended as a guest to share some of his experiences with the 17u group.

Firecracker Update: 17u Ruffnecks Reach Chmpionship Game in 18u/19u Division

All three College Prep Ruffnecks teams, along with the 13’s and 14’s competed in the Firecracker July Fourth Classic in Rhode Island.  The 15u Ruffnecks went 2-2 with two competitive defeats (3-5 and 6-7).  The 16u Ruffnecks just missed playoffs with a 3-1 pool play record.  Meanwhile, the 17u Ruffnecks again showed as one of the strongest teams at the event.  They have advanced to the Championship Game with a 5-1 record, before bowing in the final.

The 2026 Ruffnecks Baseball season is finally here.  The long, snow-covered, winter drove Ruffnecks players inside the Facility for the bulk of their preparation.  Not until mid-March were the turfed fields of the NEBC or Roxbury Latin available for use.  No matter… Ruffnecks players got their work done.

13’s and 14’s Open Schedules & Tournament Play

The 13u and 14u Ruffnecks are under way with games.  During the spring of 2026 the two youngest Ruffnecks sqauds are entered into the Perfect Game New England League.  This provides a competitive schedule of games over a series of weekend activity while still allowing flexibility in the schedules for tournament play.  As in the past, a combined roster of 13’s and 14’s assemble periodically to compete against several strong prep programs such as Dexter and Roxbury Latin.  These mid-week games provide added experience and opportunities for development.  Both the 13u Ruffnecks and 14u Ruffnecks have busy schedules during April and May.  They both play in the Firecracker Memorial Day tournament before turning attention to June events and the eventual year-ending tournament on the road.  This year the Ruffnecks return to Nashville, Tennessee for the first time since 2019!  It shapes up to be an exciting campaign.

Older Players Busy with High School & Prep Seasons

The 15u, 16u, and 17u Ruffnecks players are busy with their high school and prep seasons during April, May, and early June.  The Summer Ruffnecks schedule begins the second week of June with several pre-season practices.  The 16’s and 17’s travel to Diamond Nation on June 15 for the Super17, which is an event covered by many colleges in the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic.  On June 23, all three older teams travel to Nashville for the competitive Music City Classic June 23-27.  The teams return for a heavy Northeast tournament schedule, along with some Team Camps.  The 16u and 17u teams are scheduled to travel to Pennsylvania for the Lafayette/UPenn Team Camp in July.  The 15’s and 16’s will also attend the Northeastern Team Camp.  2026 shapes up to be a busy time for Ruffnecks.

Several Coaching changes and additions are in store for the older Ruffnecks in 2026.  The 17u Ruffnecks welcome the return of Coach John Toffey.  He managed the 17u team from 2013 to 2021.  He replaces Kevin Casey who is now a Division I Recruiting Coordinator at Northeastern University.  Coach Toffey reunites with Coaches Brickley and Ace Adams.  Toffey brings continuity, experience, and extensive college connections back to the program.  He will be involved with the 15u and 16u teams as well.

The 16u staff is manned by the experienced Jon Beverly (Manager) and Dirk Baker.  They did a remarkable job in 2025 and return in 2026 to usher along a capable 16u roster.

The 15u team welcomes Ejaaz Jiu back to the dugout after a paternity summer.  He replaces Kevin Graber, who has come and gone several times as the 15u skipper.  Tommy Leimkuhler and Bryan Muenzner return to provide continuity to the 15u staff.