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.

Come and See Our Program

Our Open House/Tryout sessions are designed to give players and families an opportunity to experience the Ruffnecks program, meet our coaches and compete in a high-energy, positive environment.  Players will participate in baseball-specific evaluations, drills and live instruction while our staff assesses skill level, athleticism, work ethic and overall fit with the program.

On Wednesday, June 17, the Ruffnecks held a well attended Open House for 13u candidates.  Young players making the transition to the “big” diamond enjoyed a spirited and instructive workout.  For those 13u candidate who were unable to attend, there are still opportunities to learn about the program and be considered.  Interested families can contact us at neruffnecks@gmail.com.

Open House events for other age classifications are in the works.  Dates and times will be posted on this home page and under “Selection Process.”
Click HERE if you are interested in the Ruffnecks Program.

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.

Older Teams Finish Strong in Local Action

As the 2025 season closed during the first week of August, with the oldest three Ruffnecks teams participating in local events.  Among those events the Prospect Select Boston Classic and the Perfect Game “Best of the Best” were highly competitive.  College coaches have been a steady presence at Ruffnecks games.  The focus has been primarily on the 17u Ruffnecks and 16u Ruffnecks where 2026 and 2027 high school grads play.  The 15u Ruffnecks made themselves into a good squad in their own right, challenging themselves against older opponents in several 16u events.  All the while games are played, the process of development and exposure help to build self-awareness.

17u Ruffnecks Enjoy Excellent Summer

The 17u “Senior” Ruffnecks finished the long 2026 summer with strong showings.  The team has bonded well and competed hard during the challenging and hot weather of July behind the solid coaching of Kevin Casey, John Brickley, and Ace Adams.  Nuri Gutman has been the stopper on the mound, delivering poised and masterful outings each time he starts.  Tucker Bliss and Marco Sullivan have also shown promise on the mound with both pitchers holding down the #2 and #3 starting slots. Boone Fahey, Cole Defina, Jon Condlin, Almany Santana, and Alistair Cooper have all contributed valuable innings out of the bullpen and in spot starts.  Unfortunately, Carter Hoganson was lost for the summer to injury.  It has been an unselfish pitching staff, reflective of the character of the team as a whole.  Tremendous credit goes to Ace Adams, who works tireless to support the pitchers.

Joe Mayo and Owen Callahan have anchored the catching duties with fine performances.  The outfield has been consistent and steady with Braeden Homer, Ryan Ruggiero, and Jack Weierman the regulars.  The verstile Michael Fiengo has also contributed to outfield play.  The infield has been outstanding with William Goggin estabilishing himself as a fine defender along with Garrett Falahee in the middle.  Boone Fahey worked his way into the 3B spot with Fiengo contributing as well.  1B has been manned by Callahan and Mayo, with Cole Defina contributions as well.  Owen Callahan, Ryan Ruggiero, Jack Weierman, William Goggin, Boone Fahey and Garrett Falahee have led the way for a balanced offense.  Weierman has 6 home runs for the summer season, while Ruggiero’s on base percentage has been a staggering .590!  Braeden Homer had a hot last few weeks with the bat as well.  Most importantly, the team has come together well and performed with success in their final several events.

15’s & 16’s Attend Northeastern Team Camp

The Northeastern University Team Camp provided an opportunity for the 16u and 15u Ruffnecks to participate in a pro-style workout in front of college coaches from 8-10 different schools . The Northeastern camp provide close scrutiny of skill work, performance, and measurable metrics.  It is a time for players to be evaluated and to evaluate themselves.  In addition to the workout day, there were two days of games against other clubs.

16u Ruffnecks Finish Well

Despite challenges, the 16u Ruffnecks finished their final tournament with impressive success.  Coaches Jon Beverly, Jack Beverly, Dirk Baker, and Michael O’Brien were joined the last three weeks by Mike Lyon.  All provided a sound instructive experience.  The season was marked by an undermanned pitching staff.  Sam Carbeau was unable to pitch in 2025, while the impressive Patrick Hunt had to shut it down midway through the summer.  Leo Sacerdote was effective, particularly so in Georgia where he stymied a formidable opponent in the 17u WWBA National Championships.  He too had to shut down toward the last part of the season.  Angus Mckenna competed well on the mound and demontrated durabilily and determination.  Jackson Shusda also proved a reliable starter and contributor on the mound with his steady presence.  Nick O’Neil continued to show himself well on the mound and was always competitive.  Albin Valdez, Drew Palmer, Matthew Howell, and Kaden McNeice contributed important innings to the cause of the 16u pitching staff.

The catching duo of Logan Katz and Andrew Plante bore the burden of some heavy duty catching time.  Both performed well defensively and contributed to the offense with their bats.  The outfield was manned by the steady presence of Matthew Pazak who showed speed and range.  Pazak’s bat was also impressive.  Matthew Howell, Albin Valdez, the versatile Peyton Shusda, and Nick O’Neil were all important to the flow of outfield play during the season.  Meanwhile, the infield was anchored by Devin Constantino, Peyton Shusda, Jackson Shusda, Bubba Bryan, and Andrew Palmer.  1B was manned by the platoon of Angus McKenna, Kaden McNeice, and others.

Offensively, Devin Constantino led the way.  Devin’s explosiveness on the bases and his consistent hitting provided a spark, especially in the second half of the summer.  Peyton Shusda, Andrew Plante, Nick O’Neil, Matthew Pazak, and Logan Katz all showed extra base power.  Matthew Howell, Andrew Palmer, Angus McKenna, Bubba Bryan, and Albin Valdez contributed timely hits.

15u Ruffnecks Achieve Instructive Success

The 15u Ruffnecks enjoyed considerable success as a team.  The 15u year is not for the cautious player!  It is a time where Ruffnecks coaches challenge the players to step up against older competition knowing it will be difficult at times.  The 2025 edition of the 15u Ruffnecks did just that.  Despite a thin pitching staff, the team found ways to compete and win.  The offense was characterized by the consistency of several hitters who showed an ability to piece together quality at-bats and an approach at the plate that generated baserunners.  Max Fukudome, Nathan Bills, Jack Fiengo, and Liam Eder-Linell were all tremendous catalysts to an aggressive offense and baserunning scheme employed by Coach KG.  Their ability to set the table, create havoc on the bases, and generate offense were critical to the success of the team.  Nate Dubuc showed great promise as a potential power bat.  Trevor Smith, Dylan Crean, Cam Baldwin, Crosby Callahan, and Max Ruggiero were all integral to the offensive output.  Dariel Espinosa showed some extra base power, delivering a number of big hits.  Quinn Healey, John MacLean, Tucker Hunt, and Griff Ciongoli were also intrumental in the offensive success.

Catchers Max Fukudome and Nathan Bills were outstanding.  Their experience at the varsity level during the spring served them and the pitchers well.  Nate Dubuc developed well and contributed several outstanding efforts as the backstop.  Fukudome and Bills were the versatile mainstays of the team, playing infield and outfield in addition to their catcher duties.  The infield was anchored by the steady work of Cam Baldwin, primarily at SS.  Max Ruggiero, Crosby Callahan, and Dariel Espinosa provided consistent efforts at 2B and 3B.  Sound outfield play was established by the two most consistent outfielders, Dylan Crean and Jack Fiengo.  Their outfield play was steady and grew increasingly proficient.  They were joined by Quinn Healey, John MacLean, Tucker Hunt, and outfield convert, Trevor Smith.  First Base was anchored by Liam Eder-Linell whose bat was difficult to take out of the lineup.  Griff Ciongoli also contributed at 1B prior to a knee injury that ended his summer.

The pitching staff got the most out of themselves, thanks largely to the quiet and steady guidance of Coach Tommy Leimkuhler.  Fletcher Parkinson proved to be a steady strike thrower and had several strong outings.  Griff Ciongoli was outstanding prior to his knee injury,  The loss of Ciongoli hampered the staff considerably.  John MacLean provided his usual, steady, consistent, competitive outings as a starter.  Left hander Alex Iihara was a strong addition once he was able to pitch in mid-summer.  Dariel Espinosa showed great promise on the mound, contributing several important outings as the summer progressed.  Max Ruggiero was a steady, willing, competitive pitcher out of the pen or in spot starts.  Tucker Hunt provided similar efforts along with Quinn Healey.  Dylan Crean contributed to the pitching staff, as did Eder-Linell, Trevor Smith, and Matthew Lupacyzk.

As usual, the coaching of Kevin Graber, Bryan Muenzner, and Tommy Leimkuhler provided steady guidance, firm boundaries, and sound, intructive information for young players wishing to elevate their game to the next level.  There are some bright futures in the class of 2028.

13’s & 14’s Finish in Cincinnati

Despite travel problems, the 13u and 14u Ruffnecks finished their seasons in Cincinnati, Ohio at the CABA World Series.  The 13’s played in the 14u Division, while the 14’s played “up” in the 15u Division.  The 13u Ruffnecks did very well as they earned a spot in the top playoff bracket, an achievement worthy of their hard work all season long.  Both teams enjoyed the trip and even took in a Cincinnati Reds game.

Top Three Ruffnecks Teams Travel

Summer has begun.  And with the calendar comes the heat!  With the heat comes travel for the oldest Ruffnecks teams as they challenge themselves against some of the top competition in New England, the Mid- Atlantic, and in the Nation.  The 16u and 17u Ruffnecks traveled to Flemington, New Jersey June 16-19 to participate in the Super17 at Diamond Nation. Both teams earned 2-2 records at the event.  It is a time to sort our lineups, recalibrate pitchers for the summer season, and to compete.  The Super17 serves its purpose.

16u Ruffnecks Head to Georgia for Perfect Game WWBA

On June 24th the 16u team boarded a flight for a week long trip to Marietta, Georgia.  The 16’s are entered in the 17u Perfect Game WWBA Nationals. This is arguably the most competitive event of the summer in the Nation.  The 16’s will be tested.  Coach Jon Beverly guides the 16u Ruffnecks in 2025 as they navigate a summer of serious competition, player development, and the acquisition of personal self-awareness, and self advocacy skills.  The recruiting landscape continues to evolve.  Our goal is to play good baseball and to improve each day.

15u and 17u Ruffnecks Travel to Nashville

Meanwhile, on June 24th, both the 15u and 17u squads traveled to Nashville, Tennessee to participate in the Music City Classic.  While Nashville is a fun trip, it is also defined by challenging competition.  Both teams play 5 games in less than a week at the event.  The 15’s play in the 16u Division of the Classic.  Coach “KG” Graber is tasked with developing our youngest of our “oldest” teams.  It is a journey marked by playing against more experienced and physical opponents.  The goal is to understand preparation, and what it takes to move personal and team goals to a level that is expected from players aspiring to play college baseball.

The 17’s use the Music City trip to build a team character and to perform in a manner that underscores their individual and team goals.  Coaches Kevin Casey, John Brickley, and Ace Adams provide one of the most experienced coaching staffs in the Northeast (perhaps the country).  It is a professional/collegiate approach to playing “every day” baseball.