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Sam Skinner
Head coach
of South Meck baseball
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For thirteen years, Coach Skinner has served young athletes in the baseball community with the sole purpose of developing quality young men through the game of baseball. Stepping into his first year as Head Coach at South Mecklenburg High, Coach Skinner is entering his eighth year as a high school baseball head coach. As head coach, Skinner recently led the baseball programs at Cuthbertson High School in Waxhaw, NC, (2022-2025) and Independence High School in Mint Hill, NC ,(2018-2022). Prior to his head coach position, Skinner served as the assistant coach/assistant head coach at Olympic High School (2017-2018) and as assistant coach/pitching coach at Independence High School (2013-2017).
Coach Skinner’s career record as a head coach is 98-59 (.602), to go along with an 8-4 (.500) playoff record.
Team accomplishments under Coach Skinner are: Southern Carolina 4A Conference Champions (2024, 2025), Southern Carolina 4A Conference Tournament Champion (2024), and North Carolina 4A Western Region Runner-Up (2025). Coach Skinner’s 2025 team made Cuthbertson High School history with a school record for wins in a season, with 26.
During Coach Skinner’s time as a head coach, he has had the privilege of seeing twenty-seven players move on to play at the collegiate level, twenty-one players have been All-Conference selections, three players have been named as a Conference Player of the Year, two players have been named Conference Pitcher of the Year, four players have been named as North Carolina 4A Region 6 selections, and two players have been North Carolina 4A All-State selections.
Individual accomplishments for Coach Skinner are being named the Southern Carolina 4A Conference Coach of the Year (2024 and 2025).
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Glenn Mangum
Hitting Coordinator, Outfield Coach, Varsity Bench Coach, JV Assistant Coach
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Coach Glenn Mangum is a new addition to the South Mecklenburg coaching staff this season. Coach Mangum is a highly respected baseball coach known for his expertise in hitting development and outfield instruction. He has served as an assistant coach at Independence High School (2013-2018), Providence High School (2018-2023), and Cuthbertson High School (2023-2025), making a lasting impact at each stop. During his tenure at Providence High School, Coach Mangum played a key role in helping lead the program to a 2022 state championship and undefeated season.
Widely regarded as one of the top hitting coaches and outfield instructors in the city, Glenn is passionate about developing fundamentally sound, confident players both on and off the field. His coaching philosophy emphasizes preparation, discipline, and maximizing each athlete’s potential.
A graduate of Independence High School, Glenn takes great pride in giving back to the baseball community that helped shape him. Off the field, he is the proud father of four young men—Christopher, Matthew, Ryan, and Zack—who remain his greatest source of motivation and inspiration.
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Christian Umphlett
Head Pitching Coach
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Christian Umphlett is a graduate of South Mecklenburg, where he was a vital member of the 2013 State Championship team. Following his standout high school career, Coach Umphlett went on to play collegiate baseball at Francis Marion University, competing at a high level and gaining valuable experience as a pitcher.
Now entering his second year in the pitching coach role, coach Umphlett will continue to build on the growth and development of our pitching staff for both Junior Varsity and Varsity. He brings strong technical knowledge of pitching mechanics along with a great knack for developing positive relationships with players. His approach emphasizes trust, communication, and player development, helping athletes grow both on and off the field.
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Ty Frattaroli
Junior Varsity Head Coach, Varsity Assistant/1st-Base Coach
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Coach Ty Frattaroli will serve as the Junior Varsity head coach, Varsity assistant coach, and first-base coach, bringing energy, knowledge, and a strong player-development mindset to our staff. A 2023 graduate of Cuthbertson High School, Coach Frattaroli continued his playing career collegiately at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, where he further developed his understanding of the game at a high level.
In his role with our program, Coach Frattaroli works extensively with the outfielders while also assisting in multiple areas of need across both the JV and Varsity levels. His versatility, preparation, and ability to connect with players have made an immediate impact.
In addition to his responsibilities with our team, Coach Frattaroli also coaches at On Deck, where he continues to grow as an instructor and mentor. His dedication, baseball IQ, and commitment to player development make him a vital piece of our coaching staff and our baseball program.
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Mike Umphlett
Varsity Game Day Bench Coach
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Coach Umplett is a long-standing supporter of the South Meck Baseball Program. Initially a parent and fan, he is now in his seventh year as an assistant coach for the Sabre's Varsity team. His two sons, Christian and Thomas, both played for South Meck. Upon high school graduation, Christian played baseball for the Patriots at Francis Marion University in Marion, SC. Thomas also attended Francis Marion as a freshman and played on the Patriot Squad. In addition to helping the Sabres, Coach Umphlett has coached for many seasons at On Deck Baeball Academy and Park Sharon Recreation Association. He is married to Charlena, who is also a great supporter of South Meck Baseball.
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Jeff McNeely
General
Manager and Adviser
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Jeff McNeely is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and one of the most accomplished player-development coaches in the Southeast. A second-round selection by the Boston Red Sox in the 1989 MLB Draft, Coach McNeely reached the Major Leagues in 1993, appearing in twenty-one games and batting .297 while displaying elite speed and defensive ability. He spent eight seasons in professional baseball before transitioning into coaching and instruction.
Coach McNeely is the founder and owner of the Charlotte Megastars Baseball Club, a nationally respected travel baseball organization based in Charlotte, NC. Under his leadership, the Megastars have become a premier development program known for competitive excellence and consistent collegiate placement.
Under McNeely’s direction, the Charlotte Megastars have achieved:
- Hundreds of collegiate placements across NCAA Division I, II, III, and junior college programs
- Multiple graduating classes producing 15+ college commitments annually
- Three national championships
- Consistent top finishes in national-level events, including Perfect Game tournaments
- Alumni selected in the MLB Draft and advancing to professional baseball
Coach McNeely’s role with the South Mecklenburg Baseball Program will be as program general manager and adviser. Coach McNeely will help oversee long-term organizational vision, player development standards, staff mentorship, and college/professional placement strategy. His Major League background, combined with decades of coaching leadership, continues to shape one of the most respected youth baseball programs in the region.
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Brian Neill
Volunteer Assistant Coach
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Coach Brian Neil brings a strong background in both high school and collegiate baseball to the staff, serving as a volunteer assistant coach with a primary focus on infield development. Known for his deep understanding of the game and attention to detail, Coach Neill works closely with infielders, helping refine fundamentals, footwork, and defensive instincts.
A 2000 graduate of South Mecklenburg High School, Coach Neill was a key contributor to the program’s standout 1999 team, which finished as the North Carolina 4A State Runner-Up. His performance during that historic run helped establish South Mecklenburg as one of the premier programs in the state.
Neill continued his playing career at Lenoir–Rhyne University, where he competed at the collegiate level and further developed his knowledge of the game. His experiences as both a high-level high school and college player provide him with valuable perspective in mentoring and developing today’s athletes.
With a wealth of playing experience and a passion for teaching, Coach Neill is a trusted resource on the field and an impactful presence within the program.
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