At the Players Athletic Club (PAC) in Charlotte, NC, our mission is to offer the highest level of instruction to athletes of all ages and skill levels. We believe in a holistic approach to player development, which includes top-notch coaching, proper technique, and elite-level strength and conditioning. That’s why we’ve assembled a team of highly experienced coaches and specialists who are passionate about developing athletes and maximizing their potential.

Along with our expert baseball instructors, we’re proud to introduce Rich O'Neill, a highly regarded strength and conditioning specialist and the founder of Elite Functional Performance (EFP). O'Neill joins a world-class roster of instructors, including Jim Rooney, Grant Massey, and Cody Stull, who each bring their own professional experience to the PAC team. Together, they provide comprehensive training that not only sharpens athletes' technical skills but also improves their physical conditioning, ensuring they perform at their best while staying healthy.

Let’s take a closer look at the unique backgrounds, experiences, and coaching philosophies that each of these incredible instructors brings to PAC, including the critical role Rich O'Neill plays in helping athletes achieve peak performance.

Jim Rooney: Pitching Coach with Major League Expertise

Professional Background

Jim Rooney has an extraordinary career that spans over three decades in professional baseball, including roles as a player, coach, and instructor. He is widely recognized for his expertise in pitching, having served as both a pitching coach and pitching coordinator at the Major League level. Rooney’s understanding of pitching mechanics, injury prevention, and player development is second to none, making him a highly sought-after instructor at PAC.

Rooney’s professional journey began when he was drafted 1st pick in the 1st round of the MLB amateur draft by the Chicago Cubs, but he did not sign. That was followed by being drafted in the 1st round as a pitcher, the following MLB draft by the Baltimore Orioles. During his playing career, he gained valuable insights into the mental and physical demands placed on pitchers at the highest levels of competition. After his playing days ended, Rooney transitioned into coaching, where he found his true calling—mentoring young pitchers and guiding them through the complexities of the game.

He has served as a pitching coach, pitching coordinator (responsible for the development of all pitchers in the Milwaukee Brewers organization), and National Scouting Supervisor. His work with top-tier pitchers, including several who went on to have successful MLB careers, has cemented his reputation as a pitching savant. Recently he has been the owner/instructor of Rooney Baseball and a podcast host for “Toe the Rubber”: Player Development for All Ages” with co-host Dave Dagostino with 98,000 subscribers and growing.

Coaching Philosophy

Rooney’s approach to coaching is rooted in his deep understanding of the mechanics of pitching and the mental toughness required to reoeat and stay focused on the next pitch. He is a firm believer that success starts with mastering the fundamentals, and being able to repeat your delivery, but he also emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude and strategic acumen—qualities that separate good pitchers from great ones. Rooney’s years of working with elite athletes have taught him that consistency and resilience are just as important as velocity and movement.

At PAC, Rooney works closely with pitchers to improve their mechanics, develop personalized routines, and minimize the risk of injury. His experience at the professional level allows him to offer unique insights that are rarely available outside of MLB organizations. Whether you’re a high school pitcher aiming for a college scholarship or a pro looking to refine your game, Jim Rooney’s expertise is invaluable.

Grant Massey: The Defensive Mastermind and Infield Specialist

Professional Background

Grant Massey brings an impressive blend of athletic achievements and coaching experience to Players Athletic Club. As a standout infielder with a storied collegiate and professional career, Massey has a wealth of knowledge about infield play, hitting, and overall baseball IQ.

Massey’s journey began at Auburn High School, where he was a 2-time state champion and earned numerous accolades, including 3-time All-Region and 3-time All-State honors. His high school success led him to play at the JUCO level at Gordon State Junior College, where he made a trip to the JUCO World Series and earned All-Conference honors.

From there, Massey moved on to Lipscomb University, where he continued to excel. As a Brooks Wallace Award finalist (given to the nation’s top shortstop), Ken Dugan Award winner, and 2-time All-Conference player, Massey’s ability to make game-changing plays on defense became widely recognized. In 2015, he was named the ASUN Defensive Player of the Year**, highlighting his exceptional glove work.

After college, Massey signed with the Chicago White Sox organization, where he played at various levels in the Minor Leagues. He started 150 games at shortstop across three Minor League levels, showcasing his defensive prowess and versatility by playing every infield position. Massey’s well-rounded skill set and leadership abilities have made him a natural fit for coaching, and he’s now channeling that experience to develop young infielders at PAC.

Coaching Philosophy

Massey’s coaching philosophy centers on defensive excellence and overall baseball IQ. He believes that defense is often an undervalued part of the game, but it’s the backbone of championship teams. His goal is to develop well-rounded infielders who understand positioning, footwork, and decision-making at an elite level.

As a former shortstop, Massey’s attention to detail is unmatched. He works with infielders to fine-tune their glove work, develop quick hands, and improve their range. But it’s not just about physical skills—Massey emphasizes the importance of understanding the game’s mental aspects, from reading the hitter’s tendencies to knowing how to position yourself based on the game situation.

Massey is also passionate about helping hitters develop a solid approach at the plate. Drawing on his Minor League experience, he works with players to refine their swing mechanics, improve their timing, and understand how to approach different types of pitchers. His well-rounded perspective makes him a valuable asset for athletes looking to elevate all aspects of their game.

Cody Stull: The Reliever Who Knows How to Close Games

Professional Background

Cody Stull’s career as a professional pitcher spans six seasons, including a stint with the Oakland Athletics organization and time spent playing internationally. Stull’s primary role as a left-handed relief pitcher gave him unique insight into the art of closing games, handling high-pressure situations, and perfecting the craft of situational pitching.

Stull’s journey began at Belmont Abbey College, where he played college baseball and gained recognition for his skill and poise on the mound. He was drafted by the Oakland A’s in the 29th round of the 2014 MLB Draft and quickly worked his way through the Minor League system. Stull’s ability to adapt to different roles—whether as a middle reliever or a closer—made him a valuable asset to any bullpen he was part of.

During his time in the Minor Leagues, Stull posted impressive numbers, particularly in his ability to generate strikeouts and minimize walks. His professional experience also includes playing in the Mexican Pacific League and Atlantic League, where he faced a variety of hitters and learned to adjust his strategy based on different leagues and levels of competition.

Coaching Philosophy

As a coach at PAC, Cody Stull focuses on the intricacies of pitching, particularly from a reliever’s perspective. He understands that relief pitching is about more than just throwing strikes—it’s about understanding situations, managing pitch counts, and maintaining mental toughness in high-pressure moments.

Stull is passionate about teaching young pitchers how to execute their pitches in critical situations. Whether it’s a two-out, bases-loaded scenario or closing out a one-run game in the ninth inning, Stull’s experience as a reliever allows him to offer a perspective that few other coaches can provide. He helps pitchers develop a game plan and mental toughness, so they’re prepared to handle pressure when the game is on the line.

In addition to situational pitching, Stull works with pitchers to improve their velocity, command, and overall mechanics. His expertise in both traditional and advanced pitching analytics allows him to offer a modern, data-driven approach to coaching, making him a valuable resource for any pitcher looking to take their game to the next level.

Rich O'Neill: The Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Professional Background

At the core of athletic development is strength and conditioning, and no one understands this better than Rich O'Neill, founder of Elite Functional Performance (EFP). With years of experience as a certified strength and conditioning specialist, O'Neill has worked with athletes at every level, from youth players to elite professionals, focusing on improving athletic performance while preventing injuries.

O'Neill’s approach is rooted in functional strength training, which aims to develop strength, power, and mobility in ways that directly translate to the baseball field. His training programs at PAC are designed to enhance the key physical qualities that baseball players need—explosiveness, endurance, agility, and flexibility—while also ensuring athletes are resilient to the stresses of the game.

O'Neill’s philosophy is simple: athletes who are stronger, more mobile, and better conditioned can not only perform at higher levels but also recover faster and stay on the field longer. His work with Elite Functional Performance has made him a leader in this space, and his ability to tailor conditioning programs to the specific needs of baseball players makes him an invaluable part of PAC’s coaching staff.

Coaching Philosophy

O'Neill’s strength and conditioning programs are highly individualized, addressing the unique needs of each athlete. Whether working with a pitcher who needs to increase arm strength and endurance, or an infielder who needs to improve agility and lateral quickness, O'Neill’s programs focus on functional movements that mimic the demands of baseball.

A key element of O'Neill’s approach is injury prevention. He recognizes that baseball players, particularly pitchers, are vulnerable to overuse injuries, which can sideline them for weeks, months, or even entire seasons. O'Neill incorporates injury-prevention exercises into every program, ensuring athletes build balanced, resilient bodies that can handle the physical demands of baseball.

In addition to strength and conditioning, O'Neill integrates recovery techniques into his training. Recovery is often an overlooked aspect of athletic development, but it’s critical for avoiding burnout and ensuring athletes perform consistently at their peak. O'Neill teaches his athletes how to properly recover from games and training sessions, using techniques like foam rolling, mobility exercises, and proper nutrition.

The Complete Athlete Development Experience at Players Athletic Club

What sets Players Athletic Club apart from other training facilities is our comprehensive approach to athlete development. By combining the technical expertise of baseball instructors like Jim Rooney, Grant Massey, and Cody Stull with the elite-level strength and conditioning knowledge of Rich O'Neill, PAC provides athletes with a 360-degree training experience.

Each player’s training program is customized based on their position, goals, and areas for improvement. Whether it’s learning to throw with less stress on the arm, sharpening defensive skills, or building the strength and endurance to go deep into games, PAC’s instructors collaborate to ensure athletes get the individualized attention they need to succeed.

Why Train at Players Athletic Club?

At Players Athletic Club, we pride ourselves on being more than just a training facility—we are a community of dedicated coaches and athletes who are passionate about reaching new heights. Our instructors are deeply invested in each athlete’s success, not just on the field but also in their overall athletic journey.

With the combined expertise of Jim Rooney, Grant Massey, Cody Stull, and Rich O'Neill, athletes at PAC get access to top-tier coaching that covers every aspect of their game. From refining pitching mechanics and perfecting infield defense to building strength and preventing injuries, PAC’s holistic approach sets athletes up for success both now and in the future.

Conclusion: Join the PAC Family Today

Players Athletic Club is committed to helping athletes of all ages and skill levels achieve their highest potential. Whether you’re a youth player just starting out, a high school athlete aiming for a college scholarship, or a seasoned pro looking to refine your game, PAC has the expert instructors and cutting-edge facilities to support your journey.

Train with Jim Rooney, Grant Massey, Cody Stull, and Rich O'Neill, and take your game to the next level. Join the PAC family today, and experience a training environment that is dedicated to your success, on and off the field!