Incident in Myrtle Beach Leads to Coaching Shakeup at Mainland Regional

The Mainland Regional High School baseball team will have a new head coach effective immediately.

Unexpected Coaching Vacancy at Mainland Regional

Head coach Joe Smith has resigned, citing personal reasons, and another volunteer coach was removed on Friday.

According to multiple sources, an incident occurred while the team was in Myrtle Beach, SC, to prepare for the season, which began last week.

Smith and his staff led the Mustangs to a win in their season opener on Thursday against Hammonton.  They were slated to play on Saturday,  but the game was postponed due to the weather.

Statement from Administration on Player Safety

From Mainland Regional chief school administrator Mark Marrone:

"Our athletes deserve to be in an environment where they are safe, respected, and supported to achieve both on and off the field. When concerns are brought to our attention, we take them seriously and respond with the thoroughness they require. AD Kern's immediate availability to stabilize the program ensures continuity and stability for our players, and I'm confident in his leadership and commitment to our athletes."

The Return of Billy Kern to the Dugout

The Mustangs will face Hammonton on Monday with a new leader, former head coach and current Athletic Director Billy Kern.

Kern led the Mustangs from 2012 to 2024 before taking over as the school's AD.

Joe Smith’s Legacy and Recent Success

Smith led the Mustangs to a win in the prestigious Joe Hartman Diamond Classic in his first season, going 17-10.  He came to Mainland as one of the most accomplished coaches in New Jersey with a record of 284-129-1 between two stops at Delsea and one at Williamstown. Smith won three South Jersey Group III titles at Delsea and a Group IV title at Williamstown.

He was named the head coach at Mainland in October of 2024.

A search for a new interim head coach will begin immediately.