Thank you to everyone who joined us last Saturday, April 23, 2022, for the dedication of John McNeal Stadium. It was a truly special day as alumni, family, and current students gathered to celebrate both our baseball facility and the man who has dedicated his coaching career to building one of the finest stadiums, and most successful programs, in all of Tennessee high school athletics.

Under Coach McNeal’s guidance, we have seen the upgrade of stadium lights, seating that was taken straight from Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles, and the addition of the beautiful turf infield. We’re excited to share that additional stadium upgrades are already in the planning stages.

Now in his 32nd season at the helm of the Commanders, Coach McNeal was a 2020 inductee into the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Currently, he sits at 778 wins, and eyes are set on passing the 800-win mark in 2023. Under his leadership, Friendship Christian Baseball has won 26 district championships and 18 regional championships. The Commanders have made 11 trips to the state tournament and claim one runner-up finish and three state championships. Additionally, Coach McNeal’s Commander football teams have won 266 games, a pair of state runner-up finishes, and another three football state championships. 

Friendship Christian School President Jon Shoulders presented Coach McNeal with a plaque to commemorate the stadium's dedication. Alumni and current players of both baseball and football were invited to join Coach McNeal to celebrate the occasion.