A civil lawsuit accusing Bolivar baseball instructor John Massarelli of financial misconduct and unprofessional conduct while working as an instructor has been formally dismissed, according to court records.
The complaint, filed by MBS Baseball Holdings, LLC, was dismissed Dec. 19 in the Tuscarawas County Court of Common Pleas, bringing an end to the legal dispute involving the ownership of the baseball training organization.
MBS Baseball Holdings operates baseball and softball training facilities in Bolivar and Akron under the names Mashfactory Baseball and Massarelli Baseball School.
Following the dismissal, Mashfactory issued a public statement on Facebook announcing what it described as an amicable resolution of the business dispute between ownership members. As part of that resolution, the organization said Massarelli has agreed to resign from all roles with the company, effective immediately.
“Mashfactory is pleased to announce the successful resolution of the business disputes between the ownership members of MBS Baseball Holdings, LLC,” the statement read. “As part of the resolution, John Massarelli has agreed to resign from all roles with the organization, effective immediately. This amicable resolution will allow MBS to move forward and continue to provide the community and student athletes with tremendous coaching and service.”
Jeff Bunner said in the statement that the settlement “represents the best path forward for everyone involved.”
The organization said Mashfactory will continue operating under the leadership of David Schaub and Jeff Bunner, maintaining training programs at both its Bolivar and Akron facilities without interruption.
“Our focus remains on providing the highest quality baseball, softball, and sports performance instruction and training to our athletes,” Schaub said. “This resolution allows us to move forward with renewed energy and dedication to the mission that has always driven our organization.”
The lawsuit, originally filed in October, alleged Massarelli accepted cash payments for lessons without properly documenting them and failed to remit money owed to the company. It also alleged he appeared intoxicated while instructing lessons. The claims were not adjudicated by the court prior to the case’s dismissal.
Jordan Miller News contacted Massarelli multiple times during the course of reporting on the lawsuit and offered him opportunities to comment on the allegations and the subsequent dismissal. He did not respond to those requests.
