Jeff Limoncelli joins the Mansfield baseball program ahead of the 2026 season, bringing with him over three decades of coaching excellence, a legacy of leadership, and a championship pedigree that has left a lasting impact on baseball in New York state.
A lifelong baseball mind and one of the most respected high school coaches in the northeast, Limoncelli amassed over 400 career wins during his remarkable 27-year tenure as head coach at Horseheads High School. His career reached a storybook milestone in 2025, when he guided Horseheads to a New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Class AA state championship—his second state title, and the perfect capstone to a legendary high school coaching career. In total, he led Horseheads to 11 Section 4 championships, two state titles(1999, 2025), and built one of the most consistent and disciplined programs in the northeast.
In addition to his success on the diamond, Limoncelli also coached the Horseheads boys’ varsity basketball team for several seasons, earning three Section 4 championships and further demonstrating his versatility as a coach and mentor.
Known for his demanding yet supportive coaching style, Limoncelli’s practices were built on accountability, intensity, and pride. He challenged his players to meet high standards every day, while also fostering a team culture rooted in discipline, hard work, and mutual respect. His ability to connect with young athletes has made a lifelong impact on hundreds of players, many of whom went on to play at the collegiate and professional levels.
A native of Elmira, N.Y., Limoncelli was a three-sport standout at Elmira Free Academy, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. He continued his baseball career at the collegiate level, playing at both the University of South Carolina Aiken and the University of West Florida. In 1989, he signed with the Boston Red Sox and began his professional career as an infielder with the Elmira Pioneers of the New York-Penn League. He went on to play three and a half seasons in the Red Sox farm system, gaining valuable experience that would later shape his coaching philosophy.
Limoncelli’s deep baseball roots extend to his family as well. His father, Bill Limoncelli, was also involved in the game as a coach within the Red Sox organization, and his influence helped instill a passion for baseball in Jeff from a young age. Jeff continued this legacy by coaching both of his sons, Michael and Nico, through standout careers at Horseheads. His son Michael was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the sixth round of the 2019 MLB Draft and spent time in the Mariners’ farm system, while Nico continued his collegiate baseball career at the Division I level. Jeff’s dedication to the game is matched by his commitment to family, and he credits much of his success to the support of his wife, Amy, and their children.
