Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Jacob Worley

Legacy Charter’s Jacob Worley made the all-tournament team as a pitcher at a Perfect Game travel baseball tournament in Georgia.

By Steven Ryzewski
| 4:45 p.m. August 9, 2018

Sports

Jacob Worley is a three-sport athlete for Legacy Charter, competing for the Lions in football, basketball and baseball — but the Ocoee native focuses on baseball over the summer. Playing for CFL Citius 2020 Red during travel-ball season, Worley recently made the all-tournament team as a pitcher for the 2018 WWBA 17U National Championship in the Greater Atlanta area of Georgia.

How did you feel during the tournament in Atlanta, and what was it like to be recognized for your strong performance?

I felt really good pitching. It was my first tournament ever playing up an age group like that, so to do well like that felt really good. The recognition — it was really cool because that’s the first time I’ve ever made an all-tournament team or anything like that.

Tell us about the pitches you have and how you use them.

I have a fastball, a curveball, a change-up and a slider. I usually try and start it off with a fastball for a strike and then try and mix it up with off-speed to get them to swing for strikes two and three.

How did you think this past varsity season went for Legacy?

I think it went really well, and I can’t wait to see what we do these next two years while I’m still in high school.

How do you enjoy playing for the staff at Legacy?

I love it. Coach (Jarrett) Wiggers is a great pitching coach and also my football coach. Coach (Jack) Chambless is a good coach, and I love him.

Which game from this past season stands out as the most memorable?

Definitely the game against Foundation Academy in the district playoffs (Legacy won, 4-3, May 1 in extra innings). Just the last play, when they walked the run home for us to win — that was awesome.

How long have you been playing baseball?

I played T-ball when I was 4 and played until I was 12. I took about a year-and-a-half, two-year break and came back to play my freshman year.

Did taking a break from baseball help re-energize you?

Yes. I kind of just got bored coming out to the field and playing a tournament every weekend. ... Playing for Legacy, it’s really refreshing.

Are you excited for football to start?

This football season should be fun. Last year, I got hurt after five games, so I wasn’t able to play the whole season. This year, I’m looking forward to it.