For Moss High School sophomore Jackson O’Kelley, baseball isn’t just a sport—it’s a legacy. “I have had some great coaches from little league, travel ball to high school, but my favorite coach would have to be my grandpa,” O’Kelley said. “He has taught me everything about the game and how to respect it.” That deep-rooted respect shows in the way Jackson approaches every practice, every inning, and every pitch.
O’Kelley has already made a name for himself as a standout for the Pirates, posting a .300 batting average, .400 on-base percentage, and .906 OPS, while pitching 50 innings with 60 strikeouts and a 2.65 ERA. His work ethic is relentless, even balancing multiple sports during the school year. “Our coach has us doing throwing programs, and I like to consistently be in the cages even after basketball practice and games,” he said.
That dedication stems from the lessons baseball has taught him. “Baseball has taught me that you need to work hard every day to succeed and get the outcome you want,” O’Kelley said. That mindset has already paid off—especially in moments he’ll never forget. “My favorite memory has to be when I hit my first high school home run and first walk-off in the same game to send us to the state tournament my freshman year.”
This spring, Jackson and the Pirates have one clear mission. “There’s one goal that I think every team has, but it’s a huge goal for us,” he said. “At the beginning of the season no one thought we had a chance, and after the fall season—falling one game short in extra innings—we’re coming back in the spring with the same goal, and we’ll be on a mission to get back to the state tournament.”
Team chemistry fuels that confidence. “The whole team is big on supporting each other no matter how someone’s performing—we all pick each other up,” he said. That unity will be key when facing rivals like Stuart. “It’s always a good time to play the Stuart Hornets being rivals,” O’Kelley said. “They’ve gotten us the past few times we’ve played them, but if we don’t beat ourselves and play our game, we can get them.”
Beyond the diamond, O’Kelley looks up to people who embody strength and perseverance—like his favorite teacher, Micheal “Wiggis” Freeman. “He lost the use of his arm when he was younger and still finds a way to stay positive and do things you wouldn’t think he’d be able to do,” O’Kelley said.
After high school, Jackson plans to attend college and continue both his academic and baseball career. Until then, he’s focused on the journey—one pitch, one swing, and one win at a time.
