For Jackson County Blue Devils baseball player Caleb Wimberly, growth is not just something that happens between games. It is an everyday commitment.
Entering his second season at the high school level, Wimberly said he continues to carve out his role while leaning on lessons learned both on and off the field. A multi-sport athlete who spent the offseason on the football field, Wimberly said he made the decision to stick with baseball this spring, a choice rooted in both passion and opportunity.
Wimberly said what keeps him coming back goes beyond the game itself.
“A lot of mindset stuff,” Wimberly said. “Learning to be aggressive at the plate and then just be confident that I can make plays and then when the opportunity arises to make the play.”
That confidence is something Wimberly is actively building, pitch by pitch. Wimberly said his approach is simple, but intentional: Focus on the fundamentals and trust the process.
“We keep it simple,” Wimberly said. “Focus on fundamentals and [take it] one pitch at a time.”
Wimberly’s development has also been shaped by familiarity with the coaching staff, particularly head coach Alex Bray. The connection between player and coach dates back to their time on the football field, where Bray previously coached before taking over the baseball program.
That relationship has helped fuel Wimberly’s love for the sport and his continued improvement.
On the field, Wimberly has shown flashes of production, including collecting hits and using his speed on the bases. But as he continues to grow into a larger role, Wimberly said he is focused on refining the finer details of his swing, down to the angle of the bat.
Wimberly said one key adjustment has been the tilt of his barrel, a small change he believes can make a big difference. Wimberly said once he gets used to that tilt, it can help him barrel up balls better. Wimberly said it is part of a larger mindset centered around daily improvement.
“It really is every day,” Wimberly said. “Whether you’re at practice, you’re at home thinking about what you need to change, it really is an everyday thing, just trying to get better every day.”
As the season progresses, Wimberly said he has set clear goals for himself at the plate. Consistency remains the top priority, getting on base more frequently and driving the ball with authority when the opportunity presents itself. Wimberly said his benchmark is to hit .300 this season.