March 28, 2025
Mount Dora High’s Jacob James Dominating on the Mound in Stellar Senior Season
By Kyle Coppola
Mount Dora High’s Jacob James Dominating on the Mound in Stellar Senior Season
MOUNT DORA, Fla. — Mount Dora High School senior Jacob James is putting together a season to remember, emerging as one of the top pitchers in Central Florida. James has been nearly untouchable on the mound this season leading to the Hurricanes’ hot start of 13-6.
(Jacob James has 70 strikouts through 45 innings pitched and a 0.93 ERA. He’s having an impressive year.)
Through 45 innings pitched, James has amassed a staggering 70 strikeouts while surrendering only six earned runs. His 0.93 ERA is a one of the best in Lake County. He’s just been a lot of fun to watch this year and he has a lot to prove. Last year James pitched 36 innings and had 50 strikeouts and 14 earned runs. This year he’s turned on the jets and it shows.
Every time James has taken the mound this season, Mount Dora has a great chance to win. James’ dominance extends beyond the mound. The two-way standout has also contributed offensively, batting .283 with 17 hits, 13 RBIs, and 10 runs scored. While his pitching has been the focal point of his season, his ability to step up in key moments at the plate has made him an invaluable asset to the Hurricanes.
(Jacob James has been stellar this season on the mound and anywhere Mount Dora has needed him. Photo Credit – Joe Ott.)
James committed to play at Lake-Sumter State College, where he will continue his baseball career in 2026. His development over the past few seasons has set him up for the next level, and his coaches believe he has the potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
This kid has been a ton of fun to watch this year. College scouts should absolutely be keeping an eye on him.
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
