Royal Vision Podcast

Season 1, Episode 11: "Pitching with Purpose w/ Jacob Cumley ⚾🔥

• Coach Matthew • Season 1 • Episode 11

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In this electrifying episode of The Royal Vision Podcast, Coach Matthew sits down with elite pitcher Jacob Cumley ⚾ to talk purpose, pressure, and performing when everything's on the line 🎯🔥.

Jacob opens up about the mindset it takes to dominate from the mound, lead with precision, and stay grounded in growth while the spotlight's on 🌪️👑. Whether you're an athlete, a creator, or someone chasing their breakthrough — this episode is a masterclass in mental toughness and intentional living.

Tap in and remember: you don’t just throw — you command. 🧠💥

Jacob Cumley

Social Media @jacobc.pdf

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@coachmatthewofficial

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Coach Matthew:

Welcome to the Kingdom guys. So this is episode 11, Royal Vision Podcast. I'm your host, coach Matthew got another very special guest today. He's a baseball player outta Spring Mills High School and he plays for post 60 Legion team as well. He's been playing varsity for the last three years. Originally from Falling Waters Made First team all epac his junior year and Allstate mentioned his during his junior year, both while only playing half the season due to injury. He just recently committed to Fairmont State University and he'll be pitching against Hedges V this upcoming Friday, May 2nd. So without further ado, give it up for Jacob Ley. Alright, good stuff. How you doing man? I'm doing good. Good. Glad to have you on here. I'm excited. So how long have you been playing baseball?

Jacob Cumley:

I started. When I was three or four, so 14, 13 years now.

Coach Matthew:

Okay. Now, what was your feeder team? Was it Ville or did you play somewhere else? I played in Ville. Yeah. Okay. All right. So what drew you

Jacob Cumley:

to baseball? When my mom, she played softball when she was in high school. She was all Epec player of the year. She was a really good pitcher. She hurt herself Then. She's a vet now. She played in college. She'd been playing her whole life and she just put me in baseball, put me in every sport, but baseball's one that stick. All right,

Coach Matthew:

So your mom's from the area. What'd you go to? Hedges war or something like that? She went to Musman. Musman, okay. Is that kind of con conflicting A little bit? I know muscle tends to be a little, yeah, little

Jacob Cumley:

bit like the rest of my family's in Musclemen. Okay. So when they're always at the games, they're cheering for us to lose, but me to do good.

Coach Matthew:

Yeah. At least they're there. Least they're there. Yeah. What do you feel like, what first drew you to baseball? What was like that moment was like, this is my sport. When I was little

Jacob Cumley:

I was just, I was pretty athletic kid. So I just liked, 'cause I would do really good against the other little kids. So it was just the best sport I was best at. So it was most fun to me. Because you are tall, so like you think like basketball, but did that just never mesh? No, I played basketball in rec league when I was like 12 or something, but I was benched the whole time so I didn't have much fun.

Coach Matthew:

You got your two quarters and then you just come on mom, look, it's time to go. We got you. So with baseball it's got a slower pace. Yeah. But you do pitch so you're able to control the tempo, but what about that pace do you like?

Jacob Cumley:

I guess all my life I've been like a shortstop, third baseman. Okay. And it's just unpredictable and I just like that about it. Like any second. It could be quick play you have to make, or you could sit out there for the whole game, not get a single ball. I just like the unpredictability of it,

Coach Matthew:

okay. Not being able to know what's coming next. It's just, you're out there, you know you're gonna do well, this is what's gonna happen. You just gotta leave it up into the hands of fate, so with pitching,

Jacob Cumley:

what about, when did you start pitching? I didn't really start pitching that much until really freshman, sophomore year.

Coach Matthew:

Okay.

Jacob Cumley:

So I've always been more of a hitter and fielder first.

Coach Matthew:

So when you translated to pitching, what was it that kind of made you that go-to guys as a pitcher? I

Jacob Cumley:

just grew a lot. Like freshman year I walked in. I was a big good contact hitter. I was like five foot, a hundred, 115 pounds. But then sophomore year I started growing a bit. Junior year I hit a big growth spurt and then I just started throwing hard and I figured I might as well pitch now. And I gave it a try and then it was super fun. So then I just really focused on my attention to that.

Coach Matthew:

So with pitching, what do you feel is the biggest difference between being a pitcher and then just being a typical like utility or field guy? You just

Jacob Cumley:

have more control of the game and I love that. Like I get a chance to play every single pitch every at batter and it's just the most like that. And catcher, you just get the most action. It's the most fun to me.

Coach Matthew:

So you're like always engaged? Yeah. I gotcha. What were some of the defining moments earlier in your career that shaped your mindset?

Jacob Cumley:

When I had a coach, Mark Smith. He's taught me how to pitch and he really helped my mindset. I was a real, I had a big attitude problem when I was little and he helped me with that and just understand that I'm gonna fail. And that's okay. But just try and have most fun as I can.

Coach Matthew:

So was there like a moment earlier in your career where you felt like you were consistently failing but you didn't let that stop you?

Jacob Cumley:

Yeah, I guess so. Like my first year in Little League I felt that coach hated me 'cause I didn't play, but I just wasn't that good. And then I learned from that, and then I go out the next year and have fun and I do better.

Coach Matthew:

So most kids, if they're not playing, they'll either quit or they'll just sit around and they'll complain. Yeah. What was the deciding factor for you that was like, you know what, I'm gonna just show up and try and get better?

Jacob Cumley:

My mom, she made me, she wouldn't let me quit. My parents are big on if you sign up for something, you have to do it even if you don't like it. And then she told me, if I wanna play another year, go ahead. And if I don't, then I don't have to. But I decided to sign up again and then it's been going good ever since.

Coach Matthew:

Now did, when you were playing Little League, did you ever make an team? I know that's the big thing down there.

Jacob Cumley:

Yeah, I went up when I was like nine in Little League, but I didn't make it that year, but I made it the other three. The other three years when I was, so the 10, 11, 12

Coach Matthew:

year. Okay. What was it like playing all Stars? I know you get that chance to potentially playing the Little League World series, which is every kid's dream. Yeah. What was that? That was, what was that like?

Jacob Cumley:

I remember my 11 new year, that's when we were pretty good and we got to like the regional, we ended up losing, but it was really fun. It felt every game felt like it was like the World Series. Every game felt so huge. It was so important. And losing. It sucked. But yeah, it was, I forgot about the next week. I was 12. Who'd you guys end up losing to? I think Jefferson, I remember 'cause I think it was surf hit two home runs or something, oh, so you've been consistently playing against surf for a while? No, it was just like then and now.'cause he played up'cause he was super good. Yeah. And then now in high school I played against him.

Coach Matthew:

Now you said Mark Smith? Is that Donovan Smith's? Yeah, that's his dad. So you played on what? The Orioles? Yeah, I played on the Orioles with them. Okay. Because I've known Mark for a while. That's cool. That's cool. So how do you feel like your upbringing, or your upbringing or your environment influenced your mindset in your approach to competition? Can you explain it a little more? Like the external factors, the way you were raised, how do you feel like that influenced your approach to competition and how you go about adversity?

Jacob Cumley:

I've always been a real perfectionist.'cause my dad, especially whenever he wants me to do something like mow the grass or do chores around the house, he wants it done right the first time. So I'm a real perfectionist when it comes to pitching and I really wanna do as good as I can. But my mom teaches me to keep a level head and just have fun. And that's my mindset. I wanna do as good as I can back. At the end of the day, I gotta have the belief in myself that I'm not just my results.

Coach Matthew:

Yeah. Was there a time where you used to just strictly focus on the results?

Jacob Cumley:

Yeah. Last year a lot. Every game, like first game against to Martinsburg we lost, I did pretty good but we still lost and I was pretty beat up over that for the next like week and then. Really this year is when I started to really understand how to distance myself and my results and still believe in myself if I do bad. Because I've been struggling more this year with injuries. So it's really, I'm grateful. It's helped me really handle adversity and learn how to be a better player.

Coach Matthew:

For sure. Now, I know you talk about injury. You mentioned your back, you mentioned your arm. How do you feel like those injuries benefited you to this point? You're going to play college baseball, you're doing pretty well this year. I got a 2.5 ERA, so

Jacob Cumley:

they've helped me. They set me back, definitely. Like I hurt my arm last year. Then I took three months off, went and played in summer. I had a really bad season. I was stone hard still, but I was just really, didn't have any control. But that taught me. Yeah, like I checked my ego, like it really showed me, like we played some team from New Jersey and they hit two home runs off me. It really showed me like I'm not as good as I think I am, so I need to just control what I can control. And my back injury, it's helped me like just learn a lot about physical therapy. Okay. Taking care of my body, first of all, and then pitch with more control and pitch smarter this year. Like I'm not going out and not throwing as hard as I can every pitch. I have an approach to every at bat. I'm, I have a plan in my head

Coach Matthew:

this year. Okay. And that's really helped me with that. So you talk about speed and velocity, but you're also talking about how you didn't really have that control. Have you tried to incorporate, how have you incorporated control without sacrificing your velocity?

Jacob Cumley:

I'm still trying to figure that out. Most of the time when I. Try and have more control. It does come with a little bit of loss in vilo, but just almost thinking more in the game, not just on cruise control, just have my adrenaline super high. I'm breathing more thinking about every batter, and then trying to just take it one batter at a time now instead of worrying about the whole game at the same time. Like

Coach Matthew:

worrying about my stats. Oh, like focusing on that at bat. Yeah. The next, like my current pitch, my next pitch. Instead of thinking about oh crap, I got this guy up next. Or I got this guy next. I would be

Jacob Cumley:

like, oh, I only got six strikeouts so far. I need 10 plus. But I'm not thinking like that anymore. And I'm, I think that's a good thing.

Coach Matthew:

Now I know something big and rare being a pitcher is the no hitter. Have you ever done a no hitter?

Jacob Cumley:

Against Kaiser this year I had a perfect game. Okay. But someone bunted and. Made a controversial call, but it was called a hit. It was difficult play, but that would've been my first high school, no hitter. Perfect game. Okay. Last year against Musclemen in the seventh inning. Some they brought in like a backup hitter and he got a little bloop. Single. Yeah. Almost had it. And then I've got close, but not so far.

Coach Matthew:

Okay. Now, in those moments, because that's a high pressure moment. Yeah. Even though you're still in control of that game. Kind of walk me through that feeling and your mindset in those situations.

Jacob Cumley:

My mindset in a big situation, I feel like that's where I thrive.'cause that's just where I get the most adrenaline. Gives my blood pumping the most. I just always think about dominating the hitter. If I have a, if it's a big moment, I'm just like, I gotta have the most confidence I can in myself and just trust that I'm gonna bring my best stuff against his best stuff and I'm gonna win. Who do you feel like's

Coach Matthew:

the best hitter that you face as a pitcher or the top three?

Jacob Cumley:

There's a lot of good hitters in our area, especially this year. I always have trouble striking out Lynn and Pence. Okay. Him surf, obviously he's great. And another Jefferson kid, probably Danner, Alex Danner always have trouble striking him out and getting him out. Those are probably my three hardest at bats. Yeah. That's what I'd say.

Coach Matthew:

So let's say Landon Penn steps up to the plate. What's your mindset and what's your approach? Is it the same every time or does It kind of changes 'cause

Jacob Cumley:

I've known him since we were little. Yeah. Yeah. I like him a lot and I really want to strike him out mostly because it's just fun. We're friends, but when I. Get him at the plate. I know. I can't just blow fastballs by him. Yeah. He's too good of a hitter. So my approach is to make him think I have to deceive him. Like I'm gonna throw mostly fastballs, but I'm gonna try and mix in everything once in a while. Try and get him out. Yeah. Him. I can't really think about striking him out. I gotta just focus on making my good pitch and just getting him out. Overall, he's a really good hitter.

Coach Matthew:

Just hitting your spots and then whatever happens. Yeah. So if I can get him to ground out the second or, okay. Yeah. I gotta accept a normal out, not a glorious strikeout. Yeah. Every once

Jacob Cumley:

in a while. Do you

Coach Matthew:

know

Jacob Cumley:

what's the most amount of strikeouts you've had in a game? I had 14 and five innings versus Hampshire last year. Okay. So I only had one out that wasn't a strikeout. Yeah. And then I just had 13 and five innings two weeks ago. Last year I had 13 or 14 verse muscle men. Yeah. Those are the highest ones I've had so far.

Coach Matthew:

So when you're, so when you're out there and you've got a high strikeout count, you know you're striking out batteries left and right. How do you maintain that composure and that mindset to continue following through with that? It's just confidence.

Jacob Cumley:

I just have high confidence in myself. Especially if it's a good day. I just almost assume that I'm gonna strike them out and that just gives me the confidence to go out there and compete.

Coach Matthew:

So walk me through like your pregame ritual. Do you have a, or like a superstition, the have baseball players are like, can't step on the line or, yeah,

Jacob Cumley:

that's, JP does the opposite of that. Every time he goes out to pitch, he drags his foot on the line. Makes everybody mad. It's funny. That's funny. But every game, two hours before the game, I'll show up to the field. I eat fruit. Okay. Usually like a bowl of fruit with some yogurt. I'll drink an energy drink 30 minutes before I listen to music the whole time. Start plys an hour before I take a hour and a half long nap before I go to the field. Okay. As long as it's not like the end school game where I didn't have time to Yeah. Yeah. I'll listen to music. That's pretty much, I gotta be adjustable. Like I have to have a shorter routine sometimes. Yeah, sometimes not. I try to keep it consistent though. But a big superstition of mine is my socks. I love

Coach Matthew:

wearing colorful socks. Okay. And you wear long pants though, don't you? Yeah. But then like when you follow through, I'm sure it shows everybody. So do you have a big collection of socks? Yeah, I have a big collection of socks. Okay. SpongeBob socks. Rugrat socks. Okay. All sorts of socks. So all like pop culture socks, like things that stand out. Yeah. So describe your top three socks for me.

Jacob Cumley:

I got my powder Blue Patrick socks. Okay. I usually wear that with our private Blue Jersey. I got, those are my favorite ones, probably. I got my pink SpongeBob socks I just got this year and my favorite pair. I, it's a tough decision. I have a lot. Maybe these ones I have on right now.

Coach Matthew:

Those

Jacob Cumley:

ones,

Coach Matthew:

yeah. What is it about the socks? Is it just is it the fact that like baseball uniforms are just whatever and then finally it like, it allows me to give, put my spicer my,

Jacob Cumley:

yeah. It just lets me get like a little creativity. Okay. I've just been doing it for the last two years and I've been doing good the last two years, so no point in stopping.

Coach Matthew:

Now, are you one of those people that's I have to, if I do really good, I have to wear the same outfit or Yeah, I am.

Jacob Cumley:

Every game with the powder blue jersey and wearing the same socks the last two years. Because of that.

Coach Matthew:

Okay. Your mom, is your mom like the same way? I'm sure she's probably yeah, like you gotta do that or, yeah, she was when she played and she still is. It's pretty fun. So what are some challenges that athletes commonly face in the early stages of their career? Me

Jacob Cumley:

personally, I had a big attitude problem. Like when I would mess up, I would throw my bed or slam my helmet or something like that. That's a big part of what I had to really focus on in my younger career. But mostly confidence. You gotta have, you gotta believe in yourself and'cause if you don't, you just have no chance. You might as well bank on yourself to win and then just deal with it if you don't.

Coach Matthew:

So what was it about, do you know why you would slam and throw stuff? I knew a lot of kids do that. I

Jacob Cumley:

dunno. I think I just had like anger issues, I worked on it. I'm a really calm person now and I'm proud of that.

Coach Matthew:

I just wasn't sure if it was Like a frustration thing or like a

Jacob Cumley:

Yeah, I think it was, I was just really a perfectionist. Like I still am. I've learned to deal with it, but it was a big part. Like every time I mess up I would just slam stuff. I was easy to, I really had an anger issue. Like I was easy to like make mad. I would fight a bunch of kids, but I fixed that.

Coach Matthew:

Have you had any brawls on the mat? Have you ever had to him? We almost

Jacob Cumley:

did Two years ago when I was a sophomore on senior Night against Grace Academy. People were, people on the other team were chirping our pitcher's mom, and then he almost got into a fight with one of them. It was pretty bad. That was a big incident.

Coach Matthew:

Like they were talking about his mom.

Jacob Cumley:

Yeah. Yikes. And he's, he was one of the type of guys that you don't wanna mess with. He was big guy and short temper. And guy messing with his mom, he was like 5, 420 pounds he would've got killed.

Coach Matthew:

That's like Kevin Hart yelling at Shaq. Yeah. That's funny. And Kevin Hart would do that too. That's actually funny. So how do personal experiences outside of sports shape the way an athlete competes?

Jacob Cumley:

I think what you go through really shapes your whole life. It gives you, and if you handle it you can use it to get a good mindset on your sports. If you've gone through struggle, you can use that as fuel to really try and compete.

Coach Matthew:

What do you feel like has outside of your anger issues, have you struggled or dealt with any external adversity? That's. You've had to overcome or outside of injuries too?

Jacob Cumley:

Just not really. It's mostly just injuries that I've been going through that obviously drains on you mentally. I've had to go through some of that, but I really just, what helped me was I just turned my belief to God. And it just makes it so much easier. It just takes all the pressure off my shoulders really.

Coach Matthew:

So when those injuries happen, like walk me through your mindset and just what you do outside including God to keep moving forward. Okay. What I

Jacob Cumley:

do to keep moving forward, I just have to sit for a little bit on it, really think. And then just, I trust myself. I gotta keep reassuring myself like, I'll get past this. It's a temporary injury and I'll keep going on, I'll move forward. It like this is gonna be a speck in the grand scheme of things,

Coach Matthew:

yeah. Now, which one was worse for you? Was it the back or was it your arm? It was my arm injury was pretty

Jacob Cumley:

scary.'cause your UCL l's right here and I strained that. Cell's pretty scary. Had some low ligament issues down here. That was a really scary moment in my life. I like dealing with a huge injury like that's like high school pitch. That's probably a career ending injury if you tour UCL. Yeah. Yeah. So that was definitely a big wake up moment I gotta go get in the weight room, I gotta get stronger so this doesn't happen again. I gotta really focus,

Coach Matthew:

oh, so you use that as. That's when like things pretty much transformed for you almost in a way. Yeah. So you started what, going in the weight room? Yeah, exercising. So my junior year,

Jacob Cumley:

I was like six foot, a hundred fifty five pounds. Really skinny. And I had to use my body like really violently to throw hard. Yeah. Yeah. But that just ended up taking a toll on me. Camp didn't have much muscle. I've gained like 40, 45 pounds and I haven't had any armor issues since summer,

Coach Matthew:

Okay. So it's just really helped you. Did you get, and I guess you gained velocity too as well, didn't you?

Jacob Cumley:

I'm not sure yet because I'm still getting back to a hundred percent, but I'm sure I will eventually. Okay.

Coach Matthew:

Now what I know with baseball, if you're a pitcher, everybody's oh, I throw 95 rather than 91. How do you not let. The numbers get to you and you just go out there and play your game.

Jacob Cumley:

Yeah. At the high school level, it's really not so much how hard you throw, 'cause there's the prodigies that are gonna throw 95 in high school. But you gotta just, you gotta know that if it's not your time, it's not your time. Your time will come, like most people don't peak in high school. They're not gonna already achieve their most physical form of high school like me. All the, this like term, all the college coaches use that I talk to, like raw prospect. Like I'm, I have a lot of potential, so I gotta trust that ability that I'm gonna turn out how I want and then just don't worry about it so much. Okay.

Coach Matthew:

Now with Fairmont what ended up making you decide to go to Fairmont

Jacob Cumley:

third baseball coach? I really like him. He knows a lot about pitching. What made me choose Fairmont Over similar schools or more like prestigious schools, like some mid-major D ones. I really like the campus. It's, yeah, it just fits me. Yeah. And what I wanna do in college. They have good engineering programs. What I'm going into one of the best ones in the state and it just feels more like home, yeah. I just like the vibe of the campus. I'll have, I know I'll have fun there. Yeah. Even if baseball doesn't turn out and I don't go pro, yeah. I'll have fun at Fairmont all four years, no matter what

Coach Matthew:

Now is that your end goal to go play professionally?

Jacob Cumley:

Yeah, eventually.

Coach Matthew:

Okay. Now like MLB or 'cause I know you can get drafted and play in division two, even Division three sometimes. Yeah. But like MLB or you trying to play overseas? Like wherever it takes me

Jacob Cumley:

really. I just want to be able to play baseball as long as I can.

Coach Matthew:

Yeah, I get that. I remember wanting to play. It's fun. It is. It's fun. Now be careful because I like the Yankees. What's your favorite baseball team?

Jacob Cumley:

I don't watch much sports. Okay. I mostly just play, but nationals are my favorite team. Okay. That's reasonable.

Coach Matthew:

They're not good. They're not terrible. Are they terrible?

Jacob Cumley:

They're terrible. Last year. Yeah. I'm not really sure. I haven't watched the game in since Bryce Harper left.

Coach Matthew:

I figured you were like one of those Bryce Harper fans.

Jacob Cumley:

That's what brought me to be a Nationals fan

Coach Matthew:

i's say, 'cause if you said the Orioles, I was gonna have to ask you to leave respectfully,'cause we don't cheer for the Orioles on this podcast. So what lessons that from your past have helped you succeed in both sports and in life? Just

Jacob Cumley:

the ability to take the failure and defeat and just accept it. Move on. I've really struggled with that in the past, but that's really been a big issue that I've had to fix. And that's been a lot better recently.

Coach Matthew:

Now with, I know with Spring Mills baseball, you guys have had rocky seasons in the past. How do you not let those, like the wins and losses get to you now? What was your win and loss record these last like couple years?

Jacob Cumley:

When I was a freshman, I think we won two games. We went two and 28, something awful. Next year, my sophomore year we went four and 26. Last year we went eight and 22, 8 and 20. And now this year we're at a winning record, which yeah, hopefully continues. Mostly we just trust our ability.'cause sophomore year we had a decent talented team. Yeah. But. We didn't mesh at all. Like it wasn't, didn't feel like a family really. There was a few key outlier players that really brought the team morale down. Last year our record wasn't very, was bad, but we had potential, we were a young team. And we just got along better than any other year and that's really pushed us to want to be better this year and have hope that we'll be better in the future.

Coach Matthew:

So in your opinion, why is team arou so important? Why is it I'm

Jacob Cumley:

not really a hundred percent sure it's but it definitely is important because I guess it's just nice to know that your teammates believe in you and that pushes everyone to wanna win more. And I've been on teams with where people are fighting every day and now this year where we're still. Finding our way, but it's a lot better. Like we're more of a family now. Okay. But I don't know why it's so important to be honest, but I guess it's, as a pitcher, it's nice to know that all your teammates have your back. Yeah. And they believe in you, and then you gotta believe in them that they'll make the plays. Yeah. And then it just helps everyone out in the end.

Coach Matthew:

Because there's moments when you're pitching where it's you know you're on a roll, but then somebody commits a error. Yeah. How do you stop that from affecting your game?

Jacob Cumley:

You gotta, if you're have a problem of blaming people oh, this guy just made an error. What is he doing? He just sold the game. You gotta think, why didn't you strike 'em out? You gotta, that's, there's some young pitchers that I'm, I talk to and that's what they think and all just have to check their egos. Like what? You can just strike 'em out. It's your fault too. You can't blame your teammates when everyone makes mistakes. Baseball is a game of failure. Yeah. You're gonna make mistakes. It's inevitable. So you just gotta move on, go to the next batter.

Coach Matthew:

I gotcha. So what strategies help athletes stay focused and confident? Under pressure? I'm

Jacob Cumley:

really big fan of breathing. Just steady your breathing. Find a breathing like rhythm that suits you. I'm a big fan of that. You can listen to music before a game. Get you in the right mindset. But I think that everyone should really, before a big moment, just take a deep breath. Okay. Recollect your mind. Don't make the moment too big. You're just trying to do what you've done a thousand times.

Coach Matthew:

Okay. So you talk about music, you talk about breathing. Where did the breathing come from? Like when did you develop that habit?

Jacob Cumley:

Last year or over the summer, one of them just, I was started looking into, like researching different topics about how I can become the best athlete I can be. And I saw some articles about breathing, so I just started to implement it and then it started working wonders. So I've been doing ever since.

Coach Matthew:

And then music. What's your go-to music to get you in the zone? Is

Jacob Cumley:

it's a lot different from a normal music taste. Okay. I usually like on a day-to-day basis, I'm a really calm person. I like listening to like jazz. Okay. Or just calm, calming music. But game days, my mindset is to dominate and, okay. Kill my opponent basically. Yeah. Yeah. So I really get into that mode. I'll listen to baby Kia. Okay. King Vaughn. Just, you wouldn't expect like me if you knew me personally. Yeah. You wouldn't expect me to listen. Just whatever gets me into that mindset to dominate. That's what I like. Listening to before I

Coach Matthew:

got you something that'll get you, like upbeat, energetic, ready to just go, like break through a wall, punch somebody in the face, whatever it's you gotta do. Yeah, I get that. I a hundred percent get that.'cause I like my typical music. If I'm just chilling, I like, I call white girl music, get to Cater Perry Taylor Swift, but then if I about to go into the weight room or if I'm about to go interview an athlete, like I'm turning on Meek Mill, Lil Baby, gunna all of them just to get you in the zone. I get that. I get that. I a hundred percent agree with that. Back when

Jacob Cumley:

I did play, like the field, I didn't listen. That was really just reserved for my pitching. Like during, when I used to play the field and hit. I would just listen to normal music. Okay. But I feel like pitching you have to have more of a competitive edge, or at least for me

Coach Matthew:

now, one thing that I did whenever I pitched is I would always listen to music or not listen to music. I would sing a song in my head. Do you do that when you're on the mound or, no, I like talking to myself

Jacob Cumley:

a lot though. Okay. I'll talk to myself about what my plan for this battery is, talk to myself, just reassure myself, gimme some motivational thoughts. And that type of stuff. But I don't really sing or whistle or anything like that. I know some people that do. Yeah. It's pretty fun to watch. But

Coach Matthew:

now when you're, let's just say you're on like a negative streak, a couple hits in a row, maybe a walk, maybe a hit by pitch, whatever it is, how do you shift your mindset so you can go back or either A, finish the inning or B, flip back to that dominance. I haven't had

Jacob Cumley:

to really think about like last year I didn't have that problem very much until I got hurt. This year it's been different. I've been struggling a lot more. I've had to handle, go through adversity and it's been more difficult, but I just gotta take it one better at a time. Really. Okay. Like someone gets on base, just, I just gotta let it go. My coach Barrett, he always talks about being a goldfish. Just immediately forget everything. That happens. Yeah. And I think that's good for if you do good too. That kind keeps your ego in check.

Coach Matthew:

Okay. Not worry. So if I'm doing really well, don't worry about the fact that I shrug out the last 15. Yeah. Just be like, all right X batter, new approach or same approach. I get that. This episode of Royal Vision Podcast is sponsored by Trophies Plus here in Martinsburg, West Virginia. If you're looking for sublimated mugs, trophies, awards, or even embroidered hats. Go to Trophies Plus in Martinsburg, West Virginia to go cop all those needs. So what role does self-talk and internal dialogue play in performance?

Jacob Cumley:

I like using it as a motivator and to tell myself that you got this, you're gonna strike this kid out. Like a reassurance. I like using that. I know I used to have to tell myself constantly calm down. That's a big thing too. That can help. Just, I think it helps with every aspect of the game. Like you can think, if you're up to that, if you're hitting, you can think about okay, I need to watch the fastball. But I feel like if you don't say it out loud, you don't really believe it. I, like in life, I like telling myself things out loud. That really makes me believe what I'm saying, not just thinking it.

Coach Matthew:

Oh, okay. I see what you're saying. So action. Like physically doing it instead of just like thinking it.

Jacob Cumley:

Making it. Okay. If I'm driving and I'm thinking like, okay, I gotta turn and I gotta turn out this light in five minutes, I'll just forget it. So I gotta tell myself.

Coach Matthew:

Okay. I actually, I had another question. I can't remember what it was. We'll have to end up coming back to it, but oh, what was it? It was something about on the mound, we'll come back to it. Not a big deal. So what are some mental habits you feel like separate the best athletes from the rest?

Jacob Cumley:

I know all the best athletes have a unwavering belief in themselves. I know that for a fact. If you don't believe a hundred percent that you can do what you want to you're not gonna be able to if. If I don't actually think I'm gonna be able to go pro, I might as well as quit now. Yeah. So you gotta really have confidence in yourself really. That's the biggest thing that I've learned.

Coach Matthew:

So are, have there ever been moments when you're on the mound, let's just say they come up with a mal visit, they try to take you out. Do you have any control over nah, you're not taking me out? Or I don't really have any control over

Jacob Cumley:

it. I've I have had some times, like last year where I was like don't take me out. I'm not sure if it influenced it or not, but I'm sure if I talk to my coach, like in the dugout, usually we're on the same mindset. Like we have the same idea. Okay. But I don't really think I have much control over that. I don't think I should have any control over it. That's a coach's decision and I think my. My view of the situation is clouded by wanting to win and wanting to good too good. If I'm already 12 strikeouts in, but I'm at a hundred pitches, I'm gonna wanna go back out there. But yeah. It's not the right thing to do for my arm. That's true.

Coach Matthew:

Because I'm trying to think. There's an MLB pitcher that Max Scherzer, he regularly hits like 1 30, 1 40, sometimes 150. How have you, what's the most pitch you've ever thrown?

Jacob Cumley:

In high school it's a 115, 110 pitch count limit. Okay. But if you start another batter at 1 0 9, you can go until he is out. So I've, last year, most of my games I was like 1 12, 1 15. Okay. So

Coach Matthew:

you're consistently

Jacob Cumley:

getting through fifth, sixth inning sometime. Yeah. This year my highest has been like a hundred. Okay. So my pitch count's been more down this year, but I'm still getting to like sixth, seventh inning of every game.

Coach Matthew:

Okay. Now. In high school, do you feel like that's a, or at least with being like a college committ, do you think that's a, like a thing where it's I committed so now I just dial back a little bit?

Jacob Cumley:

Definitely. Especially for pitchers. Like hitters or in other sports, you don't have to worry about that. But as a pitcher, you really gotta be conscious about how many pitches you throw for your arm's sake. Like this year my goal has been to keep my pitch count down. Yeah. And it's been going good.

Coach Matthew:

Yeah.

Jacob Cumley:

So I don't wanna be in committed to college. I don't want to go out and blow my arm out again.

Coach Matthew:

Yeah. Yeah. So what are some common mental challenges that athletes face throughout their career? Just reality

Jacob Cumley:

checks. Like you're not as good as you think you are. And that can really hinder your self-confidence, but. You just really gotta get through it and just keep believing in yourself. That's mainly what I think is a, probably the most challenging thing in every athlete's career. So what was like the biggest reality check for you? I probably, this summer, like we played a lot of teams from OUTTA state and some really good teams with, and Allegion you can keep playing until you're done your freshman year of college. So you're facing you can be a sophomore facing like college freshmen, you can be facing 22 year olds. And that just really, and struggling over the summer really made me think okay, I'm still, I gotta believe in myself, but I'm not as good as I thought I was. I can't just get by with throwing just fast balls. I gotta mix up everything. I gotta pitch smart.

Coach Matthew:

Okay, now you say you played for post 60, that's not, did post 14 change to post 60 or

Jacob Cumley:

no PO post 60. We just turned into a Legion team last year. Okay. We were it was the knights, just the North Berkeley Knights for the last two years, but then we got a post and we're really new.

Coach Matthew:

Okay. Now how is that, how do you feel like that has made you a better player compared to high school? Do you feel like it's about the same? It's different

Jacob Cumley:

In high school you face you mostly face the same kids, like over and over, especially if you're like number one or two pitcher on the team, you're mostly just gonna face epac opponents. But in summer you just face kids from all over the place you faced. And you also faced like kids from north, from post 14. Kids, or you've faced kids from New Jersey, kids from other states. It's a higher level competition just 'cause there's college people. But I think both really have the same effect, but it's a little

Coach Matthew:

harder in the summer, I gotcha. Plus you got like the heat and so what's like the hottest? Is there a game that's been like super hot that you've had to pitch on?

Jacob Cumley:

Not in the recent years, but I remember when I was like in little league, there was one game where it was a heat warning. It was like a hundred oh five. It was crazy. Like 110. That was crazy. But the last couple years, I don't think so. I don't think it's gotten over a hundred when we play, which hasn't been that hot.

Coach Matthew:

So What about 'cause I know around here sometimes it's like it snows in May. Yeah. So it's have you ever had to pitch in a really cold temperature and like how do you show up and still compete at, your highest level despite freezing your butt off?

Jacob Cumley:

Me, I just like thinking, I just try not think about it. Okay. I just keep my mind off the cold and just focus on the game. But this last year I've over this last winter I went out and pitched in the snow a bunch, try to get myself ready for that and just, I feel like it also builds like mental toughness to go and run or train in the snow. Okay. So that's helped and makes it easier.

Coach Matthew:

So you run and you train in the snow. Let's, so let's just say we get a snow warning. I know this year got a lot of snow in West Virginia. Yeah. Got a foot of snow on the ground. What's your go-to training regimen?

Jacob Cumley:

I'll go to the baseball field. I usually get like a shovel or something. Okay. To make a little like lane so I don't trip on the snow. Like I don't slip. I'll get a big net. Usually I'm by myself'cause nobody else wants to be out there. Yeah. Ryland went a couple times with me. A couple people come sometimes, but I'll just do my normal throwing. Then I'll go do some sprints, then I'll run on the track. Not the track, but like the warning track of the baseball field. Run a few poles. Yeah. Get some dynamic warmups stretches in just basic stuff.

Coach Matthew:

Okay. Now you talk about nobody's coming with you, but you're still going out there. What is it that, or should I say? There's a lot of people out there where it's if they don't have somebody with them, they won't go. Yeah. I've

Jacob Cumley:

had struggles with that in the past up until like my sophomore year when I started taking it more seriously. Because I'm starting to get better. Yeah. But when I was training before my junior year. I was going out, throwing every day. Most of the time people weren't come. So I would go throwing to a net and I would just listen to music by myself. It's calming. I like it. Okay. I like being by myself, training it. And it's more difficult than training with teammates 'cause that just makes it more fun. Yeah. But I feel like it's really doing more of a difference when I'm trained by myself.

Coach Matthew:

So you feel like you're getting, I know there's results that you can get with teammates that you're not gonna get by yourself. Yeah. But do you feel like you get a different result or maybe you learn more about yourself by training, by yourself? Yeah. I

Jacob Cumley:

learn more by myself. I get more satisfaction from it. Okay. I feel better. Like I'm more proud of myself. Nobody wants to go out there, but I still did. And that makes me feel good and reassures me that

Coach Matthew:

I'm, I can reach my goals. Okay. Like you didn't need somebody, something outside of you in order to reach that goal. Yeah. It's it's just all right there. I have the power in me to do what I want. That's good. That's good. So like those people that are afraid to go out and just do something by yourself, maybe go to the gym, maybe train for an hour or two. What would you say to them? What advice would you give to 'em?

Jacob Cumley:

I'd say look within yourself. Decide if you wanna take, if you're in sports, yeah. Decide if you wanna take your sports serious and you want to go to the next level. And if you do, then you gotta ask yourself like, am I really doing all I can do to reach the next level? And if you're not, either do it or just accept. You're not gonna, you just gotta be harsh with yourself. Harsh or just be real with yourself, be real with yourself. Okay. Am I doing all I need to do to achieve my goals? If I'm not, then either get in check or, I don't know, just fail.

Coach Matthew:

So external pressures, you got coaches, fans, family members, friends. How do those affect an athlete's performance or how do keep those noises out?

Jacob Cumley:

Last year there was, I felt like there was a lot of pressure on me and that it didn't really hinder my performance very much, but it did over the summer, and I just had to learn that just no matter how much pressure's on you, no matter what the outcome is, you just gotta stay calm and keep going. Just do as much as you can do. Don't let, if your family is saying, oh, you can't, we don't want to, we don't want you, unless you're a doctor, we don't want you unless you go pro. Just try and tune them out and just do what you can within your power.

Coach Matthew:

Focusing on like your vision. Yeah. Not letting everybody like, oh, you, you have to do this, or you have to be this. Yeah. Just keep your head straight. Now has there ever been a moment where somebody said something that knocked, knocked you off? And in that moment, what did you do to shift back?

Jacob Cumley:

I can't remember any moment specifically like that. Yeah. I'm sure it's happened. But I'd say if that happens to you, just breathe. I like just breathe and focus and then just think about it and then go to your outcome.

Coach Matthew:

Okay. That's good though.'cause that's something I do is. Sometimes I'll forget to breathe. Yeah. And then I'm like, why am I so anxious?

Jacob Cumley:

Yeah. If I'm on the mound and I'm like, why is my blood going so fast? Yeah. Why am I, why is my heart beating so fast? Why am I nervous right now? And then I'm just like, I just need to breathe.

Coach Matthew:

Yeah. Now are you, do you breathe through your nose or you breathe through your mouth more?

Jacob Cumley:

I guess depends on how high my blood pressure is and how my heart rate is. If I'm going if I'm like super amped up, I'll have to, yeah. But usually I'm just like a steady end through nose out through the mouth. So do you feel like that's what gets you the best results when you're trying to calm down or just trying to like I like to get to the point where I can get a steady breath in through the nose. Okay. And I feel like that's where I'm at my best.

Coach Matthew:

That's

Jacob Cumley:

good.

Coach Matthew:

I'm gonna start using that. That's good. That's good. So how does an athlete's belief system shape their ability to perform at the highest level? Oh,

Jacob Cumley:

I think it definitely helps to have a belief system. Like you can have whatever belief you want to have, but God and really helps me focus on my path. It takes the pressure off me, off my shoulders a bit. It's okay, he has a plan and he's given me my skill, my talent, and giving me my passion. I just need to do what I can with it.

Coach Matthew:

Okay. Has there been, so going through those injuries, you talk about, you said you kinda leaned towards God. How did, were there any moments of like doubt that kind of crept in and how did get those moments, get the doubt out, I guess is what I would say.

Jacob Cumley:

Definitely a lot of doubt. Especially when I hurt my arm. Last year. It was like, before I saw, I went to a doctor in Baltimore to check myself out, but before then I was like, oh man, I might have really messed myself up. I might never come back from this, but I just had to. I think reading the Bible really helps me connect with him more and really calm me down. Like I can just pray. Just pray. You don't even need to pray specific prayers. I like just sitting down or laying down at night and just like having a conversation with God one-on-one. Okay. That really helps me focus and calm down. That's good. That's good.

Coach Matthew:

So I know with baseball being your main thing, you've got, especially when school starts, what, six, seven months before Yeah. The season really kicks off, you got conditioning in like December, January-ish. How do you balance your personal life with your athletic life?

Jacob Cumley:

My athletic life is most of my life to be honest, but. My personal life, I like to just be kind to people. Do just, I want people to have a, when they think of me, I have a positive impact on their life. I wanna make other people's lives better just by being a positive influence in them. Yeah. And that's really what I'd really try and do. If I see a stranger, if I see a freshman in school that's looks sad or something, I'll just try and cheer them up. I just try and be a positive influence on people and that's what helps me.

Coach Matthew:

Now is there do you have a hobby that you that you stick to? Not really. I just, I like pitching. Okay. Because I wasn't, you're, 'cause you're in your book, right? I wasn't sure if you took pictures on the side or, no, not really. Okay.

Jacob Cumley:

It's a fun class though. But I, if there was volleyball around here Yeah. I might've played volleyball instead of baseball. That's how like much, I love volley. I love it. It's so fun. Yeah. And I'm pretty, pretty good at it for never playing. Yeah. But my hobbies, I don't really have any hobbies really. I like watch anime from time to time. Okay. I've been doing that since I was like eight. That's mostly what I do in my free time if I'm not recovering or something like that. Yeah.

Coach Matthew:

So I know there's a lot of people that really like anime. What is it about anime that like,

Jacob Cumley:

I don't know, it's just, I got into it when I was young and sticked. Okay. I've always liked cartoons. Yeah. It's not like that's the only thing I watch. Yeah. Yeah. Like I'll, I just like watching everything. Okay. I like, personally,

Coach Matthew:

I wasn't sure if there was like a hidden message in anime that like really draws you to it if it's just not really. Nah, I got all these like fireballs and like demons, whatever, and they just get slayed. I don't know. No, not really. Okay.

Jacob Cumley:

I just like watching what I like to watch and I have for a while. Even, like when I was in middle school, I was one of the kids like NATO, running in the Callway. Okay. And I was, you gotta do what you

Coach Matthew:

gotta do. Yeah.

Jacob Cumley:

I had these two best friends. I remember they moved away after middle school, but Okay. They were a pretty weird bunch. They would watch like the more stereotypical ones that you would really judge people for. Okay. Like the, I don't know even know how to explain it without being like, inappropriate. It was bad. It was Oh, it was like, okay.

Coach Matthew:

Yeah. Like those hand tie ones or whatever. They would always try to get me a watch and be like, okay. Oh my God I'm good. No, thank you. That's funny. Hey, but you, you're having fun. You're having a blast. That's all that really mattered. That's good. So if I was to watch let's just say an introductory anime, what should I watch? What do you like, what kind of shows do you like personally? Like action Mystery. I like a good comedy. I like some action. So my top favorite movies are, I like Marvel movies. I like the Fast and the Furious. I like Transformers.

Jacob Cumley:

Okay.

Coach Matthew:

So something that like fits into that. And then I also Chick flick. So

Jacob Cumley:

I. I think an easy one is like fire force or demon slayer.'cause they just look really cool. Okay. And it's a bunch of action. Psyche. K It's a comedy. Okay. And it has action. It's cool. I'd say a few, like more of a mystery story. Okay. Death notes really good. Alright. That was one of the first ones I watched and I loved it.

Coach Matthew:

All right. I'll have to, I'll look into that. Oh, what are they like 20 minute episodes? Yeah, they're 20 minute episodes, but then they have like hundreds of episodes. Okay. I'll give it a shot. Alright. Good job Jacob. You just got Coach Matthew to check out anime. Here we go. All right. So what impact do athletes have beyond their sport and how can they use their platform effectively,

Jacob Cumley:

Beyond their sport? Does that count as like other younger people that also play your sport?

Coach Matthew:

It could, yeah. It's really just about how you use. Who you are and your platform to influence people in a positive way. If it's

Jacob Cumley:

like a social media platforms, I don't really use mine very much. I most, like I don't post very much. I would like to get into that, make an account to like motivate younger people. That'd be cool eventually, but I'm, I just need to focus on being the best person I could be right now. It's already hard enough. Yeah. But I know like you have a big influence on eight year olds, people that play baseball that are younger than me and that watch me play. Yeah. I like to sometimes, like you just really need to be a good role model, okay. You just need to. I make them want to love the game and make them wanna be just like you.

Coach Matthew:

Now has there ever been a moment where you had a younger kid approach you and ask you for advice? Or did you ever give him any advice? Yeah, there's been a couple

Jacob Cumley:

moments like that. I just try my best. I feel honored when it happens. Yeah. Feel flattered. Like I don't think I deserve it personally, but when that happens, it's a really cool moment and I was trying to give 'em the best advice I can. Especially if they're like, have similar experiences as me. Yeah. There's some kids that, like moms have talked to me, they've had some like attitude problems. Okay. And I'm trying to help, I've been trying to help them. Or some like my parents' friends or old, like parents that know me, they'll try and help me teach their kid how to throw. It's really fun. It's an honor.

Coach Matthew:

Has there been, or is there a moment that stands out to you to the most where it's like a kid came up to you and you feel like you really changed his life? There was

Jacob Cumley:

no, like young kids. Yeah. But some like freshmen, eighth graders. I I don't wanna shout names, but there's some, this one kid that I was really close with and he was dealing with some mental problems. Yeah. Real serious mental problems because of his sport. Yeah.'cause of baseball. And I just helped him realize that's not there all there is to life. Yeah. Like life is, I love baseball. That's basically my whole life. But I gotta realize that's not all there is in life. I have a life outside of baseball, I have influences on other people that I want to be positive. And I tried and help him with that. And he's doing better and I'm really proud of him and makes me feel pretty

Coach Matthew:

good. That's good. That's good. So how do you, so if you didn't have baseball in your life, where do you think you'd be at this point? Yeah.

Jacob Cumley:

Honestly, don't know. I probably, I would've played some sport. Yeah. I would've played something. So I don't think I'd be that different. I don't think I'd be as good at any other sport. I'm pretty athletic. I'd be good at like basketball.

Coach Matthew:

Yeah.

Jacob Cumley:

But if I played football, I would just get injured too much. I'm already getting five injuries a year on the non, just sitting there throwing the ball. Yeah. But I'd be, I feel like I'd be pretty good at basketball, but I don't think I'd be like getting like high college coaches talking to me in any other sport. But if I didn't play any sports, I don't think I would be as good of a person. I have a really good family, like my grandmother, she's an amazing person, nicest lady I've ever known in my life. I still think I'd be a generally kind person, but. The, I would encourage anyone to put their kids in sports. It just shows you so many, like life lessons and it's just so valuable to me. Yeah. I, what it's done to my life

Coach Matthew:

for real. I don't think I'd be where I'm at without sports, honestly. Even like now, like there are parents that force their kids to play sports. Yeah. That's different. But

Jacob Cumley:

you don't have, it doesn't have to be sports. Yeah. Like they could have a music passion. Yeah. I think as long as your kids have, are passionate about something, I think they'll turn out right.

Coach Matthew:

Like an extracurricular, something that's 'cause like baseball's in a way. Your hobby. Yeah. Except you're just really good at it. So it's it's a good, that's a good, that's a good thing about hobbies though. So life after sports, I know you're not gonna be done play baseball anytime soon. What challenges do you feel like would come with that transition?

Jacob Cumley:

It'll definitely be a lot different. Just not being able to go to the clubhouse every day. If I don't have a clubhouse now, 'cause I'm in high school, but eventually I won't be able to go also hang out with my teammates and everything after I'm done playing. I wanna be involved at some level. If I do go pro, my plan would be to go be a pitching coach with some, if I'm in a good financial situation, really low prices, try and help kids as much as I can, give back to the community. Maybe coach some kids at Spring Mills. Okay. But the challenge would definitely be just not doing what I love every day. Yeah. I think that's really fun to me's my favorite thing part about life, just being able to go use what talent God's given me and just go play every day and just have fun doing it.

Coach Matthew:

So do you think like an issue that happens with athletes is you're playing a sport first, 13, 14 years of your life and then when it's done. Do you feel like you almost lose your sense of self? You learn sense of purpose? Yeah. I think that's definitely a

Jacob Cumley:

problem with like I have some friends that they're probably gonna be done after this year. Like they don't have any like college offers or anything. Yeah. And it's been hard for them and but again, you just gotta realize sports isn't all life gives you Yeah. And you just gotta be the best version of yourself you can be with or without whatever sport you like.

Coach Matthew:

So it's almost like your purpose is always there, but it's about finding a way to use whatever it is as an outlet for your purpose. Yeah. Whether that's in the sport or outside the sport.

Jacob Cumley:

If you were as passionate about, like if you're passionate about baseball like I am, you would need to focus your passion into a different aspect of life. Okay. Go get a job you really go. Start a family. Just get something to where you can put that passion into.'cause I know if I couldn't play baseball after college, there'd be a big hole like in my life. Yeah. That would need to fill with something.

Coach Matthew:

That's true. Very true. Because that was my biggest thing. I lost.'cause I played basketball, played baseball for 13, 14 years of my life. And then you get to a point where it's like, what do I do now? Yeah. Because it's like you're bored because it's I can't go to the field every day. Yeah. Can't go to the court every day. That's definitely gonna

Jacob Cumley:

be a tough day to come when it does. Yeah.

Coach Matthew:

Fingers crossed for you that it doesn't come anytime soon. Yeah. I hope you have a successful MLB career play for the Yankees. They just change. You have your long hair, so you get to keep your long hair. That's good enough. Now do, who's your favorite pitcher? I know you don't watch a lot of professional sports, but who would you say your favorite pitcher?

Jacob Cumley:

Definitely Max Scherzer. Okay. He played for the nationals, whatever. Yeah. I started becoming a fan of baseball. He really, I've watched some like videos that he has said you gotta make sure you have. So I like to think of it as like an alter ego, almost like when I'm on the mound and me as a person, like two complete different people, I've had a little bit of trouble with that this year, just with injuries, just, yeah. Trying to get my head in that space again. But when I'm on the mound, I'm there to dominate. I'm there to do everything I in my power to make a team win. And it's almost like a different person than me in real life. And he really exemplifies that. He's insane.

Coach Matthew:

Yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. So it's like when you're out, you're with people, it's like you're Jacob. Yeah. But then when you step on that mound, you flip flips or. Switch flips and it's like showtime. Yeah. I'm the man. That's good. So for you, outside of winning championships or winning trophies, accolades, what does success look like for you? Success.

Jacob Cumley:

Being able to play baseball every day. That's what I am really thankful for. And a big part of success to me is on a game to game basis. My team winning. Yeah. That's the biggest success that can happen, but just going out and having fun, having a good season, high team morale, that's a successful season to me, no matter what the record is. Yeah. Last year we were eight and 22, but it was a successful season. Yeah. Yeah, because we got better from the last year. Yeah. Team morale was up, everyone was close. We all learned a lot of things that was successful in my opinion.

Coach Matthew:

So that growth from your freshman sophomore year to junior year, yeah, the growth was like the success in a way. That's good. So how do you feel like an athlete defines their legacy and what do you personally wanna be remembered for

Jacob Cumley:

off the field? I wanna be remembered as a kind person that gives back to the community. And that's basically it on the field. I wanna be remembered as a good player. I love the game, I wanna be remembered like I gave it my all. Yeah. No matter what happens at the end of the day. And that I want to inspire younger people that put bet on yourself. Yeah. Put all your cards in the right place and then hope it turns out.

Coach Matthew:

No plan A or no plan Bs. No plan Cs. Just this is my plan, let's do it. Yeah. Like I

Jacob Cumley:

have a plan B, but I love engineering's fun. Yeah. But it's not as fun as baseball.

Coach Matthew:

That's very true. There's a, there's a way you can incorporate engineering into baseball. Yeah. But there's biomechanics and so like you could end up maybe designing the next, I don't know, something that helps pitchers. Yeah. With like injuries or something

Jacob Cumley:

like that. I know. Maybe I could make a robotic UCL for Tommy John

Coach Matthew:

something. Yeah, something like that. Or, you could be pitching, be in the pro leagues and you can be designing this with your engineering degree on the back end. That'd be pretty fun. That'd be cool. So for the next generation of athletes, striving for greatness, looking to make it to the next level. What advice do you have for those?

Jacob Cumley:

You bet on yourself. You have to have confidence. You gotta believe in yourself. If you wanna make it anywhere. Like I didn't have much confidence last year. I was really anxious. Yeah. And after that first game I was like, oh, I can do this. It gave me a big self-confidence and that helped a lot. Now I have college offers and I have a successful plan for my future. And it's all 'cause I just believed in myself. You just need to believe in yourself and see where it takes you.

Coach Matthew:

For sure. Always believe your, always believe in yourself. Kids always bet on yourself. Alright, that's all the time we have here. This has been the conclusion of episode 11, Royal Vision Podcast with Jacob Ley. Coach Matthew, peace out. Love you guys. Go check out Jacob on May 2nd at Hedges.