East County Athlete of the Week: Jake O'Neal

The Lakewood Ranch High baseball team finished 6-18 last season and hired a new head coach, former Major League Baseball player Ian Desmond. Rising senior third baseman/shortstop Jake O’Neal is expected to be a pivotal part in a turnaround. O’Neal was named the most valuable player of the 2025 17U Perfect Game BCS Qualifier event at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers May 30 - June 2. 

When and why did you start playing baseball? 

I started playing T-ball probably when I was about 4 or so in St. Pete. It was my first favorite sport and I love it.

What’s been the best part of this summer?

It’s been fun playing against top talent from across the country (with Perfect Game). We played in Georgia and Alabama. Everyone around you is good, so it makes it more competitive and fun.

What’s your favorite all-time baseball memory?

Probably my first home run when I was 11. I hit my first home run on my mom’s (Lyndee O'Neal) birthday. It was at a travel tournament at Braden River. It was pretty funny because I had no idea it was gone and I was sprinting all the way around second base.

What do you think of having a former MLB player as your head coach?

I’m very excited about it. It will help our team a lot. It’ll help us develop and possibly help more kids get into college. We had never had practices in the summer before, so this is new, and he seems interested in improving the team and making Lakewood Ranch a top program in the area.

Why will Lakewood Ranch baseball be better this year?

I think getting in the weight room is a big part of it. We need to get stronger in general. We’ve had better run practices. We’ve been getting more work done in less time, and that will better prepare us for the games.

What has gone right for you personally in your development?

Becoming stronger. I’ve always been a good player and I’ve always practiced a ton on my own, but getting in the weight room and getting stronger has helped a lot. I have a better arm and I’ve been hitting the ball harder and for extra-base hits. 

What is your most humbling moment in baseball?

My freshman summer, I didn’t have a good summer, and it opened my eyes that I needed to work on getting stronger. I saw other kids succeeding around me and it opened my eyes. I didn’t play a lot on the team I was on, and I figured getting in the weight room would help me, and it definitely has.

What is your favorite meal?

I like nachos, but I always like a good chicken bowl from Chipotle with white rice, black beans, salsa, corn, cheese and lettuce.

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

I don’t watch TV shows, but I do like MLB Network. My favorite movie is The Sandlot. It’s a funny movie and it reminds me of what it was like when I was younger playing baseball.

What is your go-to warm-up song?

On the way to games I listen to country music, mainly. I don’t listen to anything when I’m getting ready. I like to listen to George Strait. It comes from my mom because she’s from Texas and loves George Strait. 

If you’re not playing baseball, what are you doing?

I play baseball almost all the time. I go to the YMCA. I play whiffle ball and basketball with my friends. I golf a lot also.

Who is your favorite baseball player and why?

My favorite baseball player of all time is definitely Evan Longoria. Right now, probably Yandy Diaz. My favorite team is the Rays. Growing up, Longoria was my favorite player. He was the best player on the team and he’s a third baseman. 

Finish this sentence. Jake O’Neal is…

Hard-working.