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Farmboy adds fire to Wildcats

Jimmy Hancock's pitching and bat have helped turn his new team into a contender.

By FRANK PASTOR
Published March 18, 2005

WESLEY CHAPEL - Jimmy Hancock wasn't accustomed to seeing subdivisions. There wasn't an Applebee's near his father's citrus farm. He hadn't been inside a SuperTarget, let alone one that contained a Starbucks Coffee.

So, when the Dade City native transferred from Pasco to Wesley Chapel before his junior year, it was akin to moving to the city.

"It was definitely a big cultural shock," Hancock said. "The biggest difference when I came here is that I basically didn't know anybody."

These days, almost everyone in Wesley Chapel knows about the senior righthanded pitcher who can tell rain is on the way by the damp smell in the air.

Entering tonight's game against Hudson, Hancock is 3-0 with two saves and has helped the Wildcats (7-1) to within two victories of their total from last season - with 16 to play before the district tournament.

With two more wins, he can become the first Wesley Chapel pitcher to post five in a season, an accomplishment that will put his name on the record board on the west end of the gymnasium wall.

"I'll be able to come by and walk in with somebody and point up there," Hancock said.

Cultural differences aside, Hancock and Wesley Chapel appear to be the perfect fit.

Hancock said former coach Steve Mumaw welcomed him with open arms after Hancock transferred from Pasco, where he had differences with the coaching staff. He gets along equally well with new coach Erik Shafer.

"Shafe came in at the beginning of the season and said, "We're going to win, and that's it,' and his attitude is, he's not going to accept us losing," Hancock said. "He just wants us to perform to the best of our abilities."

Hancock could face his former teammates when Wesley Chapel plays Pasco on March 30. Traditionally, the Pirates have had the upper hand in the rivalry. But, after picking up the program's first victories over Mitchell and Ridgewood earlier this year, Hancock thinks Wesley Chapel is up for the challenge this year.

"We're the real deal this year," he said. "Everybody underestimates us so far."

The same could be said for Hancock.

A control pitcher with a mid-80s fastball, curveball and changeup, he has struck out 19 while allowing only two earned runs in 181/3 innings. At the plate, he is batting .391 with a double and five runs batted in.

"When he's got the ball, he knows what to do with it," Shafer said. "He knows when he gets up there we're counting on him to throw the ball hard and throw it for strikes."

Hancock was at his best in a 2-1 victory over Ridgewood on Friday. He struck out seven while throwing a complete-game three-hitter.

"He's definitely a gamer," said Mitchell coach Phil Bell, whose squad managed nine hits against Hancock in a 7-3 loss on March 1. "His team has a lot of confidence when he pitches."

Hancock's family has been involved in agriculture, citrus and cattle since his ancestors moved from Virginia to Dade City in the 1840s. His grandfather opened Hancock Groves as a citrus harvesting and caretaking business, and his father oversaw its recent transition from wholesale to retail.

In addition to the work ethic he honed working in the groves, Hancock said he learned to appreciate what he has.

"One cold night in December," he said, "and you could lose everything and be back to zero."

Hancock hopes to play baseball in college, and Shafer sees potential for him to play at a junior college in Florida. Hancock said his first priority is earning a scholarship. But, given the choice, he'd prefer to stay close to home.

Eventually, Hancock plans to be involved in agriculture, though not necessarily citrus.

"I love being in a small-town atmosphere," he said.

[Last modified March 18, 2005, 00:43:17]