Athlete of the Week: Miguel Acosta, West Orange High baseball

A passion that began at 3 years old has led West Orange High’s Miguel Acosta to become a college baseball committee for Florida Southern University and a leader on the Warriors’ dugout. 

Acosta, a senior second baseman, boasts a .433 batting average, .529 on-base and .597 slugging percentages, 22 runs, 29 hits and four triples, and leads the team in all those statistics. He’s ranked No. 12 in Florida Class 7A for his 22 runs and No. 1 in West Orange’s District 4. 

The four-year varsity player has helped the Warriors compile a 66-36 record since 2022 and its current 14-7 record with a No. 55 ranking in Florida. 

What do you enjoy most about baseball? 

What I enjoy the most is the competition and the feeling of being a part of a team working toward the same goal. 

When did you start baseball and why did you join? 

I started playing baseball when I was 3 years old because I loved the game and wanted to challenge myself while having fun. 

What is your biggest accomplishment in baseball?

My biggest accomplishment is continuing to improve every year and earning the opportunity to play at the next level. 

What has baseball taught you? 

Baseball has taught me discipline, patience and how to handle failure while staying focused on getting better every day and just flipping the page when things don’t go your way. 

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

Supportive, hardworking and someone who leads by example on and off the field helping others when they need it and just being the one that everyone can rely on. 

What advice would you give someone who just joined baseball? 

Stay patient, work hard, don’t take it for granted. Time goes by fast, and don’t get discouraged by failure. It’s part of the game. 

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?

I need everyone to play for each other, trust the work you’ve put in and give everything you’ve got every pitch. Nobody has put in as much effort and dedication to the game like you’ve done. 

What is your pre-game ritual?

I like to stay focused, listen to music, visualize success, watch a little bit of YouTube, make sure to get a good meal in before the game, and just relax and get locked in before the game. 

If you could pick a different sport what would it be?

I’d pick football because of the intensity and teamwork involved. I feel like I have the body and mind shape for it. 

Whom do you admire?

I look up to my family because they’ve always supported me and pushed me to be better every single day. I also like to look up to Ronald Acuña Jr. because of the passion and energy that he plays with. He just goes out there and plays with his own style. 

What is something new you’d like to learn?

I’d like to keep improving my skills and learn more about the mental side of the game, stay in my craft and just keep working hard getting better at something new every day. 

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

My favorite holiday is Christmas because of the time spent with family and just being able to spread love and surprises around the whole family. 

What future career do you want to have? 

I want to pursue a career in baseball as long as I can or something related to sports. 

If you became famous, what would it be for? 

It would probably be baseball or something like me making my own business to help people with sports. 

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?

I would have to choose dolphins because of their intelligence, problem solving skills, their relationship, leadership, strength and confidence. 

What is your perfect day? 

A perfect day would be getting up around 10 a.m., having a good breakfast, hang out with my family for a little, go hit, have a game, win the game and spend time with my teammates after. 

Why did you pick your jersey number?

I picked my jersey number (No. 13) because it represents who I am and motivates me every time I step on the field.