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LEESBURG, Fla. -- Lightning outfielder and designated hitter, Cage Cox, is very aware of the highs and lows the game of baseball offers. Cox is off to a hot start in his second season with Leesburg after an All-Star campaign in the summer of 2017 where he hit .286 with two home runs and 18 RBIs. In 2019, Cox has started 8-15 with a double, a home run and an FCSL leading 8 RBI.

However, things were not always looking so bright for the free-swinging lefty. As a freshman in 2017, Cox slashed .350/.409/.547 with seven home runs and 45 RBI in his debut season for Alabama State. His production earned him a selection as a Freshman All-American. Cox was poised for a huge sophomore season in 2018, being named a Preseason All-American. Cox hit .273/.357/.350 with 31 RBI and no home runs. Cox’s power just was not there in 2018 like it was his freshman season.

Cox said there were factors playing into his struggles on the field. “I was unhappy during my sophomore season and I had some things going on off the field that affected me mentally,” Cox explained. “I had a mediocre season. At the end of the season I didn’t see myself playing baseball anymore.” Cox was right. After his sophomore season, Cox decided to give up the game of baseball.

During his year off from baseball, Cox got a job working construction on top of going to school. Cox credits this job with getting him back on track mentally and helped him realize he might want to get back into baseball. “During my year off from baseball I worked construction and was a part-time student’ Cox said. “During that time I realized that I didn’t just want to be an average person.”

Cage Cox was driven once again. He was motivated to get back on the diamond and show people what he could do. He was born to be a baseball player. “Baseball has been the only thing in my life that kind of made me stand out,” Cox added. “Baseball had given me so many opportunities and opened so many doors for me as a kid and I felt that I owed it to myself and to all of the people who have supported me to get back on the field and at least give it my best shot.”  

His best shot has been a great one so far as a member of the Lightning. Perhaps even more importantly, his mental state is much improved. “I’m having a blast playing again,” Cox said. It is not hard to believe. Cox is one of the livelier personalities in the Lightning clubhouse, always smiling or cracking a joke.

He is enjoying himself and enjoying playing the game of baseball once again. Cox says he does not want this to be the end of the road for his baseball career. He is undecided on a school to play for next year, but has some large goals in mind. “I want to find somewhere to play for the next couple of years that is a good fit for me,” Cox explained.  “After that, I want to hopefully get drafted and play some pro ball.”

Cox has big aspirations on the diamond after his time in the Florida Collegiate Summer League is over. With his mind cleared and his confidence back where it needs to be, it would be unwise to bet against him.

Jaxon Peebles (Alabama)