Derek started his baseball career at the age of 4 in Indianapolis, IN, where he lived until moving to Florida in 2009.  He has played travel baseball since the age of 7, having previously played for teams in South Florida including the Huskies, the Breakers and South Florida Elite Squad.  Derek was a starting pitcher for Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, where he recently graduated.  This past season, the Eagles won the District Championship and advanced to the Regional Final.  Jacobs was named Honorable Mention Sun Sentinel All County in 2013 and completed his career at Douglas undefeated as a starter.  Jacobs was one of 17 seniors in his graduating class recognized as a First Class Senior.  A tradition since the first graduating class in 1992, First Class Seniors are nominated and selected by the school’s faculty in four categories—outstanding character, community service, academic achievement and athletic achievement.  Derek was selected for Outstanding Character and Athletic Achievement.  His coach (Todd Fitz-Gerald) had this to say about Derek: “Derek is a great young man with outstanding character.  I have watched him grow the last three years and anything he does in life, he will be successful at.  He is highly motivated and dedicated to whatever he puts his mind to.  It has been fun coaching him.  He will be missed in our program.”  Jacobs has signed with Pittsburg State University (KS) and is looking forward to continuing his career at the collegiate level.