By Tim Wester
Sports Correspondent
It’s one thing to make an all-star game, but it’s another to make a difference.
Union Grove High School graduate Ben Miller certainly made a difference for the East All-star team two weeks ago.
Miller earned the victory on the mound in the East’s 3-2 victory over the South and then added a base hit in the third game during his team’s 7-5 victory over the North.
“It was good and actually a lot of fun to be around a lot of good baseball players and good experience all around,” Miller said. “It was pretty cool to come into relief and pitch the last three innings of the game to earn the victory against a talented opponent.”
Miller allowed just one run on four hits and one strikeout to lead the way to victory.
The standout pitcher also saw action in the infield, playing shortstop in game one and second base in game three.
“On top of pitching, I consider myself to be a natural shortstop,” Miller said.
Miller earned his spot on the All-Star team thanks in part to a commanding 6-2 season on the mound for the Broncos this past season, with a blistering 0.98 earned run average. Miller also struck out 60 in 50 innings, while only walking 16 to earn first-team All-Southern Lakes Conference, All-Area and team MVP honors.
“It was a great high school season, Miller said. “I cut down on walks and made the pitches to get the hitters out instead of trying to just strike people out and keep people off base.
As well as Miller pitched for the Broncos, the three-year starter also took pride in his improved hitting performance this season.
“I hit the ball a lot better this season,” Miller said. “In the offseason I hit the open gyms a couple times a week to hit and it certainly paid off.”
Miller’s work ethic served him well throughout his high school career where he earned Honorable Mention all-conference and all-county in 2012 as sophomore. In his junior year, Miller earned first-team all conference and was all-area player of the year.
Looking forward, Miller looks to lead the Union Grove Legion Baseball team this summer. Union Grove has already jumped out to a 7-2 record this season, including a tournament victory in Viroqua.
“The win in Viroqua was a pretty big deal for us because we were short a couple players and Friday night, we had just nine players and two catchers playing, but yet everyone stepped up and we won.”
“As for the rest of summer season, we just need to continue to hit well and play good defense and we’ll see where it takes us.”
After the summer season, Miller will head north to UW-Stevens Point to begin his college career. Miller is slated to be a pitcher for the Pointers, with the possibility of also seeing some action in the middle infield.
All of these factors played a big role in Miller’s decision to attend Stevens Point.
“I love the great coaching staff and all-around baseball program that is successful year after year, and it was something that always stuck out to me,” Miller said. “I’m more than excited to get the chance to play there.”
Point, undoubtedly is just excited to have landed Miller.
-
-
-
-
-