BY SAPNA PATHAK
He thought winning every game he started as a freshman at Pelham High School was a fluke.
But after repeating the feat three more times, former Pythons pitcher Derek Miller couldn’t help but recognize his baseball abilities.
“After my first two seasons at Pelham (High School), I had no losses, but I still didn’t really think anything of it,” said Miller with a laugh. “But then junior and senior year, I didn’t lose either. Somewhere along there I realized this baseball thing could be something I should really go after and see what happens.”
What happened was Miller, then one semester away from graduating with a degree in early childhood education from the University of Vermont, was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers, the first leg of what he hopes is a journey to the Major Leagues.
This season, Miller was promoted to Double-A Huntsville, Ala., where the hurler earned Pitcher of the Week honors during the week of July 30. The UVM standout won both his starts that week, after officially joining the Stars on July 5.
He’s 6-2 following a 4-0 shutout on Sunday, Aug. 26. In that game, Miller fanned six in six innings, allowing three hits and two walks. In the process, he helped Huntsville maintain a three-game lead in the Southern league’s North division.
His rookie season brought Miller to Montana, where he pitched for the Helena Brewers before being promoted to Single-A West Virginia as a member of the Power rotation.
In season two, Miller moved to the Florida State League and the Brevard County Manatees, where the New England native got his first taste of playing ball in the South.
“Oh, man, it was so less stressful,” said Miller about being able to rely on consistent warm weather. “I wouldn’t have to worry about how I was going to get to the gym that day because there was so much snow on the ground. My wife and son even moved down here last year, so we’re able to spend the offseason in Florida this year.”
As much as he looks forward to a sunny offseason, Miller was fast to say winters will be missed. And Miller was just as quick in crediting former Pythons manager Joe Connors, who no longer coaches at PHS, for instilling the confidence and poise Miller now brings to each start.
“You have to keep your head about you,” said Miller. “Back in high school, I didn’t realize it, but playing with coach Connors and having success then helped me learn how to handle it now. I didn’t take myself too seriously back then, and that’s helped me stay relaxed and confident that I do belong here.”