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Q&A with Stanford Commit LHP Erik Miller (De Smet, 2016)

October 28, 2014

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

LHP Erik Miller (De Smet, 2016) is a solid 6-foot-4 190-pound southpaw and has verbally committed to play college baseball at Stanford University.  Miller becomes the fourth player in the Missouri's 2016 class to select a school.

Miller is currently ranked #2 in the 2016 class and at Prep Baseball Report's Top Prospect Games in June, Miller touched 91 mph, sitting 84-86 mph.  He has a high 3/4 release with run on his fastball.  His curveball had 1-to-7 shape with sharp, late break at 68-72 mph.  Miller also displays command of his change-up thrown with near fastball arm speed and arm side release at 71-73 mph.  

Miller pitched 13 innings last season, in a De Smet pitching rotation that featured two other NCAA Div. 1 commits.  The southpaw fanned 17 batters and finished with a 1-1 record, and see an increased role in 2015. Miller has a high ceiling and will certainly be one the top arms in the state his next two years of high school. 

During the summer, Miller plays for the Rawlings Tigers based out of St. Louis, and has recently discussed how he became a Standford Cardinal in the interview below. 

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Miller:  My expectation for the recruiting process was that it would be a nervous and hectic time.  To some extent this was true, receiving phone calls and replaying to coaches, but overall it went smoothly.  I got to learn about many different programs and enjoyed seeing what each brought to the table.  

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Miller: Location and distance played no factor in my decision.  I have always loved the West Coast and California in particular.  Throughout my youth I visited California many times and saw different colleges and this raised my interest in Stanford. 

PBR: Where did Stanford first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Miller: Stanford first saw me when I attended their All-Star Summer Camp in August.  On September 1st, I received a call from them and began to build a relationship with their pitching coach, Rusty Filter.  They asked me to come out for a weekend visit where they offered me a baseball scholarship.  

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Miller:  I think some of the best players I have faced in Missouri are Justin Perkins and Jacob Gonzales.  Both of them know how to hit efficiently and use their speed and power to their advantage. 

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Miller: I don't know if I want to classify myself as an elite player, but I think as I entered high school I began to realize my potential.  As I progressed through high school and attended different showcases, I saw that I had the chance to play at the next level.  

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Miller: I wanted to attend a college that would give me a chance to succeed in life after my playing career and I feel there is no better school for this than Stanford.  Along with the academics, I wanted a strong baseball program which Stanford continues to demonstrate year after year.  Combining these two, Stanford was an option I could not pass up.  

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Miller: My Advice to young players is on the academic, baseball and mental levels.  Work as hard at your studies as you do on the baseball diamond.  Good grades give you options.  I would also suggest to players they go out and demonstrate to college coaches at showcases or camps your skills in the areas of the country you want to play.  Not every college coach will come to you, so it is up to you to go out and display the skills you have that might translate to the needs of their baseball program.  The last thing is dream big.  Because it never hurts to aim for the something difficult. 

PBR: What do you do in the off-season to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Miller: In the off-season, I participate in a long-toss program three times a week while also working out three times a week on alternate days from throwing with personal trainer.  I've learned from older players to work hard in the off-season because someone else out there is getting better and looking to take your position.  Once November arrives I start working off a mound with my pitching coach for the upcoming season.  

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Miller: I think so far the most memorable moment in my baseball career is being able to say I am a Stanford Cardinal.  Since I was a kid I always saw Stanford as a dream school and to say that I am actually going to attend, it is amazing.  

PBR: What do you like most Stanford and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Miller: What I like the most about Stanford is their emphasis on being both a student and an athlete.  They give me the best opportunity to strengthen both my academics and athletics at the same time.  Also the location of Stanford is in a perfect climate for baseball and allows me to play year round.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

MIller: Some other schools on my short list were: Mizzou

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

MIller: I think the PBR Top Prospect Games in June started to heat up the recruiting process a lot.  The event got my name out there to multiple D-1 schools and soon afterward I started to receive interest from schools in the SEC, Big-12, Big-10, ACC, Ivy League and PAC-12.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals? Name some players that will play a key role for De Smet in 2015.

Miller:  I think our team will be strong this year as multiple seniors with varsity experience return.  This group really jells together well so I think we will be a relaxed team.  My goals are to receive honors in All-MCC, All-Metro, and All-State.  As for our team I think we have a great chance at a state title.  Some players that play a key role for us are fellow left-handed pitcher Mike Plassmeyer, Michael Berra, and John Smith.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Miller: During the summer I play with the Rawlings Tigers.  My most memorable experience with them is a 5 inning 13 K start in pool play of a tournament.  Also just getting to hang out with my teammates and enjoy the different cities and colleges we played at.

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