BALTIMORE, Ohio - Four days after this year’s Major League Baseball Draft Jacob Miller was on the field as a member of the Florida Marlins’ organization.

“It was a no-brainer for me,” the Louisville commit said about deciding on turning pro or going to college. “I knew I had my mind set on this, so for me it was a lot easier to make a choice.”

The recent graduate of Liberty Union High School had strong backing in making the decision to forego college to chase his lifelong dream.

“My family was the biggest thing, they could care less if I went to school or turned pro,” Miller explained. “Either one was such a win-win situation, they fully supported whatever I wanted to do. ‘You’re a big boy, make your own choice.’ ”

His mother, aunt and high school catcher (Austin Ety) were with the top-rated 2022 high school player in Ohio at this year’s draft in Los Angeles.

“I really didn’t know what would happen,” Miller admitted. “I truly thought I would go higher but a team didn’t like my medicals.”

The sixth-ranked 2022 right-handed pitcher in the nation had a moderate idea about what might happen at the draft.

“I thought I might go to the Angels 13th if they drafted high school and the Braves loved me at 20,” Miller said. “Then the Braves traded down to 35 so I thought that’s where I might go. There was also the Reds at 37 and the D-Backs.”

Eventually, the 6-2 180-pound hard-throwing right-hander was selected in the second round with the 46th pick.

“It was crazy when they called my name,” Miller related. “It was such an emotional roller coaster and to finally get my name off the board felt great. It was like, ‘okay, let’s get to work.’ ”

The Marlins and Miller talked ‘a decent amount’ leading up to the draft.

“They picked sixth and then 46th,” Miller noted. “The whole time they didn’t think they had a shot at me being available at 46. They liked me, but they never thought they could land me there. Everything happens for a reason, so it’s great. They love me.”

Signing took place at the stadium in Miami with the general manager and scouting director among those present.

“Me and my mom and dad flew to the stadium and Jeff was there as well,” Miller said in reference to his agent Jeff Gatch. “I walked into the stadium and my picture was all over the stadium. I looked at all the seats and the GM was there and she greeted me and I’m like … ‘this is real.’ It’s like a dream come true.”

It is just another move forward in a dream that has been there for some time.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the big leagues and this is definitely a step in the right direction,” related Miller, who a day later was fitted for gear, playing light catch and meeting the staff. “I always loved college baseball but my goal has never been to play college baseball, I want to step into pro ball and be a big leaguer fast.”

Once drafted, Miller conversed with Louisville.

“Up to the draft I was on campus and talking to the coaches,” Miller said. “After I signed I talked to them and thanked them. (Head) Coach (Dan) McDonnell was very supportive and said if you’re ever in the area don’t be a stranger.”

Following a few bullpens, the soon-to-be 19-year-old (Aug. 10) is expected to make four starts of two innings apiece before being shut down for the season. His first outing will be on Aug. 8.

“I just want to go prove myself and show I belong there,” Miller said. “It’s truly going to be great to compete against all the other pros. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Miller has some keys in moving up the ladder.

“The biggest thing is to continue to throw strikes.” Miller concluded. “Guys that move up there throw strikes and I’m looking forward to that.”

Come Sept. 10, Miller will then head back home.

“When I get back they’re putting up my jersey in the hallway in the school,” Miller said. “That will be cool.”