At the Midwest Future Games, Stuart Mills showed he knows how to play the game only one way, with intensity and passion. The extremely athletic and solidly built 5-foot-10, 170-pound infielder impressed with all around ability and impressive power for a player of his size. In batting practice, Mills drove the second ball he saw over the left field fence, and consistently barreled up the ball during game play. He also showed the ability to play second base, short stop and third. Mills has all the tools to play at the next level, and the will to get him there.

PBR: Talk a little about your experience at the Midwest Future Games.

Mills: It was a GREAT experience!!!  I enjoyed the challenge of facing some of the best pitching the Midwest has to offer at my age.  I got to play in front of college coaches many kids dream of playing for.  I was even lucky enough to play for some GREAT and COMPETITIVE coaches who were fun and did all they could to showcase my talents.

PBR: What you expect going into your junior season?

Mills: They are set HIGH!  I don't want to be one of the best players in the region I want to be the BEST!  Specifically,

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player?

Mills: My tenacity and will to win - I play the game as hard as I possibly can!

PBR: What are your expectations for the recruiting process?

Mills: I want to find a university that fits me, both academically and athletically.

PBR: What type of program would you like to play at? What is most important to you: Caliber of program, coaching staff, academics, etc…?

Mills: I would be going to school as a STUDENT athlete...school has always come first for me.  I enjoy a TEAM concept and want to play for a university where the team is very close.  I think that is important.

PBR: What schools are you most interested in right now, and why?

Mills: I am just starting the process...and am keeping all options open.

PBR:  What were your personal goals for the 2012 season and were they met? Goals for the 2013 season?

Mills: I was .34 short on my batting average from reaching all my goals for the 2012 season.  As far as the 2013 season: I want to increase my Batting Average from .466 to over .500, Slugging Percentage from .807 to over .900, Homeruns from 6 to 12, Velocity from 86 mph to 88 mph, Stolen Bases from 10 to 30, and Runs Batted In from 40 to 50.  I hope in doing this I will help my team win another regional championship and make it back to state.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer?

Mills: St. Louis Recruits Baseball Club

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced?

Mills: In high school the toughest pitcher I faced was lefty Dylan Dwyer of Calloway County.  He is now a Freshman playing for University of Kentucky.

In Summer ball the pitcher was a Junior College pitcher who hit 94 mph and had four other pitches (including an 88 mph slider...NASTY)! 

PBR: What is your fondest memory or highlight from your 2012 baseball season (High School or Summer)?

Mills: Truthfully, my fondest memory isn't really about me.  Yes, it was my first win of the season on the mound...but, what meant the most was having my little brother (an eighth grader) catching me that night!  There was no better feeling!!!

PBR: What is your most memorable moment in baseball so far in your life?

Mills: There are two: In 2012: In a single game I had three homeruns (one of which was a grand slam), a triple, double and base on balls.  I also pitched that game, with 11 strike outs.

As a freshman...I was the closing pitcher in the semi finals of the Regional Championship.  The team we faced were picked to win it all and we were THE biggest UNDERDOGS of the tournament (with a losing record).  We ended up winning and advancing to the State Championship.   

 

PBR: What are your thoughts on the implementation of BBCOR bats from both a hitting and pitching perspective?

Mills: I love this question!!!  AS A HITTER: I don't think that using a BBCOR is that big of deal.  If you square up a ball with the correct swing the ball will still carry.  This summer, my team used wood bats for a couple of tournaments.  I had more fun hitting with that than any other bat.  AS A PITCHER:  A good hitter is STILL going to take advantage and expose if/when you miss your spots.