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Q&A with Illinois State commit Owen Miller

December 9, 2013

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Wisconsin/Illinois

SS Owen Miller (Ozaukee, 2015) recently committed to Illinois State after a highly productive summer with Hitters Baseball and around the showcase circuit. Miller had an impressive weekend at the PBR Labor Day Challenge which kick started his relationship with Illinois State.

We talked to Miller about his recruiting process and what led to his decision to Illinois State.

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

Miller: Going into the recruiting process, I did not really know what to expect. It went faster than what I thought. When September 1st of this fall came I received many emails and letters and it took off from there.  

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: The recruiting process started to heat up after playing in many elite tournaments this summer, also being invited to events put on by the Chicago Scout Association and playing in the Midwest Futures Games.

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

Miller: Yes. I have many family members that have supported me over the years in all of my sports, so it is nice to know that they will be able to continue watching me play over the next few years.

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

Miller: This fall, I played in the Prep Baseball Report Labor Day Challenge at Illinois State with Hitters Baseball. After that I started to talk to the coaches and eventually my family and I took a visit to the campus and I loved it there.

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

Miller: First of all, I was looking for a good Business program, which Illinois State has. Secondly, I was looking for a baseball program that has a good winning reputation and a development program for my future.

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

Miller: Boston College and Indiana

PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?

Miller: I am working on my overall strength because it will help my bat speed and power.  I spend time in the weight room and always keep hitting.

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

Miller: In the winter, I play basketball which helps me maintain my speed and quickness. Also, I am in the Hitters Baseball winter workout program which is very intense. It helps me with my fielding, hitting, arm strength, and overall strength and quickness.

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

Miller: I play with Hitters Baseball out of Racine, Wisconsin. The most memorable experience I had with them is this fall when we beat The Reds Midwest Scout Team in Iowa at the Perfect Game Kernels Tournament in extra innings to send us to the Semi -Finals.

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