“On Wednesday, I waited around most of the day checking the computer in my house. Then, I had to get outside for a couple of hours just to get away. I’ve loved the Dodgers ever since I was a kid watching their pitchers in the 90s and all of those Rookie of the Year players.”
Miller, 22, said he’s scheduled to appear at Dodger Stadium today to sign his contract before reporting to one of their two rookie teams June 22.
Miller, who played at Glendale college in 2006 after graduating from Los Angeles Baptist in 2005, was the lone local athlete to be drafted. The draft had 50 rounds with 1,521 players chosen.
“I’m excited, especially after the Dodger scout talked to me,” Miller said. “I thought I might be drafted last year, but it didn’t happen.”
Miller went 4-2 with a 6.63 earned-run average this past season with The Master’s, an National Assn. of Intercollegiate Athletics program. He struck out 42 in 55 2/3 innings that covered 13 appearances. At the plate, Miller batted .207 (six for 29) with one home run and four runs batted in.
With the Vaqueros, Miller went 0-7 with a 7.38 ERA. In 12 appearances, he allowed 77 hits, 56 runs (50 earned), 34 walks and 45 strikeouts in 61 innings. Glendale college finished 9-32 and 4-19 in the Western State Conference in 2006.
“He did a great job for us, and losing him after one year was tough,” Cicuto said. “I know he wanted to go to The Master’s College, but going to GCC was a good fit for him at the time.
“It’s a dream to be drafted by your hometown team. He can go to Dodger Stadium and sign his contract and then go straight to rookie ball. I think he can be successful.”
