Former Tech pitcher focused on new career
Do You Remember Matt Miller?

BY ADAM ZUVANICH
AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
 

For the most part, Matt Miller has put baseball behind him.

The majority of Miller's adult life has been consumed by America's Pastime. After starring as a left-handed pitcher for Monterey and Texas Tech, he spent more than five years working his way through the Detroit Tigers' minor league system. Miller finally reached the major leagues in 2001, but a shoulder injury early in the 2002 season put his professional career on the shelf.

Once his playing days were over, Miller returned to Lubbock and completed his business management degree at Tech. He's been working as a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch since August of 2003, and much of his life after baseball has been devoted to his family. He and his wife, Sara, are raising two children in the Hub City, 4-year-old Beau and 3-year-old Abby.

Jim Watkins / Staff Former Monterey and Texas Tech pitcher Matt Miller stands beside a picture of him and his son at Comerica Park in Detroit. Order a print

Miller doesn't spend much time wondering what could have been. He appeared in only 15 games as a middle relief pitcher for the Tigers - he never got a decision or a save - but he's thankful for the opportunities he had.

Miller got to meet President Bush during the Tigers' road trip to Baltimore in 2001, and he made his big league debut against the team he grew up rooting for (the Texas Rangers). Miller's career also allowed him to make several lifelong friends with whom he remains in contact.

He also realized his dream of pitching at Fenway Park. Miller's wife grew up in New England as a Boston Red Sox fan, and with several of her family members in the stands, he recorded a two-out, bases-loaded strikeout in the eighth inning of Detroit's 3-2 victory.

"It was a great ride," he said. "I had a free eight years of playing ball, being a kid and having fun. It was a blast.

"I miss it very much, but I enjoy being at home 12 months out of the year."

The playoffs and the World Series notwithstanding, Miller said he's watched only two major league games on television since he retired. He remains involved with the sport, however, having spent the last two years as a TV commentator for Tech baseball broadcasts.

In his spare time, Miller said he also gives private pitching lessons to college, high school and Little League players.

"I've stayed connected with the game that way, rather than being a fan," he said.

Long before his pro career, Miller went 12-2 for Monterey during his senior year, helping the Plainsmen reach the regional semifinals. He then set school records at Tech for wins in a single season (12) and for a career (25), although both marks have since been surpassed.

Miller said he was the first Red Raider to earn an invitation to play for Team USA, and he cited going 3-0 against Texas in 1995 as one of the highlights of his collegiate career. The Raiders were ranked second in the nation that year and narrowly missed a berth in the College World Series, and Miller was around when Tech hosted its first NCAA Regional in 1996.