The Juan Diego Catholic High School baseball team just added a new player right before the start of the 2012 season.  Senior Connor Miller moved to Utah from Florida this semester, bringing plenty of experience on the baseball diamond.

Miller grew up on the beaches of Florida with baseball on his mind. He attended Providence High School in Jacksonville, Florida and played at the varsity level as a freshman. In his sophomore year, he moved to Episcopal High School, also in Jacksonville, and had surgery done on his shoulder due to a torn labrum and rotator cuffs.  He did not play his sophomore year and had an eight-month rehabilitation.

As a junior, he had recovered from his injuries and played varsity again. “My arm was stronger than ever,” says Miller. During his junior year, his team went to the state championship tournament, but did not win the title.

Miller cannot remember a time without baseball in his life.  “I started playing baseball when I was two years old,” he said.  “Florida baseball is so competitive, so I am excited to see what it is like here.”

Miller says his dad has had a huge influence on him, both in baseball and in life. “My dad has been a big inspiration in my life. He has been through a lot and has strived through everything,” says Miller.

His dad once played AA baseball and always pushed his son to be the best. “He has been there for me, no matter what,” says Miller. “My dad hung a ball from the ceiling in the garage and I would hit it. Baseball has always been my passion.”

Austin Guertsen, a senior at JD, believes Miller will be a huge part of their line-up this season due to his powerful left-handed swing. “As a player on the team, the moment I saw him step on the field, I fell in love with him,” Guertsen says. “The way he plays his game is so smooth and he works hard, especially on that beautiful left-handed swing. Along with being a great baseball player, he is such a humble and nice guy.” Guertsen says Miller will be an absolutely key member of the team.

JD’s baseball team is hoping for its fourth consecutive championship this year. With the competion from rival schools, the team needs many power hitters, base hitters, and people to get as many runs as possible to record a win.

The baseball team has many right-handed players, but few left-handed ones. Along with Miller, senior Kade Wagner shares the rare left-handed perspective and is happy to have another lefty on the team. “He has a lot of power and will be a great hitter for us in the middle of our line-up,” Wagner says. 

With all of the left-handed power Miller possesses, he can take advantage of the shallow right field fence.  "He has a great attitude and came here to help us win our fourth in a row," Wagner says.  "Connor says he wants a ring more than anything."