When Mason Miller pitched for the Bethel Park Black Hawks , he was an excellent high school player , but there was no indication that he might one day become a major league ball player . His coach at the time , Tony Fisher , notes , “ He was this tall , skinny kid . He helped us win the conference title , no question , but he was not an MVP or All- Conference player .”
In addition to baseball , Miller was also very involved with the Boy Scouts and played on the school ’ s golf team . He participated in a lot of ministry work at his church and was a well-rounded individual .
“ I enjoyed him as the good person he was , and I enjoyed being around him ,” says Fisher . He was also a mentor to some of the younger guys and was a good teammate . “ He was a very coachable kid and had all the intangibles that make a good player .”
After graduating from the 21st Century Cyber Charter School , Miller headed off to Waynesburg University and played baseball for the Yellow Jackets . He might have played college ball and then
“ retired ,” but as baseball legend Yogi Berra famously said , “ It ain ’ t over til it ’ s over .” Two very significant things happened that changed the course of his development as a player .
As a sophomore at Waynesburg , he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes . Although many people might have seen this as an insurmountable challenge , Miller improved his diet and nutrition , and along with the right medication , he was able to put on 60 lbs .! With more size comes more power . And with more power comes more speed . Miller ’ s fastball increased in speed until he was consistently pitching in the mid to high 90s .
What looked like a second obstacle for Miller ’ s collegiate athletic career also turned out to be a blessing in disguise . The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc with baseball schedules and training as it did with all sports . But because of the loss of training and playing time , Miller was eligible to play another year of college ball . He entered Gardner- Webb University in Boiling Springs , North Carolina , and pitched for the Bulldogs . Despite being a small school , it is well-known for having a standout baseball program .
“ I really feel that was a major turning point in his development as a player ,” says Fisher . He also had the opportunity to play in games that were televised on ESPN .
Miller was drafted by the Oakland A ’ s in the third round in 2021 and began what can be an arduous climb through the minor leagues , since it can take years to get to the majors . But in Miller ’ s case , he has made a meteoric rise . The righthanded pitcher , with a 100 + mph fastball , struck out 11 batters in his last start with the Las Vegas Aviators farm club . Then on April 18 , the A ’ s announced that he was being promoted to its major league club . Unfortunately , however , on May 8 , Miller sustained a ligament sprain in his throwing arm against the Kansas City Royals . He ’ s currently on the injured list as of this writing . However , if Mason Miller ’ s history is any indication , he will come back from this challenge stronger and more successful than ever , and we ’ ll be watching his career for a long time to come . n
BETHEL PARK ❘ FALL 2023 17