Tuesday March 26th, 2024
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David Miller

 

David Miller

USSSA Playing History

2015 Interview

What positions do you play and what is your best position?
1b/EH/C  1st base is my best position

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?
I have only been in the game a short time and have seen and learned from so many.  To name a few Brett Helmer, Brian Wegman, Scott Kirby, Andy Purcell, Dennis Rulli, Bryson Baker and  Greg Connell.

Why do you like the game of softball?
Softball is a very competitive sport.  Players come out every day and battle each  other to win a weekend.  It gives me the feeling of being on a team and having a family of brothers again.  Understanding the strategy of softball is something I have grown to love. Having to be able to hit the ball over the fence when needed but also learning how to hit backside and take your walks to get on base.  It is much more than hitting an underhand pitch.  Coming from pro ball I have asked a lot of questions and want to continue to learn and play this game at the highest level.

Who is the best up and coming player in softball and why?
Again, I am new to softball but there are so many.  I am particular to Ryan Parfitt as I have had the privilege to see him play week in and week out.  He is the ultimate gamer who can hit for power and average and play an amazing CF.  Watching Lee Payne run is pretty amazing as well.  Kyle Pearson from Buzini is dude and I love watching Ryan Harvey when he gets to free swing.  There are so many players that have the ability to be great.  

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?
I don't think I have earned a nickname in softball yet.  Too early in my career.  If anything Big Dave Miller is about it.  I was training for a bodybuilding show this season before I signed with Line drive so a few dudes were calling me "Beast" but I am not counting that.  Miller or David is fine with me.  

What is your height and weight?
I am 6'5" and 265 lbs.  I want to shred 20-25 pounds for next year so I can get my speed and longevity back to maintain and play a full season.  My legs couldn't take the weight this season

Where do you call home?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?
I have gotten to a point in my life where I enjoy my down time.  A baseball game, sporting event, or a concert would be a great way to spend and off weekend.  Hanging with friends or even teaching my young baseball players what I've learned.

What do you do for a living?
I own  sports/nutrition stores in Philadelphia.  I also have a baseball facility and travel teams that I run as well as being the Head baseball coach at Penn Charter High School In Philly.  Hoping my  new facility is up and open in the Spring of 2015 then I can get working on a complex for baseball and softball teams.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?
I played baseball, basketball, and football in high school.  Baseball in college at Clemson University and then was drafted by the Cleveland Indians to start my professional career.  

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?
A few months ago I agreed to play league softball for a friend.  I happened to play one night against Ryan Parfitt.  After the game we exchanged numbers and began working out and training together.  He got me a shot with Line Drive and I began my career this past season at the Smokey.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?
The speed of conference play is so much faster and every player is way more consistent at all levels of play.  They hit for average and power, play great defense and the energy at these games are second to none.  

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?
Right now I am learning the game.  I can hit for power yes but I don't want to compare myself to anyone in particular.  Getting injured so early has shown me what I need to do to be successful at this level and you cant just go out and hit.  I ask a lot of questions and learning from people like Denny Crine, Kevin Filby, Keith Anderson, Jason Branch and Ryan Parfitt as well as countless others has been invaluable.  I can't thank them enough.  

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?
I guess my career highlight to this point was hitting a pinch hit home run off Resmondo's Andy Purcell in the Smokey.  He is the best pitcher in the game and it was my second career at bat.  It was a nice moment and Andy is a Hall of Famer.   

In your career was there a single person (player/manager/coach) who had the most significant impact on your approach to the game? Why?
As new to the game as I am and playing with Line Drive I was able to talk hitting most with Jason Branch and Keith Anderson.  Both have played for many years and have been able to get through to me about just "touching it".  I am strong enough and its not about over swinging as it is spinning it correctly.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?
It is not as easy as everyone thinks.  A lot of hard work needs to be put into your game every day.  Taking bating practice and working on all facets of the game.  Staying in shape for the long grind of a weekend in Florida.  Staying positive and just because you make an out means nothing.  There are plenty of At bats left.  Be a great teammate and play for the team and your sponsor.  Don't let it get to your head and remember who you are.  Be confident but not arrogant.  

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?
Two fingers off the bottom of the bat for more whip.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?
I will play in league play this offseason and will also train with Parfitt hitting and training in the gym.  My goal is to come in lighter next year and ready to play a full season.

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?
Philadelphia Eagles and the Clemson Tigers are my two favorite football teams and I just enjoy sports in general.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?
If things are going well I try to repeat my usual day to day activities.  I will eat at the same restaurant and order the same thing.  I will do the same routine.  Whether it is going through the same toll booth or taking a certain route to the stadium.  Don't want to mess with the softball gods

What would be your "at bat" music selection?
When I played pro baseball I was a huge wrestling fan.  I opened to NWO's theme song.  During the Majors I went simple and opened with Lynard Skynards "Simple Man"  Classic

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?
Again I am too new to softball to see where the problems lay.  I just know I got to play for one of the best sponsors ever this year in Tarz along with Kenny and Troupe.  Seeing Line Drive disband was heartbreaking so maybe setting something that will keep the best sponsors in the game instead of forcing them out because of higher costs.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?
Don't know enough about these tournaments yet to have one.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?
I loved Detroit (Sterling heights) and Cincinnati.  Both were great complexes.  The treetop bar was pretty sweet in Cincy.

Where is the best place to eat on the road after a game?
I do my best to eat healthy which is hard on the road but any place with grilled chicken a salad or a good steak is fine with me.  

What is the funniest thing you have ever seen on a softball field?
Probably seeing a picture of myself at ASA Nationals and how ridiculous I looked in my black store bought pants that were too short for me.  Wearing my red socks from Line drive didn't help e either .  Having umpires and other teams razzing me all day.  I had to wear it like a champ.  

Tell us something about you that most would never know about you?
I love animals and working with kids.  I feel I have lived and had a great life and want to help others in any way I can.  Love to support charities and raise money for causes that I believe in.

What was your favorite sports related gift you have ever given or received?
As a minor league player I once gave a man a broken bat with Jim Thome's name on it.  He then proceeded to send me a Ted Williams autographed baseball and baseball card.  It sits in my house to this day in my trophy case.  



 

 

2 responses to “David Miller”

  1. Tom Paturzo says:

    Dave is a class act and an absolute great teammate…that goes a long way in a cut throat league like Conference Softball……Good luck Dave……

  2. Conference Carl says:

    hits the hardest ball ive ever seen

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