BENNETTSVILLE, S.C. — After graduating high school earlier this year, Matthew Miller didn’t have any college offers to play baseball.
Not deterred, all that changed when he spent the summer playing with the Hamlet American Legion baseball team, proving to be Post 49’s most productive pitcher.
Last Thursday, Miller signed his letter of commitment to play at Erskine College, a Division II program in his home state of South Carolina.
A graduate of Marlboro County High School, Miller held a signing day ceremony to celebrate the achievement.
“My signing day went really well considering the little bit of time we had to set it up,” Miller said. “Playing college baseball has always been a dream of mine and it’s great to see it come true. It’s really exciting to make it to the next level, but now it’s time to put in the work and start the next journey.
“There was a really big turnout at my signing day and it was pretty cool to see lots of friends and family there. I really appreciate all of their support.”
With his signing, Miller became the seventh Hamlet player to join the college circuit since the team returned to play three years ago. Earlier this summer, Ashton Phifer signed with St. Andrews University.
Over the course of the 21-game season with Hamlet, Miller used his finesse on the mound to collect four offers. In addition to Erskine, he had offers from Cleveland Community College, St. Andrews and USC Salkehatchie.
Pleased with the opportunity to make his choice, Miller said Erskine was the best fit.
“I went with Erskine because it felt like home,” Miller shared. “I really like the coaches and what the school has to offer academically and with baseball.
“They’re heading in the right direction and I want to help get them to be one of the top DII programs in the nation,” he added of what fueled his decision. “Erskine has nice facilities, a nice field and weight room, and coaches are really good people and said all the right things.”
About halfway through the Legion season, Miller made a visit to Erskine on June 22. While there, he toured with assistant coach Jimmy Prince and also met head coach Mark Crocco.
“At the end of the visit we went to Coach Crocco’s office and he talked about how the program rolls,” Miller said. “He said they want to help us become better sons, husbands and fathers one day and play a little baseball in the process.
“I really liked that philosophy and that they want to make us more successful in life. Coach Crocco said he’ll help us try to get to the next level if possible.”
This summer, Miller racked up a 5-2 record for Hamlet, leading the team in wins. He also recorded team-highs in innings pitched (38), appearances (8) and starts (6).
His 3.55 earned run average was second on the team behind Tristan Hunt. Miller had a 59% strike percentage and allowed three earned runs or fewer in six appearances. He ended the season with 13 strikeouts, nine of those looking.
“I’m definitely a pitch-to-contact guy,” Miller said of his approach on the mound. “In college, I’m looking to work on improving my velocity, pitching mechanics and continue to perfect my craft with my curveball and changeup.
“I also want to get better at controlling my emotions on the mound. I want to focus on settling in and getting wins. Because I don’t throw as fast, I’ll have to use my pickoffs more, hold runners on and be quicker to the plate.
“Playing for Hamlet got me a lot more innings and experience,” he continued. “That resulted in better pitching. I didn’t have any offers after graduating high school, and Legion ball was the best way to get my name out there. I’m thankful for the opportunity.”
Miller will join an Erskine program that went 29-20 overall in 2023. Playing in the Conference Carolinas, the Flying Fleet earned a 14-13 mark and finished seventh in the standings.
As a pitcher, Miller will also work with newly hired pitching coach Jacob Corn, who made the move from Spartanburg Methodist College.
“My expectations for my freshman year are to go in and make a name for myself,” Miller closed. “I’m going to show up, work hard and prove that I want to be great. And I want to help the team win for the next four years.
“I’d like to thank God, all of my coaches at Marlboro and Hamlet, my parents and all of my teammates along the way.”
