Padres draft former Dragons baseball player Miller

Published or Revised June 09, 2011

Former Paris Junior College Dragons baseball player Justin Miller has been drafted by the San Diego Padres. The outstanding center fielder from Sumner, Texas, was taken in the Major League Baseball first year player draft in the 30th round. He was the 923rd draft pick overall and fifth outfielder selected by the Padres, but the only center fielder as of June 8. "Justin Miller was a constant source of energy and positive attitude for our team," said Dragons head baseball coach Deron Clark. "I am excited for him and proud to have been able to watch him develop and grow as a player and young man. We wish him the best of luck." Miller recently finished his college career at Southeastern Oklahoma State University by being named to the NCAA Lone Star Baseball All-Region and All-Conference First Teams. He was also named to the All-South Central Region First Team of the American Baseball Coaches Association and the All-American Third Team of the Daktronics All-America program, which honors student-athletes in Division II athletic programs. The region's sports information directors conduct all the voting, nomination and calculations. Miller led SOSU's Savage Storm with a .433 batting average, collecting 87 hits with 21 doubles, two triples and team-high 11 home runs. He also added 47 RBI as well as 26 stolen bases. He slugged .721 on the season and posted an on-base percentage of .551 and scored 72 runs on the year. The team finished the year at 35-19 with a Lone Star Conference Championship and the school's fourth trip to the NCAA Tournament. Miller's parents are Christie Miller and Clay Miller.