Jacqueline Hough

Editor

Marlboro County High School graduate Matthew Miller signed a letter of intent on July 27, surrounded by family, friends, teammates, and coaches, to play baseball at Erskine College.

At MCHS, Miller was one of the pitchers for the varsity baseball team.

In an interview with the Herald-Advocate, Miller said it had been his dream to play baseball in college for his entire life.

He picked the school because it felt like home.

“I feel like it is where I can be the best academically and athletically for the next four years,” he said.

He said he will miss playing every game with his teammates.

“I just love my teammates and coaches,” Miller said. “I will miss them more than anything.”

During his speech at the signing, Miller quoted from Matthew 19:26.

“I quoted this scripture to remind us that whatever happens in life, give God the glory,” he said.

He got emotional when thanking his parents, girlfriend, grandparents, teammates, and coaches.

In college, he will be a pitcher.

MCHS Principal Michael Dease said he had an opportunity to watch the baseball team play during the season.

He talked about the brotherhood and camaraderie of the team.

“It is very special when you have a student-athlete sign to go to college,” he said. “To the athletes out there, this should be a dream of yours.”

Baseball Coach Ryan Pierce said Miller was the workhorse of the pitching staff. He noted Miller won a third of the games for the Bulldogs.

“He was a Bulldog on the mound,” he said. “He was a teammate first and then a player second.”

Pierce said he was always being positive for his teammates.

“Overall, a great teammate and had the grades to go along with it,” he said. “We are going to miss him but excited about the opportunity he gets.”

Pierce added Erskine is a top school in Division Two.

Athletic Director Quin McCollum said Miller is a great young man and an outstanding student-athlete.

“Erskine is not easy to get into school,” he said.

His father, Doug Miller, said he was proud of him.

“I watched and coached him for many years through Little League and Recreation ball,” he said.

His mother, Joanna Miller, said she was proud as well and said her son had worked really hard to get where he is.

“Just put God first, and everything will fall into place,” she said.