June 10, 2015 By Paul Watley | @WatP7
Official Release | Derek Miller Bio
ARLINGTON, Texas - Former UT Arlington baseball student-athlete Derek Miller was one of eight members of the Greenville Drive to be selected to represent the Southern Division in the 56th Annual South Atlantic League All-Star Game.
"Derek was a very athletic and competitive player in his time at UTA," UT Arlington coach Darin Thomas said. "He also showed toughness and was a very driven player. We are proud of all he has accomplished over the past year and he has a great future in baseball."
Miller has provided a spark near the top of the Drive lineup, hitting .293 with nine stolen bases in 50 games. The outfielder leads the team with 29 RBI and a .388 on-base percentage, marks which also sit in the top 10 of the South Atlantic League.
Miller was selected by the Boston Red Sox with the 704 overall pick in round 23 of the 2014 MLB Draft. A Cedar Hill native, Miller spent his rookie season in the Gulf Coast League where he played for the GCL Red Sox. During his time in Fort Myers, Fla., Miller hit .281 with 24 RBI and 12 doubles, while compiling a .387 on-base percentage.
Miller was featured in the leadoff position for his last two seasons at UTA, while hitting .277 over for his three-year college career. His 46 runs scored in 2014 were second on the team, while also hitting .304.
"To have eight players named to this year's All-Star Game is an incredible honor both to each individual, as well as to our team as a whole," Drive Manager Darren Fenster said to MiLB.com. "From the start of spring training back in February, we have stressed the importance of all of the work that goes on before the game, and the success these guys have each enjoyed thus far and their recognition as All-Stars is a testament to the hard work and dedication they have shown to improve themselves as players every day they come to the ballpark."
Miller is one of four Drive players to receive a starting nod for the Southern Division. Miller will be joined by catcher Jordan Procyshen, third baseman Rafael Devers, shortstop Javier Guerra, catcher Ben Moore, utility infielder Mauricio Dubon and pitchers Mario Alcantara and Michael Kopechin the game set to take place in Asheville, N.C. on June 23.
The Greenville Drive are the Single-A affiliate for the Boston Red Sox, playing in the Southern Division of the South Atlantic League.
