Shawn Miller Interview

Current West Ranch Player

If your parents grounded you to your room and wanted to impose torture through music, what would they be playing?

Well, instead of my preference, Creedence Clearwater Revival, my dad would probably play Reba McEntire, and my mom would play Broadway show tunes.

 

I would want to go to Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, and I would order the Louisiana Seafood Courtbouillion.

 

My favorite player is a tie between Kevin Millar, first baseman for the Boston Red Sox, or Barry Zito. I like Millar because he had to overcome being turned down at Hart High School, not being drafted right away, and fighting through the minor leagues to make it to the majors. I like Barry Zito because he is the best left-handed American League pitcher, went to a high school near here, and is one of the toughest and best competitors in the game. He also has the best curveball in the league.

 

I would be Sky Captain, from the movie Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. The way he can control a plane and take down villains is amazing. He also gets the best equipment, like a ray gun and a plane that can go under water.

 

My favorite baseball moment as a player was when I pitched a complete game in a USSSA tournament to get my team to the championship game and get a trip to Nebraska to play ball. My favorite MLB moment would have to be either the first game of the 1988 World Series, when Kirk Gibson hit the game winning home run, or when I was at Dodger Stadium a few weeks ago with my dad and we saw the Dodgers clinch the 2004 N.L. West Division. It was amazing!

 

I think that it is an honor to be even mentioned in the same breath as Gagne, even if it is a nickname. He is an amazing ballplayer that never gives up and pitches his heart out every game. I would like to have that same quality one day.

 

My least favorite thing about school is that we don’t have a school yet! It will be great next year when we’re in our own, brand new school.

 

When I want something badly enough, I never give up and I don’t buckle under pressure. I also have seen the movie Napoleon Dynamite five times and can do a really good impression of Napoleon, the main character. I’ve also aced every test on the Napoleon Dynamite website. What can I say? It’s a gift.

 

Have you enjoyed your first semester in high school?

It has been a great experience. I like my classes and I love being a member of the very first Wildcat Baseball team. I’m enjoying it very much and can’t wait until next semester.

 

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?

My parents have helped me through many hard times. My Dad has always been there for me in baseball – through the victories and the defeats. My mom always encourages me to work hard and always strive to be the best that I can be as a student and as a person.

 

What do you hope to accomplish at West Ranch during your four years here?

I hope to have fun, get good grades so I can go to any college that I want to, and pitch and hit in a CIF championship baseball game!