Alberta Amateur Baseball Council is recognizing those individuals who have contributed significantly to Alberta baseball, at the grassroots level. This week’s nominee, regarding “Passion for Baseball’, is Bob Miller of the Vauxhall and Taber Minor Baseball Programs. Bob has also been instrumental regarding the development of Jets Stadium, in Vauxhall.
Bob’s inspiration for baseball came as young kid playing a fielding game called “500”. Bob loved chasing baseballs, and the game was a good fit. Because of the gaps in the Vauxhall Minor Baseball Program, and a shortage of kids his age, Bob would play one year and then the next year there would be no team for him. This reality, he faced as a boy, created a determination to make baseball a better sport for the Vauxhall area youths that followed him. Bob also cites Bing Miller, no relation, as an individual who impacted Bob in a positive way. Bing would often do the maintenance on Jets Stadium in a volunteer capacity. Bing’s influence upon Bob, helped create a mindset that if things needed to be done on the field, then roll-up your sleeves and get involved.
Bob is proudest, regarding his playing abilities, by being a contributing member of a senior men’s baseball team at the age of 15. (He was especially proud of showing off his arm strength from 3rd base to 1st base) Bob also takes a great sense of pride regarding his involvement in the inception of the Southern Alberta Junior Baseball League. He, along with Russ Parker, who later became the owner/gm of the Calgary Cannons, were the driving forces behind the league. Bob also takes great deal of satisfaction in the renovation/revival of Jets Stadium. Jets Stadium had become a disaster, and major work was needed to revive the baseball park. Bob kept finding ways, and funds, to keep improving the field even after he moved to Taber. Eventually, through Bob’s hard work and generosity, Jets Stadium was able to obtain LIGHTS. Not only did Jets Stadium have one of the best playing surfaces in Alberta, it also had a field that games could be played on after dark!
Bob was also the driving force behind the development of Ken McDonald Sports Park in Taber. He was able to get the baseball, football, and soccer people to come together, and develop one of the finest parks in all of Alberta. Bob also takes great pride in his role of a coach, for his two children, Brendan and Kendra. Bob and Brendan were members of the Taber Jets Club that won a Western Canada Championship. And with Kendra, he coached alongside Chris James when she was a member of Team Alberta. Kendra played on Team Alberta four years and was co-MVP her final year.
Bob also takes great joy in the friendships he has made through his participation in baseball. He likes the fact that you play hard, but, for the most part, the competition stays on the diamond. When you meet up with people years after competing against them, in baseball, it is easy to strike up a conversation; he feels it is almost like some sort of reunion of past baseball experiences. Many other sports do not allow or contain that same type of camaraderie that baseball does.
In the future, Bob would like to see more parents “step it up” and get involved regarding their kids and baseball. Play catch with your kids or pitch to them; they will play if you are there and involved in their activity. Parents must drive the bus; volunteer your time to coach, fix the baseball fields, organize the team/league, or any other capacity that makes the local minor baseball team/program a success.
Alberta Amateur Baseball Council, and the Alberta baseball community, would like to thank Bob for his volunteerism and generosity towards Alberta youth baseball.
