The best things about living in smalltown Mississippi are the wonderful people you get to meet and know – we like to call them neighbors! Sometimes we are surprised to find out the guy next door is nothing short of a legend – meet Jim Miles!
Jim Miles is a proud Cumberland resident since 2005, a pillar of the community, living a life of generosity and giving to his community and church. He is also the namesake of the Pro-Instruct Jim Miles Youth Baseball Camp that was held Sept. 10 at East Webster High School.
Miles grew up in Water Valley dreaming of playing in the big leagues and through his determination, hard work and faith, got to live his dream by playing for the Washington Senators (later known as Texas Rangers) from 1966-72.
The young men sitting on the EWHS field that participated in the camp were silent and hung on his every word as he shared his story of playing against his idol – Mickey Mantle. How after years of idolizing this hero, it was his job to strike him out. How would he be able to defeat the person he had played and practiced with in his imagination on his Water Valley porch growing up all those years?
Miles says it was his faith that allowed him to succeed. First two strikes and then – Mantle took the third. Yes, he did it! He struck out his hero Mickey Mantle in their only meeting at the old Yankee Stadium. He recalled how his feet did not touch the ground all the way back to the dugout!
Miles also shared that “God gave me a little bit of talent and a whole lot of ‘want to,’” and he wanted to pass that on to the next generation so they would understand hard work is required to reach any goal.
“If the coach says run 10 sprints, you do 15, so that one day you don’t have to look back and say what if I had done 15, I may have made it,” he said. “Work hard at the game and the game will be good to you.”
Jim Miles wasn’t the only major leaguer there sharing their secrets and stories. Pro-Instruct founder Randy “McGilla” McGilberry (Kansas City Royals alumni) and Donavan Hand (Cincinnati Reds) were there sharing baseball tips and giving the kids some major league advice.
Twelve-year MLB veteran Hand shared that time passes quickly and stressed to the youth to “enjoy it, enjoy it all – work hard and play hard at the game, but don’t forget to be a kid as well, take that swim in the pool, ride that bike and spend time with those friends.”
He also pointed out to the kids that you don’t have to play for the major leagues to be a role model. That one of the things he realized early on was “that to a 6-year-old, they may look at you as a 14-year-old, as a hero, they see you playing and working hard and aspire to be like you, so remember, even though you may not realize it, someone is looking at you and watching you and based on your actions, may even want to be like you someday.”
McGilberry, who pitched a no-hitter against Ole Miss in 1973 while playing with Louisiana Tech and later played with the Kansas City Royals, wrapped up the day reminding the aspiring youth that “baseball was a stepping stone for me – you never know where life is going to take you, you have to prepare yourself for that game, life is a big game guys – always put your best foot forward, believe in what you can do – think – be a contributor – work hard – be the best at WHATEVER YOU DO.” Sounds like really great advice on or off the field.
In addition to the major leaguers, many local all-stars showed up as well. EWHS Coach Blake Hutchison, Choctaw County High School Coach Ben Tillman, Shawn Tuck, Scott Norwood, Josh Smith, DJ McCain, Vince Tenhet, Jamie McCain, James Turner, Brad Williams, Wade Jones, Cole Norman, Brent Telano as well as the many organizations, businesses, youth and parents that attended, supported and volunteered made the event an overwhelming success!
Even amidst Major League Baseball greats, the highlight of the day was seeing the kids on the diamond; full of excitement, laughter, camaraderie, admiration, discipline and joy. Chase Stidham was so excited to speak with Mr. Miles and ask about the Mickey Mantle strikeout and talk baseball cards.
Chase is a huge baseball fan and collects baseball cards; he shared he even has a Mickey Mantle rookie card (even though it’s a little charred) and had to check to see if he had a Jim Miles card. Miles might just know someone that could help him out with this!
Another participant, Ryder Hillhouse, said he “liked all the baseball drills and listening to Mr. Jim’s story about striking out Mickey Mantle.” He also loved getting a signed baseball from the major leaguers when the event ended.
Without a doubt, this event will have a lasting major league impact on these youth. Funny thing isn’t it – they think they left with a better swing, faster run to second and a signed baseball!
