Improbable to Incredible: The Mason Miller Journey
p/c: Ezra Shaw
Growing up in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania- a suburb of Pittsburgh - Mason Miller had aspirations of becoming a Major League pitcher. His road to get there, however, was far from easy.
While pitching for Waynesburg University, Miller was only throwing in the low-90’s with his fastball, and would routinely get fatigued, not just on the mound, but off the field as well.
During his sophomore year, Miller was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. From there, he got the treatment needed, and really built up his arm strength.
Miller would then attend Gardner-Webb University as a graduate transfer.
In the 2021 MLB Draft, the Oakland Athletics made Miller a third round selection.
It was in 2022 that Miller got the chance to represent the Athletics in the Arizona Fall League. He held his own against fellow prospects, as he put up a 3.24 ERA in six starts, for the Mesa Solar Sox.
Miller’s hard work and determination paid off, as he received his call up to the show. On April 19th, 2023, Miller would make his big league debut versus the Chicago Cubs.
Although Miller dealt with a minor sprain of his UCL, he performed well, in 33.1 innings of work, posting an ERA of 3.78.
Entering the 2024 season, A’s manager Mark Kotsay announced that Miller would transition into a relief role, as the team’s closer. The flamethrowing righty ran with the opportunity, as he registered a 2.49 ERA, along with a 2.18 FIP, a 0.88 WHIP, 28 saves, and a phenomenal, 14.4 K/9 (104 K in 65 IP).
Miller’s efforts were certainly enough to earn him a spot, on the American League All-Star roster.
It was on September 26th that Miller would record the final out ever at the Oakland Coliseum, in a 3-2 win over the Texas Rangers.
Following the season, Miller would place fourth in the AL Rookie of the Year voting - the highest finish by an Athletics pitcher since Andrew Bailey won the award in 2009.
From a kid struggling at the college ranks in Western Pennsylvania, to now emerging as an elite closer in MLB, Mason Miller’s journey is one of the most incredible, perseverance stories in sports today.