WINDSOR, N.S. — A baseball player who had an infectious smile on and off the field was honoured posthumously for his dedication and commitment to the sport.
The Nova Scotia Intermediate Baseball League held its annual Hall of Fame inductions Aug. 31 in Windsor and presented the parents of the late Anthony Miller with a Hall of Fame induction.
Miller, known as “Mill” to his teammates, started his baseball career in 1997 with the Rawdon Tigers T-Ball. He was taught the skills and fundamentals that he needed to go on to play with the Truro Bearcats and Hants North Jays.
He joined the Noel Road Jays in 2011 and was known as a player who was able to adapt to different positions, including catcher, first baseman and right fielder. His love, however, was pitching.
Those in attendance at the ceremony heard that Miller’s most cherished memories were winning the 2010 Midget A Provincial Championship with the Hants North Jays and the 2014 Nova Scotia Intermediate AAA Provincial Championship with the Noel Road Jays, where he pitched six scoreless innings to get them into the championship game.
Miller was never about the stats or awards he received. He played baseball for the love of the game.
In April 2015, Miller was diagnosed with cancer. He was unable to play that season due to hospital stays and surgeries, but that didn’t stop him from being there for his team when he was able to.
He died in 2016.
“The league is honoured to have Anthony Miller inducted into the Nova Scotia Intermediate Baseball League Hall of Fame in 2019,” said President Barry Anderson.
OTHER INDUCTEES
Matt Wiseman, also of the Noel Road Jays, was also inducted into the Hall of Fame.
During the ceremony, Wiseman was described as having a passion for the game, starting with his days with the Rawdon Tigers and going straight through to the Noel Road Jays.
Baseball was just a way of life for him. Most of Wiseman’s time was spent behind the plate where he loved being at the centre of all the action. He played an integral role with the Jays as they won three consecutive Nova Scotia Intermediate AAA Provincial Baseball Championships.
Wiseman was a positive player, encouraging his team and making the game fun. When he was on the field, it was quite obvious who was in charge of the game.
It was noted that Wiseman played a large role in forming the Noel Road Jays and teammates say he was a leader and pushed them to play their best.
Guy Pellerine, Pictou County Albions, and Rodney Vansnick, of the Maccan Royals, were also inducted.
2019 NSIBL AWARD WINNERS
Mike White, of the Noel Road Jays, was named the top hitter this season. White had a .559 average, 33 for 59 at plate, 15 runs scored, six doubles, one home run and 23 RBIs, and 42 total bases.
Jason Hanes, of the Windsor Knights, was named the coach/manager of the year. Hanes led the Knights to the NSIBL pennant with an 18-4 record.
The top pitcher award was a tie between Shaun Marshall, of Noel Road, and Adam McAloney, from Amherst. Marshall was 5-2 with a 1.44 ERA and McAloney was 5-3 with 49 strike-outs in 45.2 innings pitched.
The Anthony Miller Memorial Award was presented to the player who "shows up” for each game, who has respect for all involved in the game, has an excellent positive attitude and is a great supportive teammate. This year, there were two recipients. They were Aaron McPhee, of the Noel Road Jays, and Scott Baillie, of the Truro Bearcats. McPhee hit .256 on the season and was walked 12 times to get on base.
Stefan Newell was named the league’s most valuable player. Newell, from the Sherose Island Schooners, had a masterful season, hitting .465 while scoring 26 runs and collecting 26 RBIs to go along with 10 doubles, three triples, two home runs, and 14 stolen bases.
DID YOU KNOW?
A number of Windsor and Noel Road players were named 2019 all-stars.
All-star players receive the designation based on their hitting and fielding and all-around baseball talent.
• All-star catcher
Colin McCulloch, of Noel; who tied with a catcher from Amherst
• All-star first baseman
Mike White, of Noel
• All-star third baseman
Paul Humphreys, of Windsor
• All-star outfielders
Joe Beaton and Alex Patterson, both from Windsor; plus an Amherst player
• All-star pitchers
Shaun Marshall, of Noel; Alex Sabean, of Windsor; and Adam McAloney, of Amherst
Gold Glove honours also went to several local players. Gold Glove awards are based strictly on exceptional defence throughout the season.
• Gold Glove catcher
Tristan Horner, of Windsor
• Gold Glove third baseman
Paul Humphreys, of Windsor
• Gold Glove outfielders
Joe Beaton and Alex Patterson, of the Windsor Knights; Judson Wiseman, of Noel Road Jays; plus a player from the Sherose Island Schooners
• Gold Glove pitchers
Shaun Marshall, of Noel; Alex Sabean, of Windsor; and Adam McAloney, of Amherst
