In this episode of the SBC Audio Experience, host Arthur sits down with Darrell Miller: former MLB player, current Vice President of Youth and Facility Development at the MLB, and the first African American Catholic Deacon in Orange County, CA. Darrell attended Cal Poly Pomona, where he played three seasons on the school’s baseball team. After playing in college, Darrell was drafted by the California Angels in the MLB June Amateur Draft.
In this episode, Arthur and Darrell discuss:
- Important skills to have early on to succeed in the sports industry
- How to stay motivated when you may be experiencing a lack of progress
- The importance of who you surround yourself with
After completing his professional career, Darrell worked for the California Angels as Director of Community Relations. Darrell then moved to a Scouting role for 7-years and finally served as Minor League Director with the California Angels leaving them in 2001. Darrell now serves as VP of Facilities and Youth Development and oversees all day-to-day operations at the MLB Compton Academy.
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SHOW NOTES
- What inspired Darrell to pursue a career in professional baseball? (3:18)
- At what point did Darrell make the transition from football to baseball (4:50)
- What challenges did Darrell face along his journey to becoming a professional athlete? (6:23)
- What does Darrell wish e had known at the beginning of his career? (9:28)
- How did Darrell become disciplined? (11:45)
- How does hard work and ethic come into play when wanting to jump into the sports industry? (12:45)
- What does Darrell think are the most important skills to have if students want to succeed in sports? (15:06)
- How does Darrell determine whether or not young professionals have the drive? (16:45)
- The biggest misconceptions about making it into the MLB as a player and an executive? (18:56)
- How would Darrell help players build their identity and what aspects of their character would help them out long term (22:45)
- Darrell speaks about the day his dream came true (28:00)
- How would Darrell encourage students when they may be experiencing a lack of progress? (33:56)
- What inspired Darrell to make the transition to work in the board room? (36:43)
- Darrell speaks about some of the responsibilities he has in his current role (38:00)
- The impact that seeing Darrell’s dream come to life, not just as a professional Baseball Player, but also as the Executive Director for the MLB Youth Academies in Compton (44:48)
- “Iron sharpens Iron” | The importance of who you surround yourself with in life and sports (49:00)
- How have Darrell’s wife and faith impacted Darrell’s life personally and professionally? (53:45)
- Darrell shares some final advice for listeners (57:10)
- Who is Darrell’s favorite athlete and who is his favorite leader? (1:00:10)