Miltenberger Hits, Pitches Way to County Prominence

Come one, come all! See the amazing wonder boy pitcher who rarely allows any runs! Marvel at his swing and his .500 average! Feel the impact he has on his team as only a junior!

Truth be told, there’s nothing freaky about Daniel Miltenberger’s season, unless you consider his statistics, which are kind of grotesque--at least from an opponent’s perspective.

The Laguna Hills phenom’s batting average ranks him tied for fourth among players from the large schools in Orange County, and his 0.77 earned-run average leads the county.

Miltenberger leads the team in runs batted in, and with six victories and three saves, he has played a vital pitching role in nine of the surging Hawks’ 12 victories, making him arguably the most indispensable player in the county.

Take Bryan Kelley away from La Quinta and the Aztecs still have Ian Kennedy and Mike McKernan, pitchers capable of shutting down hitters as if they’re flipping a switch. Take standout shortstop Sergio Santos away from Mater Dei and the Monarchs still have enough firepower to take on the most feared pitchers.

But take Miltenberger away from the Hawks and they’re flying with clipped wings.

Miltenberger has torn hitters to shreds with his fastball and curve. He’s obliterated pitchers’ ERAs with his sweet stroke. And he puts his steady glove to good use at first base when he’s not pitching.

“Everything’s clicking right now,” Miltenberger said. “I can’t really explain it. It’s one of those things where the ball just looks humongous up there [at the plate]. It’s just real easy for me to pick it out.”

Said Laguna Hills Coach Jeff Cecil: “We’ve been riding him pretty good on the mound and at the plate. I don’t know where we’d be without him.”

For starters, the Hawks probably wouldn’t have already clinched their first playoff berth since 1998. And they definitely wouldn’t be in position to win their first Sea View League title. Laguna Hills (12-9, 8-4) is alone in second place in league, a half-game behind Aliso Niguel.

Perhaps the most amazing part of Miltenberger’s rise to prominence is its suddenness. He pitched sparingly last season and was a solid hitter, but his performance gave little indication that he was on the brink of stardom.

“I don’t think anyone knew much about him going into the year,” Cecil said. “He’s had some success in the summer, but it wasn’t like he had this reputation preceding him. I think he’s surprised some people.”

Miltenberger was thrust into the starting rotation after two pitchers went down with injuries, before the season started, and another quit the team. Brian Anderson, who returned to the rotation this season as a senior, said it didn’t take a lot of prodding from the veteran pitchers for Miltenberger to find his rhythm.

“He’s pretty much his own guy,” said Anderson, who is 4-4 with a 4.20 ERA. “He does what he needs to do to get the job done. I don’t really need to say much.”

Miltenberger has seven complete games and three shutouts, including one against Aliso Niguel shortly before spring break. He has given up six earned runs and struck out 54 in 54 2/3 innings.

“He spots his fastball really well,” Aliso Niguel Coach Mike Chapman said. “He throws a good breaking ball and throws all his pitches for strikes. He’s certainly playing as well as anyone in the league right now.”

Miltenberger has also established an intimidating presence. “[Rival hitters] know who I am and they know that when I’m on the mound, they’re in for a dogfight,” he said.

His peers and coaches regard him as the most improved player in the county, but Miltenberger realizes he still has some work to do. He wants to add kick to his fastball, which is in the mid-80 mph range, and add bulk to his 6-foot, 175-pound frame. He would also like perfect his split-finger fastball.

Cecil said his star pitcher’s work ethic should allow him to accomplish all his goals. Usually, Cecil said, he has to tell his players to perform running drills after games, but Miltenberger often takes off for the outfield foul pole without any prompting.

“He understands what it’s taken him to get to the success he’s had and that is only making him work harder,” Cecil said.

Miltenberger has already been selected to play for the Orange County Bucks in the summer Connie Mack League, which is an honor as a junior. With a solid showing in the upcoming playoffs and over the summer, Miltenberger could establish himself as the pitcher to beat heading into his senior season.