Steven Milam is sticking to the script as MLB draft nears
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (BVM) – Steven Milam just finished out his senior year at Centennial High School. The New Mexico native went out with a bang, posting a .627 batting average with a .742 OBP.
Now he awaits his future.
Steven Milam (23 NM) laces this one to the PS for a single. Strong hit tool from both sides of the plate. #LSU commit. #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners pic.twitter.com/QPFY4x9KTs
— Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) October 10, 2022
The 5-foot-8, 155-pound shortstop is an LSU baseball commit, but he is also considered a very good MLB draft prospect. He is the No. 97 player in the class according to MLB.com. The switch-hitting infielder uses the entire field to his advantage at the plate and brings a quality glove on defense.
Steven Milam (23 NM) singles back up the middle for a knock. Good balance, control in the operation, made a nice play to his right at short too. #LSU commit. #WWBA @PG_FourCorners pic.twitter.com/HGcS5ws8A1
— Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 10, 2022
Milam is viewed as one of the best high school players to come out of New Mexico. The last big prospect out of the state was Alex Bregman back in 2012.
“That’s pushed me,” Milam said. “It pushes me harder.”
He has a bright future ahead of him, but it was not long ago to where he was just getting his start.
His earliest baseball memories took place at his grandparents‘ house in the front yard. His grandmother would pitch to Milam from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., putting in a full shift. But with every rep, Milam was getting better and better.
He kept this same work ethic as he got older, ultimately giving him plenty of options at colleges across the country. He got to watch Bregman rise up through the high school ranks and then take off in Baton Rouge. Ever since then, there was always just something different about the baseball program at LSU in the eyes of Milam.
“Everything about the purple and gold, I always wanted to go there,” Milam said. “I felt like there was no other place I’d rather be than LSU. It was easy for me. In my heart, that is where I was meant to be.”
Headed to the Bayou…🐅 pic.twitter.com/RChrw0j9eG
— Steven “Monster” Milam (@Monster_Milam99) November 7, 2022
Milam committed to the school when Paul Mainieri was still the head coach but kept his commitment when Jay Johnson took over.
July’s MLB draft could bring a tough decision for Milam if he wants to stick to playing college ball or if he wants to start his professional career, but that is a decision he is not currently focused on.
‘23 IF Steven Milam (NM) is on time & finds a barrel in seemingly EVERY plate appearance.
Catches this one deep for a firm opposite field double.
Controlled aggression. 👍👍@LSUbaseball recruit#MLBDraft || @NathanRode pic.twitter.com/Lkj0EFHcSj
— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) August 11, 2022
“I’m just going day-by-day,” Milam said. “I got here by hard work and dedication. I just have to stick to the script and do what I have to do.”
The hard work and dedication that Milam has is driven by his obsession of being perfect. Whether it is baseball or even playing a video game, perfection is something he always strives for.
“If you’re not gonna do it right the first time, how are you going to find the time to do it right the second time?” Milam said. “It takes 10,000 reps to master one thing, so that’s what I live by. If I’m doing something, I’m trying to do it perfect. That’s something my dad has always taught me.”
It does not matter if Milam is in Baton Rouge or in the minor leagues, he always has that same desire for perfection.
