Among the top pitchers in the 5th Region, Brennan Milby has a special place. The senior hurler from Green County already has the state record in No-Hitters (7) and is currently ranked No.2 in the state in strikeouts. The future Ohio State pitcher finished the region tournament on a disappointing note, but still made his final season an unforgettable one.
You currently have the state record for No Hittters. Is that correct?
Brennan Milby: Yes. I got my seventh one this year and I’m currently second in strikeouts (career). Pretty close to the top, but I don’t think I’ll make it. I’m a couple games short.
Most pitchers have arrogance about them when they stand on the mound. Sort of “You can’t hit me!” type attitude.
BM: You have to have that mentality. That nobody can touch you and that you can throw it right by them. Usually that’s the outcome if you have that mindset.
You had some arm problems this season. Right?
BM: Yes. I had some stiffness and I had to take some time off to recover from that. This is really the first time that I have had any problems with my throwing. It was just from maybe throwing too much.
What was your offseason like this season?
BM: I did a lot of training. I did the velocity program that coach Newton does with the “Players Dugout.” A lot of strengthening with that.
You are going to Ohio State to play baseball. What did they tell you to sell you on being a Buckeye?
BM: I really liked the coaches and how the program was on the rise lately. They have been improving their record and the facilities were great.
Are you a football fan?
BM: I will be there. I’ll have to be.
How has this season been for you? There is a sort of finality in your final season in high school.
BM: It’s hard to get use to being it’s your last one, but I’ve made the best of everything. My first full game back after being out for a while was the LaRue County game and I had eighteen-strikeouts and you can’t complain about that.
How did you feel going into that game? Did you feel like you could pull off a typical Brennan Milby performance?
BM: I was nervous. I didn’t know how I was going to do with the rust, but I shook it off and did what I could do. I was a little scared about not having enough stamina, but everything worked out though. I still had it.
The region tournament will be at North Hardin this season. Ever play there before?
BM: We played there my freshman year. Nice field.
Do you have a favorite ballpark to pitch in?
BM: Other than our home field, north I really don’t have a problem with because they have the big wall there. It’s a pitcher’s park.
Do you have a favorite major league team?
BM: I always root for the Reds because they are closest. Always been a fan.
Yet, you wear an Atlanta Braves hat.
BM: It’s just black and I like the look.
You always liked Roger Clemens.
BM: Yes. He was always dominating and I always wanted to be like.
Suppose you go to the minor leagues and they ask you to be a middle reliever or a closer. Do you think you could do it?
BM: Well, everybody would prefer to be a starter, but you just accept your role.
Who would be a good role model to follow if that were the case?
BM: Mariano Rivera would be a good one to follow or Chapman at Cincinnati as a closer or a reliever. It would be nice to throw that hard.
What’s the one thing you won’t miss in high school baseball?
BM: Probably staying around the area. Not getting to travel as much. That’s why I wanted to play baseball.
