Miller signs with Florida State

TALLAHASSEE — Seth Miller planned to play baseball at Florida State University in 2011, but when Tyler Holt left Tallahassee everything changed.

The starting center fielder position immediately was open, and Seminoles’ assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Jamey Shouppe wanted Miller right away rather than waiting another season. The former Mosley High School and Northwest Florida State product agreed to sign and is enrolled at the school. Miller officially signed scholarship papers on Monday, he said.

“Coach Shouppe called me as soon as Holt left and said they wanted me to take his spot,” Miller said. “They told me it’s my job to lose. I have some big shoes to fill, but I’m ready for it.”

Holt was selected by the Cleveland Indians in June’s Major League Baseball Draft. He signed just prior to the MLB deadline and Shouppe accelerated his desire to make Miller a Seminole.

Miller flourished in his one season in Niceville. He hit .312 with six home runs and 38 RBIs to go along with eight doubles and 37 runs scored. Miller, who will join former Mosley teammate David Trexler at FSU, increased his size from 188 to 205 pounds on his 6-foot-2 frame, which helped his power numbers, he said.

“I just want to keep adding more power,” Miller said. “That was my goal when I got there.”

More power will provide better production, and the short right-field porch of 320 feet at Dick Howser Stadium also is enticing for the left-handed batter.

“Everyone tells me that this field was built for me,” Miller said. “But I don’t want that to get into my head or else there will be a lot of rollover hits.”

Hitting is only one concern for Miller, who must step in and compete as a sophomore. He spent Monday in his first team meeting and understands that as each day passes and fall approaches he will be expected to uphold Holt’s standard.

“I know there’s going to be a little bit of pressure,” Miller said. “But baseball is like my home.

“I’ve been doing it my entire life. I don’t think it will bother me. This is an exciting opportunity and I just need to be mentally focused.”