Malden grad continues family legacy in helping Tropics find success

Southeast Tropics hitter Trey Miller contemplates swinging at a pitch in a recent game against the Aycorp Media Charleston Fighting Squirrels at Kelly High School in Benton.

Tom Davis ~ Tdavis@semoball.com

There has been no shortage of stars that have shined throughout the strong summer season put forth by the Southeast Tropics, who have won 17 of their 22 games so far.

Veteran Tropics manager Dustin Schwartz has gotten great outings on the mound from several arms, and productive at-bats, as well.

“We are really good,” Schwartz said following a win earlier this season. “We have the talent (and) now we have to go out and do something with it.”

The next step is performing well in the Missouri Senior Babe Ruth State Tournament, which opens today at Hillhouse Park in Charleston and runs through Sunday.

The Tropics open play against the SEMO Legends at 1:30 p.m. today. A win would advance them to a 3 p.m. contest on Saturday against the winner of the Aycorp Media Charleston Fighting Squirrels 16U squad and the Cardinals Legacy Perfectos, who open the tournament at 11 a.m.

The Tropics are the reigning Babe Ruth Senior World Series champions and have gotten spectacular play from several athletes, and very solid play from 2024 Malden High School graduate Trey Miller.

“Trey is great defensively,” Schwartz said of his second baseman. “Even when his bat may not be going as hard as what he can be, he bunts, and he runs the bases.”

Miller played shortstop for the Green Wave but has moved to second base this summer.

In a recent win over the Squirrels, Miller had a typical outing, as he drew a walk in his one official at-bat and played very good defense to preserve a 4-3 win.

In the opening inning, Miller “made a play” on a hard-hit ball, according to Schwartz, that didn’t result in an out, but Schwartz said, “most second basemen can’t even get to that ball.”

Tropics have flair for dramatic in continued rallying Ws

Tom Davis

BENTON - Just a note to fans of the Southeast Tropics, don't leave their games early, because more than likely you'll miss out on a rallying win by the highly successful team.

The Miller family has a legacy of success with the Tropics.

Trey’s older brother, Ty Miller, was a key member of the 2019 state championship-winning Tropics squad, and Trey said that he has made an impact on how his game has evolved.

“He has taught me quite a bit, really,” Trey said of Ty. “He’s worked with me at home.”

Miller is still seeking improvement at the plate as this summer season winds down over the next month.

“I’m trying to hit the ball in play,” Miller said as opposed to hitting it right at the defense, which has often been the case. “I’m struggling with that a little bit. I’m trying to keep my eye on the ball and work the (pitch) counts a little bit better than what I have.”

The Aycorp Media Charleston Fighting Squirrels 18U group will play the Missouri Marlins today at 4 p.m. while the Southern Missouri Revelers and the Aycorp Media Charleston Fighting Squirrels 19U squad will square off at 6:30 p.m.

A loss today by the Tropics moves them to a Friday game at 11 a.m. against the loser from today’s opening game.