Prep Baseball Report

Inside the Recruitment: '16 INF/RHP Deylen Miley commits to Tiffin



Deylen Miley, INF/RHP, Bryan HS, Class of 2016

PBR: Why did you choose Tiffin?

Miley: I chose Tiffin for many reasons. I feel comfortable around campus as they also have the exercise science program I am interested in. As for baseball, the coaching staff was very welcoming and interested in me. The program as a whole is very up and coming. I feel I can go in and work for playing time early in my career as well. Their athletic facilities are very nice and will always be of great use to get better.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Miley: In addition to Tiffin, I was also considering Ohio Dominican, Toledo, and Ashland.

PBR: Where did Tiffin first see you compete?

Miley: I believe the very first time they saw me play was in the 2014 semifinals and finals of the Regional tournament against Wapakoneta and Sandusky Perkins (Lost 10 in 10 innings). They were also at plenty of my Lima Locos Express games this past Summer.

PBR: Coach Wilkins has brought a lot of excitement to the Dragon baseball program. What are some of the skills that you will bring to the table Tiffin?

Miley: Coach Wilkins surely has brought plenty of excitement to the program and I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to be coached by him and the rest of the staff. Some of the skills I bring to the table at Tiffin include my work ethic, athleticism and leadership. I also will bring another strong arm to their recruiting class and pitching staff as well as the ability to play multiple positions and swing the bat.

PBR: You are considered a two-way prospect, what kind of role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Miley: Coach Wilkins and his staff expect me to come in as a freshman and work hard to have the possible opportunity to crack the starting lineup. Not just as a pitcher or just a position player but using my versatility, whether it is swinging the bat and playing a position or logging some innings on the bump.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Miley: The biggest impact on me as a baseball player and the even bigger aspect, a person, is my father. Whether it was getting up at the crack of dawn to go to a showcase or head to games, or researching ways to constantly define my game. In addition, he is always willing to work out with me later at night at our communities (David Betts Double Play Diamond) indoor facility. He has always been by my side and pushing me to get better and better, and for that, I cannot thank him enough.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience?

Miley: I play for the Lima Locos Express. I cannot point out my most exciting experience as I have had so many. Whether it was advancing late into big time tourneys or winning the Silver Bracket in the Cincy Flames Dinger World Series in 2014 at Miami University. The tournament at Virginia Tech to end that year was also one for the memory books. Overall the most exciting part was playing at many college fields against some of the best players across the Midwest.

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season?

Miley: Hitting: Avg .377, 10 2B, 7 3B, 35 runs, 26 RBIs

Pitching: 29.2 IP, 4-2 record, 1.41 ERA, 43 K, 14 BB

PBR: Who is the best hitter that you have ever faced?

Miley: There is not a hitter that I can identify as the best hitter I've faced as there are plenty of tough outs. Some of the toughest outs include Benny Bucklew of Archbold, Shay Smiddy of Defiance (Louisville commit), and Brad Croy from Ottawa Glandorf, now playing at BGSU.