Top pick powers his way to Niles

He led Lewis-Clark State
College to the NAIA national championship.

By JOE SCALZO

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

NILES — By the time he met with the reporters on Tuesday, Scrappers manager Tim Laker had only had a few hours to meet his team. His focus was more on learning names than skill levels.

But one guy already stuck out.

“Beau Mills looks like he’s got a pretty nice swing,” said Laker.

He’s got a pretty nice resume, too.

Mills, the NAIA Player of the Year, was drafted in the first round (13th overall) by the Cleveland Indians earlier this month.

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound third baseman led the NAIA in five statistical categories this past season, including a record 38 home runs in 63 games, and guided Lewis-Clark State College to a 58-5 record and a national title.

Not bad, huh?

“Yeah, I don’t know how long he’s going to be here,” said Laker.

Student of the game

Mills transferred from Fresno State and played one year at the Idaho college, majoring in kinesiology. Although he’s not a great student in the classroom (“I wouldn’t consider myself bright,” he said, smiling), he is a student of the game.

He’s had a great teacher in his father, Brad Mills, a former major leaguer who is now the bench coach for the Boston Red Sox.

“My dad really guided me along,” said Mills. “My dad taught me the game and he really opened a lot of doors for me. I just went through them.”

Mills batted .458 with 123 RBIs, 100 runs and 110 hits for the Warriors this spring, but said he’s not worried about individual numbers as much as wins and losses.

“I love the game of baseball and I’m not a selfish guy,” said Mills. “I can hit a homer or I can make a small play like take the extra base or moving a guy over. Whatever they need, that’s what I’ll do.”

Still, it’s clear Mills wasn’t drafted for his bunting ability. His power numbers (even against NAIA competition) speak for themselves and he still has plenty of room to fill out in his frame.

Will move to first base

He’s already played with wooden bats in several summer leagues, so Mills’ biggest adjustment won’t come at the plate. It’ll come in the field, where the Indians are moving him from third to first because of a weak throwing arm due to some shoulder problems.

“I’m going to work hard to make the transition,” said Mills. “I’m real excited about the opportunity here. I couldn’t have landed with a better organization.”

Mills attracted a crowd of reporters at Tuesday’s media day and he’s already given dozens of interviews since being drafted.

So far, so good.

“I’ve watched my dad so I know how to go about things,” said Mills. “I think I’ve got a lot of experience dealing with the media and fans. I know there’s going to be a lot of expectations, but I think I can handle it.”

Considering his signing bonus alone was for $1.5 million, some of the expectations might come from his teammates.

Specifically, picking up the tab.

“Yeah, I’m sure there will be a lot of those,” said Mills, laughing.

scalzo@vindy.com