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08/24/2017 12:00 AMBaseball isn’t just America’s pastime; it’s the only game in town for Kam Miles. This summer, Kam refined his game by sharpening his swing and wound up having a successful season as a utility man for the Guilford Senior Legion baseball team.
Kam, who is entering his senior year at Guilford High School, was a member of an Indians’ baseball squad that reached the Class L State Tournament quarterfinals this past spring. Kam carried that momentum into the recent summer season as he batted .327, while playing the corner positions in both in the infield and outfield for Post 48, who won 18 games en route to making states for the second straight year. Kam was ultimately selected to play in the Connecticut’s American Legion Futures Game, where he had two hits.
“I love baseball so much, and my friends and parents noticed a talent with me in that sport, so I just ran with it,” Kam says. “In the beginning of the summer, I struggled a bit and got in a slump. I focused more on my swing and worked some things out. It was more a focus on my mechanics. It was more a mental thing and changing things to give me a different feeling and mindset.”
Kam says that he used to go against the grain when it came to putting pitches into play. However, these days Kam’s offensive spray chart resembles a more well-balanced attack.
“In the past, I’ve always had a knack to hit the ball the other way,” he says. “Now, I’m able to drive the ball more efficiently. I’m also hitting the ball where it is pitched.”
As one who can play multiple positions, Kam knows that his versatility is a huge plus for him on the ballfield. No matter what spot he’s patrolling, Kam is always ready to vacuum up anything that’s hit his way.
“Playing different positions is great for the future. It adds value to myself and it also adds more to my skill set,” says Kam. “I had never played the outfield much before this year, but no matter where I’m playing, I just try to get a good read and jump on the ball and make the catch.”
Guilford Senior Legion skipper Michael Yates says that Kam always steps on the field with a positive spirit that trickles down to his teammates, while making an impact in several phases of the game.
“Kam was a tremendous asset to our team. His ability to work counts and put the ball in play, coupled with his power from the left side, allowed him to bat anywhere in the lineup. He consistently took on the varying roles he would play from game to game with a smile and determination to help his team win. He was a huge reason why we were able to put together such an impressive record,” Yates says. “Kam takes pride in his every day approach, looking to better himself and his team every time he laces up his cleats. His attitude and commitment are contagious, and I am confident that he will continue to motivate and lead this group this coming spring.”
Clubhouse camaraderie proved huge for both the Indians and Post 48 throughout 2017. For his sendoff season at the high school, Kam wants to see Guilford continue its run of success on the heels of a breakthrough campaign this spring. On a personal level, Kam plans to keep grinding away in order to make himself the best baseball player he can be.
“For the high school team this year, a big thing was staying focused and our team chemistry. The chemistry kept us together and got us far in states. The Legion team was basically the same group of guys, so we brought that same chemistry into the summer and kept rolling,” says Kam, who thanks all his coaches with both clubs. “For the team next year, we are hoping to make states again in Class L, because playing in states this year was the most fun I’ve had with baseball. For me, there is always room to improve and work on all aspects of my game.”