Kevin Millar

Kevin Millar

Baseball

Kevin Charles Millar made his mark as a Lamar Cardinal baseball player by leading his team not only in home runs in 1992, but leading them to the 1993 NCAA Tournament. In 2004, however, his name became a household word throughout the country when he helped the Boston Red Sox win their first World Championship since 1918. They defeated the New York Yankees.

Lamar University retired Millar's "number 15" jersey. Millar played with the Florida Marlins from 1998 to 2003. Then his contract was sold to the Japanese Central League Chunichi Dragons. Before the deal could be made, it had to clear the waivers, but the Red Sox broke an unwritten rule. They blocked the deal with a waiver claim. In a shocking twist, the Marlins repaid the money the Dragons had paid for Millar. Then, the Sox paid a similar sum to the Marlins. A long-flyball hitter, Millar's left-field power made him a natural for Fenway Park.

In 2004, Millar maintained a second-half season average of .297. He also had 36 doubles, 18 home runs and 74 runs batted in. He held a .383 on-base percentage. He also tied Cleveland's Hafner for the American League lead and a personal career high 17 hit-by-pitches. He started 67 games on first base, 53 in right field and was the designated hitter seven times.

During the season, he had a nine-game hitting streak from May 1-10. His average during that streak was .485. He hit home runs in three straight games from July 21-23 and was named A.L. Player of the Week for July 19-25. He also got his 100th home run. In post season, he hit .238. He hit four doubles, one home, six RBIs and walked eight times in 14 at bats. He started 12 of the games at first base.

In 648 games, Millar's stats include 347 RBIs, 288 runs, 593 hits, 141 doubles, 13 tripes, four stolen bases and has 235 walks for a .362 on-base percentage. Millar now owns a sports bar and restaurant in Beaumont, Texas called Major League Grill. 

This information is courtesy of the Beaumont Enterprise