Eric Milton Welcomed as New SPHS Baseball Coach

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By Michael Singleton

In 1996, Eric Milton was a first-round draft choice for the New York Yankees. In 1999, he threw a no hitter. In 2002, he pitched the Minnesota Twins to the American League Championship Game.  But in 2013 Eric Milton has stepped into a real pressure cooker:  He’s the new head baseball coach at Severna Park High School.

“With Eric’s knowledge of the game and professionalism, he will be an inspiration for the Severna Park players,” said former Falcons Head Coach Jim Pitt. “I wish Eric the best. He’s joined a baseball program with a great tradition and a history of success.”

After retiring from professional baseball in 2009 following a stint with the LA Dodgers, the Arnold resident took his plethora of Major League baseball experience to his alma mater, the University of Maryland, as an assistant coach.

At Maryland, Milton’s impact was immediately felt.  In one season he lowered the pitching staff’s ERA from 5.24 to 3.21.  In 2012, when head baseball coach Erik Bakich left midway through the season, Milton was named interim coach and helped the Terps post an impressive record of 32-24.

“Coaching and being around the game of baseball has always been something that’s been a part of my life,” said Milton. “It’s something I enjoy and I hope my players at Severna Park will come to love the game as much as I do.”

At Severna Park High School, Milton replaces Bob Felts, who led the Falcons to the Class 4A East Region Final last year.  Before Felts, Jim McCandless was 209-71 over 12 years, winning six county titles and five region crowns.

“I’m very honored to be coaching in a terrific program with a great baseball tradition,” added Milton. “From Jim Pitt to Jim McCandless to Bob Felts we’ve been blessed with talented coaches producing excellent baseball players out of Severna Park High School. I’m glad to be a part of this tradition.”

But Eric Milton will not be the only big leaguer coaching area youth this spring.  With former SPHS-standout and MLB-pitcher Josh Banks running the Green Hornets youth program, local players will be exposed to a surplus of MLB talent at the high school and youth levels.

“I wish Eric the best of luck in keeping the Severna Park tradition going,” said Banks.  “The Green Hornets system will continue to support Severna Park High School’s baseball program, teaching the fundamentals of baseball to area youth, and developing high quality players to compete at the next level of competition.”

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