For the past three seasons, Nick Miller has truly embodied what it means to be a part of the Cowlitz Black Bears family. A Kelso native, Miller’s journey to the Black Bears has been a combination of family and community pride. From his days at Kelso High School to his time as a Red Devil at Lower Columbia College, his connection to the Cowlitz Community has only grown stronger.
For Miller, the path to wearing the Black Bears jersey started in the stands, watching his older brother (Slate Miller – 2013/2015 alum) play for the team and dreaming of one day doing the same. “Growing up in Cowlitz, baseball was a big part of my life, and the Black Bears were a huge part of the community,” he said. “Getting the opportunity to play for the same team that I watched as a kid, and where my brother played before me, felt like a dream come true. It’s something I’m incredibly proud of and grateful for.”
Throughout his time with the Black Bears, Miller became a mainstay on the roster, contributing to the Black Bears’ success. As he gets ready to start his senior year at Park University – Gilbert, he recalls the historic 2023 season when the Black Bears broke the franchise record for most wins in a season. The memory of that achievement remains one of his favorites, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team.
When asked about how the Black Bears impacted his own baseball journey, he reflected on the inspiration he drew from those early games as a kid. “I went to games all the time growing up, especially when my brother played… Watching him and the other players compete at such a high level inspired me to want to follow in their footsteps,” he said.
Although Miller won’t be eligible to join the Black Bears in 2025, his journey is a reminder of how baseball connects generations, from the stands to the field, and how one player’s love for the game and his community can inspire the next generation of future Black Bears.