Kenneth R. Miller ’82

Kenneth R. Miller has been associated with sports all of his life on at least a part time basis. In high school he lettered in basketball and baseball, while playing softball during the summers. In 1944 he managed the Big Prairie softball team. From 1944 to 1948 he played Knights of Pythias softball and baseball and played on the Shreve Merchants softball team. From 1948 to 1964 he was with the Shreve Merchants team.

Miller also has built a successful business, Ken Miller Supply, which has given him the opportunity to sponsor softball teams. At the present time five teams wear his name: Miller Pipers, Men; Miller Oilers, Men; Miller Pumpers, Women; Miller Tankers, Women; and Miller Farms, Women.

The Miller Pipers team is the most well-known, having competed in the ASA and USSSA State, Regional, and National tournaments many times. In 1980 his team came in 17th in the world USSSA tournament. At one point the Pipers had a string of 34 trophies (no finish below 4th) in tournament play.

In 40 years, Miller has played and/or managed over 1200 ball games with over 840 wins, for a 70% winning percentage. Through his sponsorship he has enabled other players and teams to compete in literally thousands of more games. His support of the Little League program and of the Triway Boosters is well-known in the area.

Miller has built and owns a ball field, which many local teams have used over the years. The Cow Palace, a dairy barn he remodeled, includes a basketball court, batting cage, meeting room and kitchen facilities. Ken and his wife, Lois, make this available to youth groups at no charge. The Millers also have distinguished themselves in church activities.

Miller is a licensed ASA umpire and has received a Certificate of Merit Award from the Amateur Softball Association as well as a Meritorious Service Award from the Wooster Parks and Recreational Department. In April of this year, he was named a charter electee of the State Amateur Softball Association Hall of Honor.