7/1/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-Lackland, Texas –
Winning an MVP trophy can alter a player's perception of how he views himself and his role on a team. But not for Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Warhawks pitcher/infielder Dan Miller.
Miller, who was awarded the Commander's Cup MVP trophy Sunday, embraces the team concept no matter the individual accolades he receives.
If you ask him to pitch, or play outfield or infield, he is up for the challenge.
"He's one of our team captains and a guy who brings so much to the table," Warhawks coach Michael Richardson said. "He can play anywhere. He pitches for us and he can play in the diamond or the outfield. He'll be an extra hitter if we need him to be.
"He's one of those leaders who doesn't say much, but when it's game time, he always leads by example and keeps the team's spirits up," said Richardson. "It's one of those immeasurables you can't keep in the score book, but I see it every day in his leadership."
And Miller put his varied skills to the test during the double-elimination Commander's Cup military softball tournament Saturday and Sunday.
During the Warhawks' six-game journey to the championship, Miller blasted a combined six home runs, including a 3-for-3 performance in the second round game against the San Antonio Guzzlers from JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.
The utility player had the task of playing dual roles in the Warhawks' last three tourney victories - pitcher and outfielder.
When his name was announced as MVP, his reaction was that of astonishment.
"My honest reaction? I was surprised I was named the MVP because I felt there were a lot of guys on our team who were more deserving," Miller said. "It took a team effort to win those games. I was honored but surprised I won the MVP."
After losing to the Fort Hood Tankers 11-5 in the team's first outing, the Warhawks defeated Team Drash from Fort Bliss 19-13 in loser's bracket. The stage was set for what was to be a two-game rematch against the Tankers.
Trailing 6-0, the Warhawks scored seven unanswered runs in the bottom of sixth and seventh innings for a 7-6 come-from-behind victory. Never trailing, the Warhawks defeated Fort Hood 12-9 in the winner-take-all finale.
Miller said it was sweet to win the MVP award, especially with the immeasurable number of miles on his body from playing 25 years of softball.
And if Miller wins one more MVP, with his playing days winding down, it will still be because of his teammates, he said.
"I'm still one of those guys who thoroughly believes in my team and teammates because I'm only as good as my teammates are," Miller said. "I got the MVP trophy because of my teammates, and if I'm going to get another one, it will be because of my teammates.
"I'm barely hanging in there. I'm a couple of years from being done so I'm blessed that I can continue to play," he said.
"Because of my advanced age, I'm going to need my teammates to help me continue to win," he said. "I can't do anything without them."