Miller selected as 34th Honors Board inductee

SIKESTON - For his support of Sikeston's youth baseball programs over 23 years, the Sikeston Park Board elected Charlie Miller to its Honors Board.

Miller will be the 34th Honors Board inductee to be recognized for his volunteer contributions to youth programs in the community. He has the distinction of being the first second-generation honoree on the board, joining his father, the late Don Miller Sr., who was installed on the Honors Board in 1992.

Since 1986, the Honors Board has recognized outstanding volunteers who have made significant contributions to youth programs in Sikeston, including sports and Scouting.

As a youth, Miller played baseball in Sikeston's summer programs from Little League through Senior Babe Ruth. As a young adult, he began to give back to those programs when he agreed to assume the coaching duties for the American Legion Baseball team in 1978.

Over the next 23 years, Miller coached in American Legion baseball, Junior Legion, Little League and Babe Ruth baseball including a number of years when his own children were not involved in those programs. He also served as president, vice president and treasurer for both the Little League and Junior Babe Ruth.

In addition, he served as tournament director for the Little League State tournament, Babe Ruth State tournament and Babe Ruth Regional tournament.

Miller experienced the game from all perspectives as he has a three-year stint as an umpire on his resume for Legion Baseball, college baseball for Southeast Missouri State and Southern Illinois universities and junior college baseball for Three Rivers Community College.

In nominating Miller for the award, David DeHart wrote: "He has helped to make our city's baseball program one of the best and most respected programs in our state."

Miller and his wife, Vickie have three children, Blake, Adam and Ashley.

The Honors Board ceremony for the dedication of Miller's bronze plaque will be at 10 a.m. May 16. The public is invited to attend.

The Honors Board is located in the Recreation Complex near the Ingram Road entrance to the park.