Left hand reliever Trever Miller makes his second go around with the Houston Astros.  Miller 33, signed a  $1.3 million deal in January, giving the Astros a second left hander in the bull pen.  Miller, who had stints with the Astros in ‘98, and ’99, has played for six major league teams. He’s comfortable being back in Houston, and ready to play for an organization he feels is tops in the league.

But baseball is not the only thing on Millers mind.  Leaving his family behind in Tampa, Miller thinks a lot about his wife and kids, and the hardships at home.  You see, Trever’s daughter Grace was born with a rare chromosome disorder, leaving her with 2 holes in her heart, which had to be surgically repaired. Young Grace has had many obstacles in her young life, and Miller counts his blessings every day.

A man of high character, family means everything.  He spends his time doing crossword puzzles to take his mind off what he had to leave behind, and counts the days until he sees his family. 

How does this time around with the Astros compare to the team in the late 90’s?

It’s similar in the character of the ballplayers.   I think they like to have guys here that play the game hard, are going to be good in the community, good moral fiber and friendly.

Do you keep in contact with any of the former players from back then?

Occasionally, I have talked to Brian Williams.  His wife and my wife talk quite a bit, at least once every two weeks.  I talk to some guys I played with in Tampa.  I think as ball players, and men in general, it’s tough to stay in contact with guys.  We’re not too good with long distance relationships.  We do keep up with each other on how you’re performing through the paper or Sports Center. 

Who’s the toughest hitter for you to face?

Oh my goodness, left handed Steve Finley has done very well off me.  I actually struck him out the last time I faced him.  It was kind of a personal accomplishment.  Right handed was Dante Bichette.  I am glad he retired because I never got that man out. 

How would you bat against yourself?

I think that’s a great question.  I think a lot pitchers would like to hit off themselves to see what their stuff really does at the plate.  If somebody could develop the technology that would be a great tool to really help pitchers understand what their pitch does in the strike zone and what pitch to throw to a certain hitter.  I would like face myself though to see how good I can be, one way or the other, hitting or pitching.

What do you think is the most common mistake made by a young pitcher?

I think trying to light up the radar gun for scouts or to see who throws the hardest.  I think a lot of guys get injured that way or they get in to awful mechanics and just bad problems result.  If they just took away the radar gun, I think you would see a lot of young pitchers actually learn how to pitch instead of throw the baseball.

How do you feel about the strike zone?  Do you think they are calling the high strike more this year?

I don’t know.  I really just pitch to the hitters weakness with my strengths, either in the strike zone or out.  If you are around the game long enough, you know which umpires are more likely to expand the strike zone and which have the smaller strike zone, so …That’s called being prepared before you even go out on the mound.  A lot of guys take that for granted.  I always see who the umpire is behind the plate and try to remember how he calls balls and strikes and come out there with that information and try to be successful.

What is your favorite pitch?

To lefties, my slider.  I think it’s my big league out pitch.  Right handed hitters, probably my four seam backed up with the change up.

How is your daughter (Grace) and family doing?

They haven’t been out yet.  My wife has come out on an off day to visit me, and my kids visited me in  Washington when we played there.  They just finished up school. My two oldest will be coming out to visit.  My youngest (Grace) can’t travel yet.  She’s overcoming a lot of problems and issues she’s had with her chromosome disorder but she has been off the ventilator for about five straight days, so she is doing remarkably well and made a lot of progress, and we keep praying and we’re just waiting to see how this
all turns out for her.

Do you have any special rituals before a game?

Well, I do a cross word puzzle. It’s my routine I do every day, or at least try to do everyday.  And, maybe a cup of coffee.  I am going to be thirty-three soon, so I need that cup of joe to get me going a little bit. 

What was it like facing Bonds and striking him out?

I took a lot of satisfaction away from that one at bat. It was one at bat, but he is Barry, and there is an aura around him, and obviously every at bat was nationally televised, so it wasn’t  just seen in Houston, it was seen throughout the world.  I received a lot of phone calls from guys congratulating me.  I would rather face him in the strike zone and see what the results would be instead of walking him, or hitting him, or pitching around him.  That way when I am old and gray, and people remember Barry Bonds, I can sit in my rocking chair and say, “Yep, I faced him.”  When they ask me what happened, I can say “I struck him out.” 

Were you nervous when he came up to bat?

Gosh, you know, I still get the nerves, still get the butterflies.  I think the day I don’t get those running out to the mound is probably the day I should hang them up.

What do you do for relaxation?

I put puzzles together on occasion, and I like to read.  Obviously crossword puzzles and      puzzles.  Anything to keep my mind sharp and to keep it off the game or being away from my family.  Last year I made puzzles for my two nephews and they were glow in the dark.  I signed them and dated them the day I finished them and put them in frames and gave them to them as gifts and they thought they were really cool.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

There was one both embarrassing and painful.  My first spring training in professional baseball, we were throwing batting practice to the hitters.  We had the L screen.  You’re telling them what you’re throwing and the L screen that I had did not have the slanted bar that you see on some of them.  I threw a fastball to a guy, and he hit it right back at the screen, and I didn’t really see it coming, and it hit me right in the face and broke my cheek bone in four places.   I had to have surgery and I was out about two months.  My eye filled up with blood, I was a mess, and looked horrific, like something out of a horror movie.  That was both embarrassing and painful.

What has been your biggest career highlight?

Personally, getting back to the big leagues after coming off an injury, and having a great season in AAA with the Bats.  I threw the ball probably the best I could throw it all year long and I never got called up to the big leagues, and I told my wife , “Honey, I don’t know if I’ll ever get back.  This couldn’t be it.  I can’t throw the ball better than that.” I went to spring training thinking this might be my last one if I don’t have a good spring with the Toronto Blue Jays, in ’03.  I grinded it out, had a wonderful spring, made the team, and haven’t looked back since. 

What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?

My dad came out to the mound when I was probably twelve.  He was filling in as the coach, because the guy went on vacation.  The game was blowing up on me.  We were winning, the bases were loaded, I think I had walked one, and we were playing against the best team in the league.  There were two outs and their best hitter was coming out, and my dad came out and he looked up in the sky and said, “Hey, it’s a great day for pitching, don’t you think?”  I said, “Yeah, it is.” And he said, “Then why don’t you try doing something,” and walked off.  I stood there and laughed and I didn’t know what to do, and I don’t think any pitching coach to this day has had that simple and that type of motivational advice that he gave me day.

How do you define a hero, and who do you consider to be one?

I think anybody who gives up their life or puts their life on the line for others can be considered a hero.  That can go with a lot of professions out there.  I think anyone who really overcomes exceptional adversity without complaint can be considered a hero. 

Who do you think is the best player in the majors today?

I think one of the best all around players that is underrated is Michael Young.  He is phenomenal in the field, strong arm, can hit for average and power, and he keeps his mouth shut and plays the game.  That’s what I like about him.

Who influenced you most in life?

Countless people. I don’t think you could pinpoint one person.  Obviously your parents have a major role in who you are, your environment, your friends you grew up with and the people you choose to hang around, the person you marry, where you go to church, people who hold you accountable.  Jesus is the one person who made me who I am today.

In what might be just another day at the ballpark, Cavan Biggio, 11, is right at home.  His dad is Houston Astros second baseman Craig Biggio.  Craig is a seven-time All-Star, and one of the best second basemen in all of baseball. 

Because Cavan’s dad travels much of the year with the team, coming to work with dad is a great way to spend time together.  And, it’s a lot of fun.

Craig Biggio wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s always great,” said Craig.   “Now that they (Cavan, brother Conor and sister Quinn) are getting older, it’s harder to find time to get them out to the ballpark.  Whenever we can, we enjoy it because we have fun.  They like hitting the machine, and come out and just kind of hang out for the day.” 

Cavan agreed, and answered some questions for mlb.com kids on what it is like for him.

What’s it like to have a dad as a baseball player?

It’s great, and its fun.  You get to come to the ballpark and hang out and all that. 

Do you get to travel with the team much?

Yes, and when I do travel, I get to be a batboy sometimes.  That’s fun.

Do you play any sports?

Yes, I play baseball, basketball and football.

Which is your favorite?

Baseball!

Do you want to play baseball professionally one day?

Yes, when I grow up I do. 

What positions do you play now?

Mostly short stop and third base. 

Which one would you like to play when you grow up to be a major leaguer?

Short stop.

Who is your favorite baseball player besides your dad?

Jeff Bagwell. 

What is your favorite thing to do at the ballpark?

Hitting on the (pitching) machine. 

Do you hang out with any other ball players kids when you are at the ballpark?

Yes, Roger Clemen’s kids, and Andy Pettitte’s kids.

What is your favorite ballpark to go to other than Houston?

San Diego.  It’s a nice ballpark and we can go to the beach.

What grade are you going to be in and what is your favorite class in school?

I will be going into the sixth grade and my favorite class is science.

Do your parents let you miss school for games?

Only for the World Series!

What do you plan to do this summer?

We will go to New Jersey, the beach, play summer ball, swim, play basketball in the back yard and hang out at Minute Maid Park.

Sounds like fun to me!

Wonder what it would be like to travel to ball parks around the country, play catch with All-Star players, and hang out in the dugout and clubhouse with the guys?  Luke Matheny knows all about it.   His dad, Mike Matheny,  is a 3-time Gold Glove winner, and one of the games finest defensive catchers.  The 12-year veteran plays for the San Francisco Giants.  Luke was in Houston with his dad May 15-17.  I had a chance to catch up with him and talk about his experiences.

How old are you, and what grade are you in?

I am nine and in the third grade.

Do you want to be a baseball player when you grow up?

Yes, I think that I do.

Do you play baseball now?

Not this year, but I will next year.

Who is your favorite baseball player besides your dad?

I don’t know.  There are lots of favorites!

Do you travel a lot with the team?

No, but I usually go to San Francisco and Arizona. 

When you do travel, like now, do you get to get out of school a lot?

Yeah – it’s pretty fun!

What are your favorite places to go when you do get to travel for fun?

I like Texas, Hawaii, St. Louis, Florida, and different places.

What’s it like having a dad as a professional baseball player?

It’s great because you get to travel a lot, meet a lot of people and see a lot of stadiums. 

Do you have any hobbies?

Not really, I like do everything!

Mother’s Day is a time of honor and celebration for Mom. 

With Mother’s Day coming up this weekend, I thought about my mom and how much she has given up for me, so I decided to ask some baseball players how their moms influenced them in life.  Here’s what they had to say.

Astros Andy Pettitte –   “She was a wonderful influence on me.  She showed me a lot of love, and cared for me so much.  She taught me how to treat other people.  She was a huge influence.”

Astros Roy Oswalt – “She gave me support most of all.  When I was in college, she came out and supported me more than anybody.”

Cleveland Indian’s  Danny Graves – “She’s taught me to respect people.  She’s Asian, and Asian people have a lot of respect for each other and other people.  She’s in Florida, so I’ll call her and send her some flowers.”

Astros Craig Biggio – “She was real supportive.  Where I grew up there was always traveling to do and she was my carpool.  Both mom and dad were very supportive.”

Cleveland Indian’s Todd Hollandsworth – “My mother has been one of the most influential people in my life.  I know that I wouldn’t be where I was without her.  All the motivation and all the encouragement as far as the game of baseball is concerned, she was the backbone of that, and my childhood.”

Astros Mike Lamb – “My mom has been the calming influence on me, always steady in her emotions.  Baseball is up very up and down.  She relaxes me and tells me to keep working hard and everything will turn out for the best.”

Cincinnati Reds Ken Griffey Jr. – “My mom was always there for me.  She drove me to all my baseball games and basketball games and made me realize that there are more important things than yourself.  Taking care of other people is just as important.”

Chicago Cubs Derek Lee – “She was a huge influence on me.  As most moms are for their kids, she was there very day for me and she taught me a lot about life.”

Pittsburgh’s  Sean Casey –  “My mom is my best friend and the best person I have ever met. I talk to her every day, sometimes twice a day.  She has shown me what love is all about.”

Sportswriter Michael McHugh – “My mom is a wonderful person.  She has taught me to love, be respectful, and responsible.  She has helped me reach my dreams, and I love and dedicate this to my mom.”

Thanks Mom.

What do you think is your greatest strength as a player?

My greatest strength is probably my ability to hit.  I also have a really good arm but probably my ability to hit.

What sports did you play growing up?

I played a lot of sports growing up.  I played baseball, basketball, football, soccer, bike racing and I think that was about it.

Why baseball?

Baseball was my first love.  It was a game that my dad played.  He played professionally for the California Angels for two years and he gave up his dream to be a father and a husband to my mom, and a father to us kids.  My dad gave up his dream to provide for our family and it was a love that he had, so I kind of wanted to carry the torch that my dad had, in playing baseball.  I think that is why I love baseball so much.

Have you had any other jobs?

Yes, I’ve worked at a Christmas tree farm, I taught batting lessons, and that is mostly about it.

What are your hobbies?

I would have to say that my favorite hobby right now is fly fishing.  I love get out in and just be in God’s creation, and go fishing out in the mountains, and the fishing streams and fly fishing is a joy to me. 

Is there a specific spot that you fish at?

Probably the most beautiful place that I have ever been is fishing the Madison River in  Montana. 

How often do you go?

I try to go at least twice a year.  Usually I go in the winter time during the off season when I get some time away from baseball.  It’s kind of my get a way and it brings a lot of joy and peace in my mind and in my heart. 

What kind of music to you like?

I like Christian music.  My favorite band is Third Day.  It’s great music and the message is very inspiring. 

What do you do in the off season?

I try to train, lift weights to prepare for the season, try to do some fly fishing and then I get involved in my church back home.  I go to St. James Catholic Church in San Diego and spend a lot of time with my family.

I wear shorts and flip flops every day.  It’s enjoyable.

What is the best and worst part of your job?

The best part is playing a game that I love to play ever since I was a little boy.  The worst part is being away from my family.

Who is the funniest guy on the team?

The funniest guy on the team this year is probably Jeremy Affeldt.  He’s a left handed pitcher, he’s kind of goofy, he’s funny, he’s got a great sense of humor and he’s always able to laugh at himself. 

The thing most people find interesting about me is….

Besides being a baseball player, I’m a man of God.  I would rather have people know me as a man who loves Christ above being a great baseball player.

If you could live in any time in history when would it be?

Wow.  I would probably live in the 60’s.  I love that golden era of music.  I love the 60’s and it was a time when my mom and dad were growing up and I think it would be very enjoyable to go to a couple of Beach Boys concerts and enjoy a nice uncomplicated world. 

What was your greatest opportunity?

My greatest opportunity has probably been the chance to play pro baseball.  I was given that opportunity at the age of seventeen years old and I’m still loving it every single day.

Can you tell me about your All-Star experiences?

I’ve been blessed to be in five All-Star games.  It’s a great experience, you know, getting to play with the best baseball players in the world on one baseball field is a joy.  Although a lot of people think that’s the best day in my life, the most joyful time in my life has probably just been living life being a man of God. The day I accepted Christ in to my life is definitely the most joyous time in my life, well beyond the five All-Star games and hitting .340 in the big leagues.  My life is a joy because God gave me my life.