Steven Milam follows Alex Bregman’s path to LSU
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Lorenzo Delgado, Contributor
- March 4, 2024
Freshman infielder Steve Milam makes quick impression at LSU
HOUSTON – In his hometown of Las Cruces, N.M, LSU infielder Steven Milam watched and idolized Houston Astros star Alex Bregman. The two-time World Series champion’s hometown of Albuquerque is 223 miles away from Milam’s hometown.
Bregman is currently getting ready for the season with the Astros in West Palm Beach, Fla. However, Milam kept the purple and gold colors on display this past weekend when the Tigers visited Minute Maid Park for The Astros Foundation College Classic.
“He obviously paved the way and did it first,” Milam said of Bregman. “I looked up to him because Albuquerque is only three hours from me. It’s hard to make it out of there. It’s not very many guys that do, but it’s amazing seeing all of the hard work you put in.”
Steve Milam, a ‘Monster’
Milam is off to a scorching hot start for the defending national champion Tigers. The diminutive Milam is living up to his nickname of “Monster.” He is batting .364/.489/.394 with 12 hits, one double, eight RBIs, seven walks, three hit by pitches and three stolen bases.
Milam was 4-for-10 with one double, two RBIs and four walks in three games at the Astros Foundation’s College Classic
“He’s really learned and matured from the course he’s gotten here ‘till now,” LSU star Hayden Travinski said of Milam. “Just about how he does things and how to go about his business. You obviously saw the impact he’s able to make immediately. He makes it tough on the pitcher and capitalizes on mistakes.”
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Milam, who helped No. 2 LSU win the Astros Foundation’s College Classic at Minute Maid Park, stands in at 5-foot-8. He is two inches taller than 2017 American League MVP and Astros great Jose Altuve. Both have the confidence to play at the highest level with any player.
Milam’s talent was on display as LSU defeated No. 15 Texas, the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and Texas State at Minute Maid Park. The 2023 New Mexico Player of the Year continues to show his coaches and teammates what he’s capable of bringing to the baseball field.
Little man, big talent
Former LSU head coach Paul Mainieri shared some wise words to the true freshman as he’s watched a lot of his players have success in his 39 seasons of coaching.
“I’m not the biggest guy so I gotta bring something to the table,” Steven Milam said. “I know Paul Mainieri first told me like ‘Big guys gotta prove that they can play. Little guys gotta prove that they can play.’ Everyday I gotta prove that I can play, and that’s what I’ve been trying to do.”
The Tigers lost 13 members from their 2023 national championship team. All 13 players were selected in the MLB Draft. Jake Brown and Milam headline the Tigers’ freshman class. They rank third by Baseball America.
“His athleticism is what makes him so versatile,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said of Milam. “You can put him at short (and) you can put him at second. He’s done a great job for us offensively. Just a special kid to have on your team.”
Lorenzo Delgado
Contributor
Lorenzo Delgado graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and is currently attending the University of Houston to earn his master’s degree. Lorenzo was formerly a contributing baseball writer for Call to the Pen on the Fansided Network. He is the host of an Astros baseball podcast called Full Seam Ahead, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and wherever podcasts are found.
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