ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University Vice President for Athletics, Dr. Bert Epting, Jr. has announced that longtime head baseball coach Joe Miller has resigned in order to pursue other opportunities, effective June 30.
The Miller era at Anderson spanned 29 seasons, including 23 campaigns at the helm of the program, after taking the reins from former head coach and Director of Athletics, Bobby Beville in 1997.
"I would like to thank Anderson University for allowing me to fulfill a lifelong dream of coaching college baseball for 29 years," said Miller. "My father coached college baseball for 32 years and I have been in a college dugout my entire life. I appreciate the hundreds of players I have had the privilege to coach, mentor, and build relationships that will last a lifetime. The impact players have had on my life and career is what I value the most from my time at Anderson."
A native of Newberry, S.C., Miller was an infielder for the Trojans during the 1986 and 1987 seasons when AU competed as a member of the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) and served as team captain, while being selected as an infielder for the All-Region X team in 1987. He went on to finish his collegiate career at Newberry and was named an NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) Academic All-American following the 1989 season, while helping lead the Indians to the District VI Championship.
Miller added, "I want to thank Coach Beville. I played two seasons for him and worked for him for 17 years. Outside of my father, Coach Beville has been the greatest influence in my life. Lastly, I would like to thank my wife, Laurie and sons, Tyler and Jake. Their support never wavered, even when I missed their high school baseball games, golf matches or missed family functions because I was at the field or on the road recruiting. I wish Anderson University and the baseball program nothing but success moving forward."
Miller served as an assistant coach under Beville from 1990-1993 and was named associate head coach in 1994. He accumulated 518 victories with the Black and Gold, in addition to 87 wins when Anderson competed ('99, '94, '95) as both a member of the NJCAA and the NAIA.
"We are so thankful for all Joe has done for Anderson and our baseball program over the last 29 years," said Epting. "He has developed a program built on character, hard work and development that was evident in his team both on and off the field, which is a legacy that will always be remembered. We sincerely thank him and his family for their leadership and service to AU and we wish him nothing but the best in what is to come next."
A national search will begin immediately to find a successor for Miller.
