by T. Scott Boatright
A pair of former Lincoln Parish high school baseball players became a part of history late Thursday night at the NAIA College World Series in Lewiston, Idaho.
LSU-Shreveport’s Josh Miller and Jack Parks are part of a Pilots team that won its 58th consecutive victory — a collegiate record — as LSU defeated defending national champion Hope International (California) 14-4 to earn an automatic berth in the NAIA World Series title.
The previous all-time record for most wins in a row was 57 held by Howard College in Texas. That record was set in 2007.
After beginning his college career at Bossier Parish Community College, Miller, a right-handed pitcher, transferred to Northwestern State before moving on to LSUS.
During his senior season at Ruston High School, Miller worked 18 2/3 innings on the mound with a 3.38 ERA and 17 strikeouts, primarily playing catcher to help with a roster deficiency.
Miller earned Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 5A All-State honorable mention in 2021 and was also selected as a first team All-District catcher.
“This is a great experience,” Miller said. “I love each and every one of these guys. We’re here. We’re here, baby!
“From Little League to now. It’s been a great ride. Up and down. All the time, I’ve had my downs and I’ve had my ups. This is the best team I’ve ever been on, and I’ve been on a lot of them. I love being a Pilot.”
Parks, a utility player, began his college career as a Louisiana Tech freshman before transferring to LSUS.
He graduated from Cedar Creek High School in 2021 after recording a .378 batting average and a .500 on-base percentage as a Cougar.
Parks called being a part of history and reaching the World Series championship game surreal.
“People dream about being undefeated and one game away from getting a ring, so it’s pretty special,” Parks said. “I didn’t think I’d be in Idaho playing for a national championship coming from Louisiana Tech. The best decision I ever made was coming to Shreveport. I love these guys and would do anything for them, so it’s been pretty cool. I’ve been here the past three years and coming up short the first two, finally getting here is pretty cool.
“Being 14 and playing for the Ruston Reds and winning in Omaha (Nebraska) was a little different than Lewiston. It’d be cool to play in Omaha for the national title, but being here in Lewiston, Idaho, playing for a national title is pretty cool, too. Now we just have to go get it done.”
LSU-S will face Southeastern (Fla). today at 8:30 p.m. CT with the national championship on the line. The Pilots need just one win while Southeastern (Fla.) would need to beat LSU-S twice.
