Baseball Down Under: Life in the ABL

Five months, 140 games and countless hours on the bus; this is the life of a Minor Leaguer. But what happens when the season is over? Some players return to their home town and many pick up an odd job or teach baseball lessons to supplement their income. Others, however, play in international winter leagues as a way to accelerate their professional careers. The Australian Baseball League (ABL) is one such circuit, and 2015 Storm standout Ryan Miller flew halfway across the globe to improve his game. For four months Miller crisscrossed the country with the Canberra Cavalry, playing against some of Australia's best talent in places like Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. We caught up with the Hemet native and Tahquitz High School grad on his return to the States this week to talk baseball, Aussie slang and the perils of sharing your catcher's bag with the local wildlife.

How did you get the opportunity to play in the Australian Baseball League, and how did you get assigned to the Canberra Cavalry?

Well I knew [2015 Storm skipper Michael] Collins was the manager of a team in Australia. This season after the third game I suffered an injury and missed a chunk of the season, so I asked him about the team he managed and if he thought I could come out and play for him. He said he would run it by the Padres, [and] they thought it was a good idea since I missed that time. So I went there to catch up on the games I missed and get the reps in.

What were some of your first thoughts when stepping off of the plane in Australia?

When I landed in the airport of Canberra, it was raining. I was like "What? Rain in the summer here?" But flying over was very fun to look at all the beaches, water and buildings.

River Stevens was a fellow teammate this winter and Michael Collins was your manager. How did having some familiar faces in the dugout help you acclimate to your new digs?-

It was very comforting knowing I would know at least one person. [laughs]

Describe a typical game day for you.

Wake up, make breakfast. Sometimes head to the gym for a light workout, get to the field, do some flips and tee work in the cage, team stretch, BP, come in and eat, get dressed and prepare for the game. Very similar to how we do in the States.

Describe a typical off day.

Of course sleep in! Grab something to eat, go somewhere locally for the free wifi. Usually hang out with all the other guys. [We] made a beach trip, movie nights, and video games here and there. 

What were your top three moments on the field during the season?

Top 3 moments… hmmm… I hit my first career grand slam in pro ball. My very first at-bat for the Cavalry was a home run. Also being on ESPN and using the international tie breaker rule; [we] ended up winning in extra innings.

Any run-ins with wildlife?

I had two very scary incidents with spiders. A huge Huntsman spider crawled up my arm and the other jumped onto my chest protector out of my bag. I saw hundreds of kangaroos hopping around too.

What was the cultural make up of the Cavalry? How do the foreigners get along with the Aussie players?

We got along just great! The guys were happy to show us the town and told us the ins and out of Australia.

Did you pick up any new lingo or slang?

 Instead of "dude" you say "mate" and instead of "thanks" you say "cheers!"

What parts of your game did you specifically work on while playing for the Cavalry?

Receiving pitches and, of course, my stance and swing.

How is baseball perceived in Australia?

Baseball isn't as huge as it is in America; AFL [Australian Football League], cricket and rugby are the known sports. But baseball in Canberra drew some big crowds [with] very loving, caring fans. They had our backs through any game.

Did this experience provide any perspective about your baseball career or your life in general? If so, please elaborate.

I had a very good season, so if I just keep mentally and physically preparing myself I can do a lot.

Any final thoughts?

Just couldn't thank the Padres enough for giving me that experience. Being able to do what I love everyday is just… everything I can ask for.