In the world of Major League Baseball, connections often span generations, and for Max Scherzer and Spencer Miles, their bond is as unique as it gets-rooted in a shared past of tobogganing.
Both Scherzer and Miles hail from the University of Missouri, and their paths crossed long before they became teammates on the Toronto Blue Jays. The story, brought to light by Blue Jays play-by-play broadcaster Dan Shulman, reveals a charming slice of baseball lore. When asked if he knew Scherzer before joining the Blue Jays, Miles quipped, "Well, we went sledding together once."
Back in 2006, Scherzer, then a standout pitcher for the Missouri Tigers, joined teammate Danny Hill for some winter fun at a steep hill behind Miles' family home. Miles, just a kid then, was part of Hill's youth team and got an invite to join the sledding adventure with Scherzer.
Shulman, intrigued by the tale, verified it with Scherzer, who confirmed the story and fondly recalled the hill's giant jump. Fast forward 19 years, and the two right-handers find themselves on the same Blue Jays roster, a team with its eyes set on the World Series.
Miles joined the Blue Jays through the MLB's Rule 5 Draft, coming over from the San Francisco Giants. This draft allows teams to pick up unprotected minor league talent, and Miles, now 25, seized his opportunity.
He was the last pitcher named to the Opening Day roster and made a memorable debut against the Athletics. In extra innings, Miles picked off a runner on second and recorded his first Major League strikeout against Max Muncy.
The Blue Jays clinched the game with a walk-off single by Ernie Clement, scoring Nathan Lukes, and securing Miles his first career win. Reflecting on the moment, Miles described it as "surreal," a dream come true since his childhood.
As a tribute to his journey, Miles plans to display the game balls from his first three outs in his dad’s office, acknowledging the pivotal role his father played in his path to the majors.