CHICAGO, Ill. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – On Tuesday, July 16, 27-year-old Clarksville native Alec Mills did something that most former little leaguers only dream of growing up, as he toed the rubber during a major league baseball game.
Mills, a 6’4 right-handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, had his work cut out for him, as he drew the red-hot lineup of the Cincinnati Reds who entered the contest having scored 32 runs in their previous three games.
After surrendering three earned runs in the very first inning, Mills settled in and found his groove from there. He went on to pitch five consecutive scoreless innings, finishing with six strikeouts on the night while scattering five hits.
“I think the first inning was just a matter of overthrowing a bit and missing a little up,” Mills said. “I mean Suarez (Eugenio) hit a pretty good pitch out of the yard, but I just needed to settle down and pitch the way I know how.”
Mills would have to wait another day to pick up his first career win as a starting pitcher after recording a no-decision, but was in fact able to look on from the dugout while his teammate Kyle Schwarber launched a walk-off home run with one out in the bottom of the 10th inning, giving the Cubs a 4-3 victory.
After the game against Cincinnati, Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon spoke with NBC Sports Chicago about Mills’ performance and what he likes most about the 27-year-old on the mound.
“I have a lot of confidence in him (Mills),” Maddon said. “He’s definitely a big-league caliber pitcher. I don’t think he’s a 4-A guy; I think he’s more than that.”
Mills discussed his initial reaction to hearing his manager going to bat for him while addressing the media.
“Hearing Joe (Maddon) say that is great,” Mills said. “Obviously in your head you always think you have the ability to pitch at the highest level, but sometimes you just need opportunity. I’m thankful for what the Cubs have given me and I’ll do whatever I can to help the team win.”
Listed right outside of Wrigley Field prior to first pitch Tuesday was a marquee sign that read, “Mills and Thrills”. After noticing it on his way to the park earlier that day for warm ups, Mills couldn’t help but crack a smile while acknowledging the Cubbie faithful.
“Yeah the sign was pretty cool and it was actually something I saw when I took my ride into the field that day,” Mills described. “Cubs fans really are some of the best fans out there and they know how to party.”
Before getting to where he is now, Mills was selected in the 22nd round of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft by the Kansas City Royals and made his official debut in 2016.
“That was a crazy moment,” Mills explained. “It’s one I’ll never forget. I actually was on the bus back from a road trip in double A and the coach came back and told me. I didn’t believe him at first. The first people I called were family and it began a whirlwind of emotions.”
On February 8, 2017, Mills was traded to the then defending world series champion Chicago Cubs. When it comes to the business side of baseball, some relationships between front offices and former players can oftentimes sour. With Mills and the Royals however, this certainly isn’t the case.
“The Royal organization was the first one to give me an opportunity and gave a little kid a chance, so I’m forever thankful for that,” Mills said. “They treated everyone with respect and were very truthful with everyone which is always appreciated.”
With Cubs lefty Cole Hamels still on the mend from his injury, Mills will take the ball again for the Cubs Monday night in San Francisco, looking to build off of the momentum he generated in his last start.
“I think mindset wise I’m just trying to be out there,” Mills said. “Fill up the zone, create a lot of bad contact and give us a chance to win at the end of the game.”
For Mills, the road back to the show hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. After suffering a litany of injuries, Mills continued to be diligent with his rehab, understanding that there were still better days ahead in his career.
“When it comes to injuries, I’ve had a couple that have really set me back,” Mills said. “I’ve had Tommy John surgery back in 2013 and I had a stress fracture in my elbow in 2017. Both were tough and very mentally exhausting, but have definitely helped prepare me for all things in the future.”
Although Mills does enjoy the grind of an MLB season, traveling and life on the road, he still finds himself becoming somewhat anxious to return to his roots.
“I was born and raised in Clarksville and still live there,” Mills said. “I love the place. Of course, it’s all I know, but I always have to thank my family for everything about me. They raised me and showed me how to be a good person.”
For now, Mills has his sights set on bringing the Cubs home another world series championship, but admits that there is also a lot more to life than just the game of baseball.
“As far as outlook goes, I’m just doing whatever I can right now to help the Chicago Cubs bring home another title,” Mills said. “That’s always goal number one. Paige (Mills) and I are expecting a little boy and of course I’m really excited about that, so being a great father is another goal for me in the near future. After all, baseball is secondary to family any day of the week.”
REACH NEIL RYE at nrye@clarksvillenow.com