by Trip Baker
El Dorado baseball player Miles Stringer signed to play baseball for Friends University on Nov. 12. After committing on the 5th, Stringer and his coaches, teammates, family, and friends all gathered at the Butler Electric Cooperative building and watched him sign his future in black ink.
After conversations and visits with Ottawa and Kansas Wesleyan, Stringer felt Friends was the place to be.
“It was the best move for my family and I. Friends is going to give me a great opportunity to get on the field while also staying close to home,” Stringer said. He further elaborated, “I’ve also built a really good relationship with the coaches out there so I think it’ll be a good fit.”
Stringer knew baseball was going to be what he would pursue from a young age, and he’s seeing it all come into fruition as a senior at El Dorado High.
“Early on in life I developed a love for the game. I’ve been playing since I was a toddler and never looked back. I’ve played for clubs in Wichita and also for the Legion baseball team here in town,” Stringer said.
Stringer has put in the work, but he also did not get to this alone, and he’s fully aware of the help he has received.
“My coaches and teammates have really cared for me and have made sure I’m doing all that I can to be the best that I can be. As well as my dad, he’s not a huge baseball fan, but he’s spent a lot of time and money putting me in the right positions to find success,” the senior said.
Stringer is seeing his dreams come true, but this was no fluke. Stringer is known by his teammates for his hard work and dedication to the game.
“I enjoy the reps in practice more than games. I’ve built a love for the process and simply getting better at this sport and I’m proud of the work I’ve put in,” he said.
While Stringer has a lot to look forward to, he’s trying his best to keep his mind on the rest of his high school career.
“I’d like to try and be an all-league pitcher this season,” Stringer added.
Stringer, a 2022 graduate, will begin his baseball career at Friends in the fall, where baseball is now a year-round sport.
“I’m looking forward to the new journey, schedule, and a schedule that's all about baseball,” Stringer said.
While there is still a chunk of high school left for Stringer, it is only a matter of time before he embarks on his college baseball career, and Friends University adds their first ever El Dorado High School alum to their baseball team.
courtesy photo