Jake Mills has been on a tear to start his third season with the Wellington Colts (9-6) where his father Chad Mills is the head coach. Mills is currently batting .410, second highest on the team, with 16 hits, 5 RBIs, scoring 8 runs, and walking nine times.
Mills started his baseball career at Ohio State in Fall 2020 but transferred to Loyola University in New Orleans this past spring where he batted .291 over 47 games. Mills had one home run, 21 RBIs, scored 24 runs and stole 6 bases in his first college baseball season.
Mills primarily plays shortstop in college and the CLPB but does occasionally pitch. This summer Mills has pitched in one game pitching 3.1 innings, allowing three hits and striking out two.
Our Judith Altneu talked to Mills about his season and his relationship with his father, Chad Mills, who is the head coach of the Colts.
What’s been working for you so far this season?
“I would say I’m keeping it simple. I was starting to swing it towards the end of the year in college ball and just trying to keep it simple and just stay it up the middle, keep a good approach and keep doing what I’m doing.”
What’s it like having your dad as your coach this summer?
“He’s been my coach my whole life. I think I’ve had like four coaches my whole life and he was the one for like 17 years, so pretty used to it by now, but I mean it’s good, it helps me. It’s good to have your dad out there and a good voice to be able to help you and give you advice and he’s always been like the guide and help me make adjustments.”
How has your dad being your coach impacted your relationship?
“So, it’s like you’re with him all the time. It builds a really tight close relationship through baseball, and it also helps with relationship at home and stuff because we get so close out here and build a really good relationship through baseball.”
What do you like to do outside of baseball?
“I watch a lot of baseball and watch a lot of college baseball recently in the summer. I do watch a lot of sports in my free time, go out with friends here and there.
What are your favorite sport teams?
“I’m a Chicago kid, so I love the Cubs, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, since my dad grew up in Chicago, so I’ve taken on that role.”