Sheldon Miks, a four-year starter for Shakopee’s baseball team, is the ace of the Sabers pitching staff.
The lanky senior lefthander went 6-2 with five shutouts and a 0.39 ERA a year ago. Miks struck out 58 and walked 6 in 53 ⅔ innings. He also plays first base.
Here is a closer look at Miks, who also played hockey for the Sabers:
Q: The best movie I’ve seen in the last year?
A: “The Shawshank Redemption.”
Q: Three words my friends or teammates might use to describe me?
A: Hardworking, quiet and dedicated.
Q: Three songs I never skip on my iPod are …
A: … “What It’s Like” by Everlast; “More Than a Feeling” by Boston; and “Good Riddance” by Green Day.
Q: What are your three favorite apps?
A: Cribbage Pro, SportsCenter, and Free Music Downloader.
Q: How did you get started in sports?
A: My dad played hockey and baseball. I just wanted to play when I was little.
Q: At my first varsity practice, I felt …
A: … nervous and [I] tried not to say a whole lot. I tried to feel everyone out and get the hang of things.
Q: What did you work on most before this season?
A: Strength and velocity on my fastball.
Q: To get focused for a game, I …
A: … picture good things happening and think about what I would want to happen.
Q: What is your favorite meal before a game?
A: Pasta.
Q: What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete?
A: Winning the Missota Conference championship last year and making it to the Class 3A, Section 2 championship game. [Shakopee lost back-to-back games to Minnetonka 6-1 and 2-0 in the finals].
Q: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
A: Win the Missota Conference and make it to the state tournament. [Shakopee’s last state tournament appearance was in 1983].
Q: I know I have the upper hand on a batter …
A: … when they show emotion.
Q: If you could change one thing about high school sports, what would it be?
A: Have practice start during seventh hour.
Q: How do you balance school and sports during the year?
A: I try to get as much school work done at school as I can, so I don’t have to worry about it during sports.
Q: Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why?
A: The Boston Red Sox because I’ve always wanted to visit Fenway Park.
Q: In 10 years, I hope I’m …
A: … in a nice house with a family, and have a good job as a doctor.
Q: What is the best sports advice you ever received?
A: Just go out there and play, and have fun.
RON HAGGSTROM