Waterloo High School graduate signs Major League Baseball free agent contract
Former Waterloo High School and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville pitcher Cole Milam has signed a free agent contact with the Boston Red Sox.
Milam was not drafted after Major League Baseball shortened its draft from 40 rounds in 2019 to just five rounds in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Any players not chosen in the draft are eligible to sign with MLB organizations for up to $20,000.
“I heard from a few organizations, but Boston showed the most interest” Milam said. “There was a chance they were going to draft me in the fifth round, but free agency opened at 9 (Sunday morning) and Boston was on the phone at 9:15.”
Including the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, the right-handed reliever made 23 appearances over two seasons for the Cougars. He was 2-4 with six saves while racking up 71 strikeouts in just 38.1 innings of work. He averaged 16.67 strikeouts per nine innings over his two seasons.
“I am really happy for Cole,” SIUE head coach Sean Lyons said. “I am excited that he is getting an opportunity to continue his baseball career professionally.”
Milam, a 2016 graduate of Waterloo, came to SIUE after beginning his college career at Jefferson College.
“SIUE helped me to develop as an all-around baseball player,” Milam said. “It gave me the opportunity to get innings and to face more hitters. Coaches put me in a position where the team was counting on me.”
“Cole embraced the changes that he needed to make in order for this to become a reality,” Lyons added. “I am very proud of him.”
Milam will begin regular meetings with the Red Sox, and expects to report to Ft. Meyers, Florida, when baseball resumes. He is the first Cougar player to sign with a Major League organization since 2018 when Mason McReaken signed with the Atlanta Braves.
Waterloo coach Mark Vogel said that Milam was a raw talent in high school who has worked to get the most out his ability.
“Cole is a great example of what can happen with a good attitude and work ethic. He was a big strong kid in high school who was raw on the mound,’’ Vogel said. “Each year he has improved and now has a chance to play pro ball. I am proud of him and what he has accomplished.’’
This story was originally published June 15, 2020 at 12:46 PM.
