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