Newton’s Milheiser catches 3A all-district recognition

Newton junior Skyler Milheiser ranked in the top two of 11 offensive categories for the Newton baseball team this summer.

But it was likely his defensive play that got the most attention when the all-district teams were released recently.

Milheiser committed zero errors in 162 chances and set a new school record with 17 caught stealings and that helped him earn honorable mention recognition on the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association’s Class 3A Central District squad.

The zero errors tied for the fewest in 3A and the 17 batters he threw out trying to steal tied for third. He also had 141 putouts.

At the plate, Milheiser led the Cardinals with a .291 batting average and an on-base percentage of .435.

His five doubles, two triples, eight hit by pitches and 21 steals were team highs and he tied for the team lead with 25 hits and 37 total bases.

Milheiser belted one homer and ranked second on the squad with 19 runs, 13 RBIs and 14 walks.

The first and second teams of the 3A Central District included six players from Bondurant-Farrar, four players from Pella, Saydel, North Polk and Grinnell, three from Nevada and two each from Ballard and Knoxville.