Kevin Millar went down in Boston Red Sox infamy for keeping the faith in 2004, going against the thoughts of many baseball fans and reporters during the team's legendary run to the World Series.
Now, he's gone from talking to the media to giving his opinions and thoughts in the studio as a media member.
Millar, after stints in the league with the Red Sox, Florida Marlins, Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles, took his talents to the MLB Network. The former first baseman started hosting the network's show Intentional Talk, which launched in 2011.
After an 11-year baseball career, Millar was happy to land in a place where he could stick to what he did best.
"I wouldn’t have been able to do anything else, baseball is the only thing I really kind of know," Millar said. "The transition is definitely easier with our show, and the MLB Network has just been awesome to work for. I never had to change who I am. Can be yourself on television, and still make mistakes and laugh at yourself like I did when I played and in the clubhouse."
While some of his move to the media world was easy, Millar admitted there were some challenges that most players face when making the switch.
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"I think the toughest transition for all players leaving the field and going into television was asking the questions," Millar said. "We always answer the questions, so that transition, still to this day, is tough for me sometimes."
One strength Millar learned from his time on the field was accountability. As he notoriously went back-and-forth with media members during his time with Boston, he learned skills he took with him to the studio.
“I think that’s the only thing, you know, is the accountability as a player, and having the accountability as a media member also," Millar said. "There were times I sat at my locker and we’d have to sit there and say how bad I sucked. I think the accountability, I was also there, doing well or doing bad, and media members sometimes aren’t."
Now, Millar gets to give his thoughts on an entire league, and has done so for over seven years.
As he and co-host Chris Rose prepare for live editions of Intentional Talk in Washington, D.C. for the 2018 All-Star Game, his former team in Boston finds itself battling with the New York Yankees at the top of the AL East.
"It’s very important to win that East," Millar said. "I would give the nod right this second to the Boston Red Sox. I like to think they’re more complete. They seem like more of a squad."
While giving praise to stars like Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi, one player stuck out in Millar's mind heading into the All-Star Break.
"J.D. Martinez, he’s been everything and more for the Red Sox team," Millar said. "Kind of fills that void from David Ortiz last year.”
With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, Millar says the team may need to make some moves, but says it's in good shape as they prepare for the second half of the season.
"It’ll be interesting to see, but they’re a very good ball club," Millar said.
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