Former Tiger invited to spring training with the Atlanta Braves

Cody Milligan, a 2019 All-American selection while playing baseball for the Cowley College Tigers, was recently invited to attend spring training with Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves.

"I am very thankful for this opportunity, and I can't wait to practice and play alongside the guys that I have looked up to for so many years," Milligan said. "I know my time will probably be limited, so I will try and absorb all of the knowledge the guys are willing to share with me. It is honestly a dream come true; although it is not the ultimate dream, it is a step in the right direction."

Milligan transferred to Cowley from Oklahoma State University and played for the Tigers during the 2019 season. The catcher batted .453 with 18 doubles, nine triples, five home runs, and 65 runs batted in. He added a team-high 30 stolen bases to go along with a .571 on-base percentage.

After helping Cowley to a record of 47-14 and a trip to the JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, CO, Milligan was drafted in the ninth round of the 2019 Major League Baseball draft by the Atlanta Braves.

"I have told many people, if I had another year at Cowley (didn't redshirt at OSU), I would have stayed instead of signing with the Braves," Milligan said. "I was fortunate enough to play for the last Cowley team coached by Dave Burroughs, along with Lefty (Darren Burroughs), Coach Buck (Brock Buckingham), and Dax Leone, and the baseball knowledge and just overall atmosphere that the coaching staff brought day in and day out made baseball fun for me again."

After catching for the Tigers, Milligan has played second base, third base and has been utilized in the outfield while in the Braves minor league organization. Over 123 games played this past season, split between AA and A ball, Milligan batted .296 with 27 doubles, 21 stolen bases, and 36 runs batted in.

"Being a catcher at Cowley and transitioning to second base, and now centerfield with the Braves, has been one of the biggest surprises I have had for myself," Milligan said.

Milligan is enjoying the moment but also looks back fondly on his time with the Tigers.

"Sure, it was tough, we got chewed out just like every other team Coach Dave had, but I know for me, and every other guy on that team, I would take everything I have done to this point and trade it for one more game with those guys," Milligan said.