Kevin Millar was one of the most popular Sea Dogs in franchise history. Millar ranks as Portland’s franchise record holder in 14 different offensive categories.  After helping the Sea Dogs to the playoffs in 1996 by hitting .318 with 18 home runs and 86 RBI, Millar returned to Portland the following season to put up one of the best seasons in Eastern League history.  Millar was named the 1997 Eastern League Most Valuable Player as he came within five home runs of the first Triple Crown in league history.  His .342 average and 131 RBI’s (seven shy of he league record) led the league, his 32 home runs ranked second in the league behind Binghamton’s Matt Raleigh.

Millar reached base safely in 71 straight games over three minor league seasons (1997-1999), the first 46 coming with the Sea Dogs in 1997.  The streak of 71 games is tied with former Sea Dog Kevin Youkilis (2003) for the  minor league baseball record.

Millar spent five seasons with the Florida Marlins before signing with the Boston Red Sox in 2003. He quickly became a fan favorite and helped popularize the slogan “Cowboy Up” – which became the 2003 rally cry in the Red Sox Nation. He hit 52 home runs and drove in 220 RBI over three seasons with the Red Sox and won his first World Series ring in 2004. Millar also hit the 10,000th home run in Fenway Park history, when he connected for a two-run shot off Baltimore’s Travis Driscoll on August 9, 2003. Kevin now plays with the Baltimore Orioles after signing as a free agent prior to the 2006 season.