Dexter Fowler - Class of 2004
2017 MHS Hall of Fame Inductee Dexter Fowler graduated from Milton High School in 2004. Dexter is currently an outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels in Major League Baseball. He has previously played for the Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals.
Fowler graduated from Milton HS as a two-sport athlete (baseball and basketball.) His senior season was highlighted by a .457 batting average along with 14 home runs and 23 steals, making him a key member of the 2004 GHSA 5A Baseball State Championship team. Following graduation, he was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the Major League Baseball Draft and signed shortly thereafter. As a minor leaguer during the 2008 season, Fowler was selected to represent the United States in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.He and the U.S. team ended up winning the bronze medal in the Olympics by defeating Japan, 8-4, in the bronze medal game. He capped 2008 by being selected by Major League Baseball to play in the All-Star Futures Game at Yankee Stadium.
Called up to the Majors for good by the Rockies in 2009, on April 27, 2009, Fowler tied a modern-day rookie record when he stole five bases against the San Diego Padres in a 12–7 victory. The following season he led the Major Leagues in triples, with 14. After spending the 2014 season with the Houston Astros, Dexter signed with the Chicago Cubs.
An All-Star in 2016, on October 25, 2016, Dexter, along with teammates Jason Heyward, Addison Russell, and Carl Edwards Jr. became the first African-Americans to play for the Cubs in a World Series game. Additionally, Fowler was the first African-American to appear and to bat for the Cubs in a World Series. In the final game he became the first player in history to lead off a World Series Game 7 with a home run, helping the Cubs to their first World Series Championship since 1908, a drought of 108 years!
He has donated memorabilia to the Milton Baseball program including a baseball he autographed on the day he signed his first professional contract. During his professional career he has occasionally participated in Milton baseball practices. Dexter is often discussed by the Milton coaches as a role model for the Milton players.
