Sunday Morning Chat: Forest Hill Manager Russ Milliken

Sunday Morning Chat: Forest Hill Manager Russ Milliken

As the 2024 season comes to an end, HSBN had the honor of sitting down with one of the best to ever step foot in a Palm Beach dugout. Forest Hill Manager Russ Milliken announced earlier this year, that after several decades, he will be stepping down from managing the Falcons at the end of the season.

HSBN’s Anthony Uttariello spent some time with Milliken this past week, allowing the Pace manager to reflect on his long career, his relationships he has built along the way, as well as a special announcement about him being inducted into the HSBN South Florida Hall of Fame in the upcoming Class of 2024.

Milliken has been a longtime supporter of HSBN, and has been a true role model for many other coaches around the county with how he has run his program.

We want to thank Coach Milliken, and wish him happiness as he exits the Falcons dugout. Enjoy this exclusive Sunday Morning Chat to finish off the 2024 season.

Here is what some of his peers had to say to Milliken, in speaking about his retirement.

“It has been an honor coaching with Russ for 15 years. I remember the first thing he told me when I started. ‘Our number one job here is to turn boys into young men by the time they leave us’. Our program is a family and as the head of the family, Russ has always done everything he could to make sure the boys had an ethical and honorable example to follow on and off the field.” – Forest Hill Assistant Coach Johnny Perez

“I have known Coach Milliken for over 40 years. I have never met anyone that is not only a great teacher, coach, but someone who most importantly, put his family first. If there was one coach to pick for my kids to play for , it would have been Russ. He is like family to me, and my kids call him Uncle Russ. We are going to miss you on the ballfield, but you know we will be sharing many RV trips together in the future.” – Park Vista Manager Larry Greenstein

“I always look forward to seeing Russ. No matter how good or how bad his day was going, he always welcomed me with open arms. His teams always competed, and he always had a smile on his face. He will definitely be missed on the diamond. Best of luck moving forward, Russ.” – Palm Beach Central Manager Tony Gullo

“Russ is going to really be missed around the baseball fields. When I became a high school baseball head coach, I really wanted to coach like Russ. His team, no matter the talent level, are prepared, year after year, and they always play the game the right way.” – Suncoast Manager Jimmy Beno

“Russ is one of the most sincere and sweetest human beings I have met in my 45 years on this Earth. From day one when I arrived at Olympic Heights 10 years ago, Russ was one of the coaches that held my hand and taught me the ins and outs of coaching high school baseball in South Florida. When I see him on the field, its like seeing your favorite Uncle at the family Christmas party. I love ya, my friend. Cheers to you, coach!” – John I. Leonard Manager Casey Beck

“Russ Milliken will be missed on the high school field. You always knew when facing them, his teams would be disciplined and classy. He held his players to high standards and believed in accountability. Throughout my career, I always admired how he handled his kids, parents, and fans. I have modeled how I handle my program off of my respect for Russ all these years. I hope you enjoy the retired life Russ, you deserve the rest, and more time being with your family.” – Dr. Garcia Manager Nick Franco

“What I’ll remember most about Russ on the field is that he always kept a very even and positive tone with his players. He is a glass half full person and coach. He coached his teams with an old school focus on fundamentals, and his teams never seemed to be out of a game. It is going to be strange not seeing him in that dugout when we face Forest Hill.” – Wellington Manager Scott Riddle

“Congrats to Coach Milliken for his great career at Forest Hill. It was an honor to get to know him. He was a big help to me when I first started coaching 10 years ago. he will be missed on the ballfield.” – Santaluces Manager Kyle Dahl

“Thank you for helping make South Florida High School Baseball some of the best in the country. Palm Beach will have some big shoes to fill in 2025, with you not being in the dugout.” – Taravella Manager Joe Giummule

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