Salt Lake County Celebrates Softball Complex Bearing Larry H. Miller’s Name

Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation and the Miller family hosted a celebration at the newly renovated Larry H. Miller Softball Complex at Big Cottonwood Regional Park on May 18, 2022.

The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation donated $5 million for the Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation renovations at Big Cottonwood Regional Park (Millcreek) softball complex and the construction of the Valley Regional Park (Taylorsville) softball complex.

“Larry spent much of his life perfecting his skill as a fastpitch softball pitcher and loved playing and supporting the game for over 35 years. He was inducted into the Utah Softball Hall of Fame in 1985. Our children grew up at the ballpark and also loved the excitement of the game,” said Gail Miller, chair of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. “We are pleased to be able to support renovations and improvements at these two softball complexes that will provide first-class venues for family activities, building friendships, exercise and top-caliber softball in our communities.”

First pitch event for the Larry H. Miller Softball Complex in Millcreek on May 18, 2022.

Items from Larry H. Miller’s softball collection were on display at the event.

Jersey celebrating the first pitch event.

Miller family members explore the softball collection items on display at the event.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson

Greg Miller

Ty Wardle threw the first pitch.

Fans at the first pitch event for the Larry H. Miller Softball Complex.

Two of the previous fast-pitch championship teams played an exhibition game in honor of Larry H. Miller

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson proclaimed May as Larry H. Miller Month in honor of the late Larry Miller, an avid player of fastpitch softball.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson proclaimed May as Larry H. Miller Month in honor of the late Larry Miller, an avid player of fastpitch softball. “Larry’s commitment to the community and to sports is something I experienced firsthand when working with him on the Olympics. Thanks to Larry, Gail, and their family, we were able to renovate this incredible and unifying space that will provide future softball enthusiasts and their loved ones hours of fun,” said Mayor Wilson.

“As a family, it is our hope that this beautiful, updated facility will continue to serve the community for decades to come and play a role in uniting all of us,” said Greg Miller who addressed the crowd at the event.

Ty Wardle, a grandson of the Larry H. Miller family, threw out the first pitch of a men’s fastpitch exhibition game to commemorate the day. Complimentary All-star hot dogs (Larry’s favorite) were served as teams Browning vs. Page Brake took to the field. Both teams had players that previously played on Larry H. Miller teams in the past. “Both [softball] facilities have hosted numerous tournaments, league play, and the renovations will provide that same opportunity and experience for generations to come,” said Martin Jensen, Director of Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation.