From Oleg Sergevich Kornev to Lyle Green-Miller: Siberia-born White Sox prospect shares disbelief around baseball career

Lyle Green-Miller may not be a household name, however, his journey to the MLB may soon become one that fans become familiar with. The versatile 23-year-old was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 17th round of the 2024 MLB Draft out of Austin Peay State University.

While this may not sound much different than dozens of other prospects, it's Green-Miller's background that makes his story a unique one. The newest member of the White Sox was born Oleg Sergevich Kornev in the Siberian city of Tomsk.

"Born in Siberia with the name Oleg Sergevich Kornev before being adopted by American parents at 9 months, Lyle Green-Miller was drafted by the @WhiteSox yesterday. @Castrovince has the incredible story of the Siberian Sultan of Swat" - @MLBPipeline

In an interview with the MLB's Anthony Castrovince, Green-Miller gave fans an insight into his origins, sharing his disbelief that a prospect born in Siberia is playing baseball.

“I probably should be playing hockey or boxing," Green-Miller told Castrovince, before saying that he should be following in the footsteps of Rocky 4 antagonist Ivan Drago.

Green-Miller's parents, Stephanie and Richard, told Castrovince that after years of being unable to conceive a child, they decided to adopt. Since the couple had Eastern European family members, they chose to adopt a child from Russia.

"Miller-Green’s parents -- Stephanie and Richard -- flew to Russia to get him during the summer of 2001, just before the 9/11 attacks shut down international travel" - @MLBPipeline

It could not come at a better time as the Russian trip took place only months before the September 11, World Trade Center terrorist attack. Had they waited any longer, they likely would have been unable to make the trip as international travel was shut down after the attack.

Lyle Green-Miller becomes only the second Russian-born player to be selected in the MLB draft

After being selected by the Chicago White Sox, Lyle Green-Miller is only the second Russian-born player to ever be selected in the MLB draft. While five Russian players have appeared in the majors, only one other player was ever drafted.

Victor Cole, who was selected in the 14th round of the 1988 MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals, pitched 23.0 innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992. In his lone season of work, Cole posted an 0-2 record with a 5.48 ERA with 12 strikeouts. If Green-Miller can reach the majors, he will have the opportunity to create his own history.