"The Lefty" Bob Miller: One of the Two Bob Miller's on the First Mets Pitching Staff (1962)
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In his senior high school year, he pitched nine games, striking out 106 batters while throwing two no hitters.
In 1953 the Detroit Tigers signed him as a bonus baby for $60,000 at the same time they signed future Hall of Famer Al Kaline. With the bonus baby rules at the time, the player had to be placed on the MLB team’s roster right away, remaining there for two full years.
MLB Debut: The tall six-foot left hander debuted that June at age 17, still the youngest Tiger pitcher in their long history. He was used in relief most of the season, earning his first career win against the A.L. New York club at Tiger Stadium. He finished the year at 1-2 with a 5.94 ERA. He pitched for four seasons in Detroit as a reliever, going 4-6 in that time. He posted ERAs under three in his second & third seasons.
In 1956 he began the season with the Tigers, but was then sent back to the minor leagues, returning in July to go 0-2 & post a 5.68 ERA. Miller would spend the next five seasons pitching in the minor leagues, highlighted by a 14-9 year at AA Birmingham in 1959.
This Bob Miller made his Mets debut on July 24th in the 12th inning in Milwaukee in a game against the Braves. He also took his first loss that day, when he gave up a walk off HR to Del Crandall.
On August 4th, both Bob Millers pitched in the same game, this Miller earned a victory when Frank Thomas hit a walk off HR in the bottom of the 14th inning.
Miller finished the year at 2-2 with a 7.08 ERA allowing 16 earned runs in 20 innings pitched. He struck out 12 & walked 11 in his 17 appearances. At age 26 this Bob Miller's career would be over after the season.
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Bob was known for his fundraising skills. He & his wife Carol helped have millions of dollars donated to Northwestern U. He collected & donated autographed baseballs. He also participated in celebrity golf outings.
In 1953 the Detroit Tigers signed him as a bonus baby for $60,000 at the same time they signed future Hall of Famer Al Kaline. With the bonus baby rules at the time, the player had to be placed on the MLB team’s roster right away, remaining there for two full years.
MLB Debut: The tall six-foot left hander debuted that June at age 17, still the youngest Tiger pitcher in their long history. He was used in relief most of the season, earning his first career win against the A.L. New York club at Tiger Stadium. He finished the year at 1-2 with a 5.94 ERA. He pitched for four seasons in Detroit as a reliever, going 4-6 in that time. He posted ERAs under three in his second & third seasons.
In 1962 he was with the Cincinnati Reds pitching in just six games but allowed 13 earned runs in just five innings of work. In early May he got traded to the New York Mets along with Cliff Cook in exchange for Don Zimmer.
Mets Career: If the ’62 Mets weren’t already confusing, it got worse when this Bob Miller reported to a team that already had a Bob Miller pitching for it. Not only that but the two Bob Millers would also be roommates together on the road. In classic Casey Stengel fashion, the Mets manager just called the other Bob Miller “Nelson” to make things easier for him.
Mets Career: If the ’62 Mets weren’t already confusing, it got worse when this Bob Miller reported to a team that already had a Bob Miller pitching for it. Not only that but the two Bob Millers would also be roommates together on the road. In classic Casey Stengel fashion, the Mets manager just called the other Bob Miller “Nelson” to make things easier for him.
Quotes- Bob Miller: "At first, I roomed with Joe Pignatano but I had to be switched to room with the other Bob Miller because any time a phone call came to the hotel, the caller would say "Let me talk to Bob Miller' the operator would ask which one? They'd say "the pitcher with the Mets. It got to be a little crazy".
This Bob Miller made his Mets debut on July 24th in the 12th inning in Milwaukee in a game against the Braves. He also took his first loss that day, when he gave up a walk off HR to Del Crandall. On August 4th, both Bob Millers pitched in the same game, this Miller earned a victory when Frank Thomas hit a walk off HR in the bottom of the 14th inning.
In that month he would win another game in relief on August 21st, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching a scoreless 9th inning. On August 30th he took a loss to the Philadelphia Phillies giving up two runs in the 8th inning.
Career Stats: In his five-year career Miller was 6-8 with one save & a 4.72 ERA. He struck out 75 batters walked 92 in 188.2 innings of work in 86 appearances (eight starts).
Family: Bob & his wife Carol had three sons.
Retirement: After his playing days he earned his degree from Northwestern University, then became a director of sales at Barton Brands.
In 1989 he became involved with the MLB Alumni Association eventually becoming Chairman & CEO thru 1994.
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Bob was known for his fundraising skills. He & his wife Carol helped have millions of dollars donated to Northwestern U. He collected & donated autographed baseballs. He also participated in celebrity golf outings.
Passing: Miller passed away on May 24th, 2022, in St. Charles Illinois at age 86.
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