Justin Miller (baseball, born 1977) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Justin Miller |
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Miller with the Florida Marlins in 2007
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: August 27, 1977 Torrance, California, U.S. |
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| Died: June 26, 2013 (aged 35) Palm Harbor, Florida, U.S. |
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| Professional debut | |||
| MLB: April 12, 2002, for the Toronto Blue Jays | |||
| NPB: 2006, for the Chiba Lotte Marines | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| NPB: 2006, for the Chiba Lotte Marines | |||
| MLB: July 18, 2010, for the Los Angeles Dodgers | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 24–14 | ||
| Earned run average | 4.82 | ||
| Strikeouts | 300 | ||
| NPB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 0–1 | ||
| Earned run average | 10.80 | ||
| Strikeouts | 11 | ||
| Teams | |||
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Justin Mark Miller (born August 27, 1977 – died June 26, 2013) was a professional baseball pitcher from the United States. He played for several teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). These teams included the Toronto Blue Jays, Florida Marlins, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He also played in Japan for the Chiba Lotte Marines. Miller was known for his many tattoos. This led to a special rule called the "Justin Miller rule." It required pitchers with arm tattoos to wear long-sleeved shirts.
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Early Baseball Years
Justin Miller started playing baseball at a young age. He played in the 1992 Little League World Series with his team from Torrance, California. He also played high school baseball at Torrance High School. There, he was a top player in his senior year. After high school, he went to Los Angeles Harbor College. In 1997, he was named a Junior College All-American.
Starting His Professional Career
Drafted by the Rockies
The Colorado Rockies picked Miller in the 5th round of the 1997 MLB Draft. He began his professional career with the Portland Rockies. He helped them win a championship. Later, he played for the Asheville Tourists and the Salem Avalanche.
Moving to the Athletics
In 1999, Miller was traded to the Oakland Athletics. He spent most of his time with their AAA team, the Sacramento River Cats.
Playing for the Blue Jays
Miller was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2001. He made his first Major League Baseball game on April 12, 2002. He pitched for about three innings in that game. He made his first start as a pitcher on April 27. In 2002, he played in 25 games for the Blue Jays. He won 9 games and lost 5, with an ERA of 5.54. He had a shoulder injury in 2003. He returned in 2004 and played in 19 games. In 2005, he mostly played for the AAA team, the Syracuse SkyChiefs.
Time with Other Teams
In 2006, Miller signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He played a few games for their AAA team. Then, he went to Japan to play for the Chiba Lotte Marines. After that, he played briefly for a Philadelphia Phillies AAA team.
Joining the Marlins
Miller signed with the Florida Marlins in 2007. He started with their AAA team, the Albuquerque Isotopes. He was called up to the Marlins on May 19, 2007. The Marlins used him as a relief pitcher. He stayed with the team until October 2008.
With the Giants
In 2008, the San Francisco Giants signed Miller. He joined their main roster in 2009. He played in 44 games as a relief pitcher. He had a good season with a 3.18 ERA.
Playing for the Dodgers
Miller signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2009. He started the 2010 season with their AAA team. He was called up to the Dodgers in May. He played in 19 games for them. Later, he returned to the AAA team.
Later Career Teams
In 2010, Miller signed with the Seattle Mariners. He was released by them in April 2011. He then signed with the Texas Rangers in April 2011. He was released by the Rangers in June. In July 2011, he signed again with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played a few games for the Albuquerque Isotopes before being released later that month.
His Passing
Justin Miller passed away at his home in Palm Harbor, Florida on June 26, 2013. The cause of his death was not announced. He was married to Jessica for 15 years and had two sons.
The "Justin Miller Rule"
Justin Miller was well-known for his many sleeve tattoos. These tattoos covered his arms. Some opposing hitters complained that his tattoos were distracting. Because of this, Major League Baseball created a special rule. It is sometimes called the "Justin Miller Rule." This rule required Miller to wear a long-sleeved shirt under his jersey when he was pitching. This way, his tattoos would not distract the hitters.
