Justin Miller (baseball)
Encyclopedia
Justin Mark Miller is an American
professional baseball
pitcher
, who is currently a free agent.
with Torrance and played high school baseball with Torrance High School
, where he was first team All-State and Conference player of the year as a Senior. He attended Los Angeles Harbor College
and was a Junior College All-American in 1997.
in the 5th round of the 1997 MLB Draft and made his professional debut with the Rookie-Class Portland Rockies
, helping them win the Northwest League
championship
on Dec. 13, 1999 (along with Jamey Wright
and Henry Blanco
) for Scott Karl
and Jeff Cirillo
. He spent most of 2000 and 2001 with the AAA Sacramento River Cats
of the Pacific Coast League
.
on Dec. 7, 2001 (along with Eric Hinske
) for Billy Koch
. He made his Major League debut on April 12, 2002 for the Blue Jays against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He pitched 2 2/3 innings of relief, hitting his first two batter, and allowing a total of four hits and one run. He made his first ML start on April 27 against the Anaheim Angels
, but lasted only 3 2/3 innings while giving up four runs. He appeared in 25 games with the Blue Jays in 2002, starting 18 of them and finished 9-5 with a 5.54 ERA. He missed most of the 2003 season with a shoulder injury and returned in 2004, where he appeared in 19 games for the Blue Jays (15 starts) and went 3-4 with a 6.06 E.R.A.. He then spent most of 2005 with the AAA Syracuse Sky Chiefs, only appearing in one game for the Blue Jays.
in 2006 and appeared in five games for their AAA affiliate, the Durham Bulls
. He was then released and played for the Chiba Lotte Marines
in Japan, pitching in twelve games.
AAA affiliate, the Ottawa Lynx
, Miller signed a minor-league contract with the Florida Marlins
.
He started the season at Triple-A Albuquerque
and was recalled by the Marlins on May 19, 2007, due to an injury to Ricky Nolasco
. Although Miller had been a starter in previous seasons, the Marlins used him to fill a relief role, with former closer
Byung-Hyun Kim
taking Nolasco's spot in the starting rotation. The Marlins released him on October 3, .
. He made the Giants roster and appeared in 44 games out of the bullpen for the Giants in 2009.
on December 4, . He was assigned to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes
to start the season. His contract was purchased by the Dodgers on May 27. He appeared in 19 games with the Dodgers with a 4.44 ERA. He was designated for assignment on July 23. He cleared waivers and was reassigned to Albuquerque. In 32 games for the Isotopes in 2010, he had a 1.95 ERA. He was granted free agency on October 6.
. He was released by Seattle on April 25, 2011.
, walking four and allowing two runs in 1.2 innings for a 10.80 ERA. He was released on July 25.
s.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
, who is currently a free agent.
Amateur career
Miller played in the 1992 Little League World Series1992 Little League World Series
The 1992 Little League World Series took place between August 24 and August 29 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.The Little League baseball team representing Zamboanga City won its way through national trials, the Far East series, and after brushing aside the competition at the Little League...
with Torrance and played high school baseball with Torrance High School
Torrance High School
Torrance High School is a high school located in Torrance, California. Founded in 1917, it is one of the oldest high schools in continuous use in California and is the oldest of the four high schools in the Torrance Unified School District. Four of its buildings are listed on the U.S...
, where he was first team All-State and Conference player of the year as a Senior. He attended Los Angeles Harbor College
Los Angeles Harbor College
Los Angeles Harbor College is one of two community colleges serving the South Bay region of Los Angeles. LAHC serves mainly students from Harbor City, Carson, San Pedro, Gardena, Lomita, Wilmington and the Palos Verdes Peninsula....
and was a Junior College All-American in 1997.
Colorado Rockies
Miller was drafted by the Colorado RockiesColorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
in the 5th round of the 1997 MLB Draft and made his professional debut with the Rookie-Class Portland Rockies
Portland Rockies
The Portland Rockies were a minor-league baseball team that played in Portland, Oregon from 1995-2000. They were a rookie league affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Their name and logo mimicked the mountain theme of the Colorado club, even though Portland is not located in the Rocky Mountains...
, helping them win the Northwest League
Northwest League
The Northwest League of Professional Baseball is a Class A-Short Season minor baseball league. The league is the descendant of the Western International League which ran as a class B league from 1937-1951 and class A from 1952-1954...
championship
Oakland Athletics
Miller was traded by the Rockies to the Oakland AthleticsOakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
on Dec. 13, 1999 (along with Jamey Wright
Jamey Wright
Jamey Alan Wright is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-Career:...
and Henry Blanco
Henry Blanco
Henry Ramón Blanco is a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He currently plays in Major League Baseball as a catcher and is currently a free agent...
) for Scott Karl
Scott Karl
Scott Karl , is a United States former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1995 - 2000. Karl played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, and Anaheim Angels. He wore uniform number 42 prior to Major League Baseball retiring the number to honor Jackie...
and Jeff Cirillo
Jeff Cirillo
Jeffrey Howard Cirillo is a former third baseman in Major League Baseball. In a 14-season career, Cirillo was a .296 hitter with 112 home runs and 727 RBI in 1617 games. He was named an All-Star in and . He is the Brewers all-time career leader in batting average at .306...
. He spent most of 2000 and 2001 with the AAA Sacramento River Cats
Sacramento River Cats
The Sacramento River Cats is a minor league baseball team based in Sacramento, California. The team plays in the Pacific Coast League and is the Triple-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's Oakland Athletics....
of the Pacific Coast League
Pacific Coast League
The Pacific Coast League is a minor-league baseball league operating in the Western, Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Along with the International League and the Mexican League, it is one of three leagues playing at the Triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball.The...
.
Toronto Blue Jays
Miller was traded to the Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
on Dec. 7, 2001 (along with Eric Hinske
Eric Hinske
Eric Scott Hinske is a Major League Baseball outfielder, first baseman, and third baseman currently an Atlanta Braves organization...
) for Billy Koch
Billy Koch
William Koch is a former Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He entered the majors with the Toronto Blue Jays and most recently pitched for the Florida Marlins in 2004.- Baseball career :...
. He made his Major League debut on April 12, 2002 for the Blue Jays against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He pitched 2 2/3 innings of relief, hitting his first two batter, and allowing a total of four hits and one run. He made his first ML start on April 27 against the Anaheim Angels
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
, but lasted only 3 2/3 innings while giving up four runs. He appeared in 25 games with the Blue Jays in 2002, starting 18 of them and finished 9-5 with a 5.54 ERA. He missed most of the 2003 season with a shoulder injury and returned in 2004, where he appeared in 19 games for the Blue Jays (15 starts) and went 3-4 with a 6.06 E.R.A.. He then spent most of 2005 with the AAA Syracuse Sky Chiefs, only appearing in one game for the Blue Jays.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays/Chiba Lotte Marines
He signed as a minor league free agent with the Tampa Bay Devil RaysTampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
in 2006 and appeared in five games for their AAA affiliate, the Durham Bulls
Durham Bulls
The Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the International League. The Bulls play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park located in the downtown area of Durham, North Carolina. Durham Bulls Athletic Park is often called the "DBAP" or "D-Bap". The Bulls are...
. He was then released and played for the Chiba Lotte Marines
Chiba Lotte Marines
The are a professional baseball team in Japan's Pacific League based in Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, in the Kantō region, and owned by the Lotte conglomerate.-History:...
in Japan, pitching in twelve games.
Florida Marlins
After a three-game stint with the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
AAA affiliate, the Ottawa Lynx
Ottawa Lynx
The Ottawa Lynx were a minor league baseball team that formerly competed in the Triple-A International League from 1993 to 2007. The team's home field was Lynx Stadium in Ottawa, Ontario. Over the team's 15 seasons, it was the Triple-A Minor League affiliate of the Montreal Expos , Baltimore...
, Miller signed a minor-league contract with the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
.
He started the season at Triple-A Albuquerque
Albuquerque Isotopes
The Albuquerque Isotopes are a minor league baseball team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers...
and was recalled by the Marlins on May 19, 2007, due to an injury to Ricky Nolasco
Ricky Nolasco
Carlos Enrique "Ricky" Nolasco is an American Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Miami Marlins. He is listed as 6'2" and 220, and made his major league debut on April 5,...
. Although Miller had been a starter in previous seasons, the Marlins used him to fill a relief role, with former closer
Closer (baseball)
In baseball, a closing pitcher, more frequently referred to as a closer , is a relief pitcher who specializes in closing out games, i.e., getting the final outs in a close game. Closers often appear when the score is close, and the role is often assigned to a team's best reliever. A small number of...
Byung-Hyun Kim
Byung-Hyun Kim
Byung-Hyun Kim is a South Korean professional baseball pitcher for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball. He is best known for his years with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Boston Red Sox. In 2001, Kim took over mid-season as the Diamondbacks' closer and saved 19...
taking Nolasco's spot in the starting rotation. The Marlins released him on October 3, .
San Francisco Giants
On November 1, 2008, the San Francisco Giants signed him to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring trainingSpring training
In Major League Baseball, spring training is a series of practices and exhibition games preceding the start of the regular season. Spring training allows new players to try out for roster and position spots, and gives existing team players practice time prior to competitive play...
. He made the Giants roster and appeared in 44 games out of the bullpen for the Giants in 2009.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Miller was signed to a minor league contract which included an invitation to spring training by the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
on December 4, . He was assigned to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes
Albuquerque Isotopes
The Albuquerque Isotopes are a minor league baseball team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers...
to start the season. His contract was purchased by the Dodgers on May 27. He appeared in 19 games with the Dodgers with a 4.44 ERA. He was designated for assignment on July 23. He cleared waivers and was reassigned to Albuquerque. In 32 games for the Isotopes in 2010, he had a 1.95 ERA. He was granted free agency on October 6.
Seattle Mariners
On November 17, 2010, Miller signed a minor league contract with the Seattle MarinersSeattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
. He was released by Seattle on April 25, 2011.
Texas Rangers
Miller signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on April 29. He was later released by the Rangers.Return to Dodgers
On July 4, 2011, Miller signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He pitched in 3 games for the Albuquerque IsotopesAlbuquerque Isotopes
The Albuquerque Isotopes are a minor league baseball team based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The team, which plays in the Pacific Coast League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers...
, walking four and allowing two runs in 1.2 innings for a 10.80 ERA. He was released on July 25.
Tattoos
Miller is known for his many tattoos. In a move sometimes called the "Justin Miller rule", Major League Baseball told Miller that he had to wear a long-sleeved shirt under his jersey whenever he was playing because hitters complained about being distracted by Miller's sleeve tattooSleeve tattoo
A sleeve tattoo is a large tattoo, or a collection of smaller tattoos, usually themed in similar manner, that covers most or all of a person's arm, usually from shoulder to wrist....
s.