Rick Miller
From SoSH
| Born: | April 19, 1948 |
| Birthplace: | Grand Rapids, Michigan |
| Hometown: | |
| Height: | 6' 0" |
| Weight: | 185 lbs |
| Bats: | Left |
| Throws: | Left |
| Drafted: | 1969: 2nd Round by the Boston Red Sox |
| College: | Michigan State University |
| High School: | |
| Other Teams: | California Angels 1978-1980 |
| Years with Boston: | 1971-1977, 1981-1985 |
Richard Alan "Rick" Miller (born April 19, 1948 in Grand Rapids, Michigan) was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1969 amateur draft (2nd round) and later made his major league debut in 1971. He left in 1977 as a free agent to join the California Angels only to return three years later with Mark Clear and Carney Lansford in exchange for Butch Hobson and Rick Burleson. He wore uniform numbers 35, 16 and 3 during his two stints with the Red Sox.
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Overall Career
Rick Miller managed most of his early playing time backing up the talented Red Sox outfielders of the 70’s. While he was never an imposing threat in the batter’s box, hitting only 28 home runs over his 15 year career, he was able enough in the field with a career fielding percentage of .986 (he also won a Gold Glove in 1978 with the Angels). He was one of the Red Sox' more skilled bunters, and could pop a blooper just over the head of the charging third baseman - a trick he used against the likes of Brooks Robinson, George Brett, Toby Harrah and Buddy Bell. It wasn’t until after he had left the Red Sox that he peaked as a player, getting the opportunity to play everyday. He later returned for the 1981 season and enjoyed two seasons as a regular before winding down his career. He retired following the 1985 season.
Moment in the Sun
- While some may say the closest Rick Miller ever came to true greatness was formerly being married to Carlton Fisk’s sister Janet Marie, he once tied a major league record with 4 doubles in one game.
Awards
- 1978 American League Gold Glove Winner
Trivia
- Hit 7 triples in 1973, tied for 6th most in the American League.
- In November of 2007, Rick was named manager of the Nashua Pride (Independent league).
- Rick considers his 1978 Gold Glove Award the greatest accomplishment of his career.
Quotes
- "I'd rather they cheer and make some noise and call me a bum. I'd be back in my element." – Rick Miller, when comparing playing in a golf tournament to in front of a baseball crowd.
Transactions
- June 5, 1969: Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 2nd round of the 1969 amateur draft.
- November 2, 1977: Granted Free Agency.
- December 21, 1977: Signed as a Free Agent with the California Angels.
- December 10, 1980: Traded by the California Angels with Mark Clear and Carney Lansford to the Boston Red Sox for Rick Burleson and Butch Hobson.
- November 12, 1985: Granted Free Agency.
External Links
- Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
