Miller, Norm

Norman Calvin Miller

No less an authority than Casey Stengel once described Miller as having "the sweetest swing in baseball," but the lefty-hitting outfielder never lived up to the expectations set for him. He did have one odd moment of glory, though. On April 15, 1968, Miller, playing for the Houston Astros, singled in the bottom of the 24th inning in a 0-0 game against the New York Mets. He then went to second on a balk and, after two walks, the bases were loaded. Miller then scored on a ground-ball error for a 1-0 Astros win. At six hours and six minutes, the 24 inning victory was the longest shutout -- and night game -- on record.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. February 5, 1946

Career Highlights:
A fine all-around athlete with good speed, Miller joined the Astros as a 19-year old in 1965. Military service interrupted three seasons (1967, 1970, 1971), but in his one full major league season, in 1969, he batted .264 with over 400 at-bats. A lifetime .238 hitter, Miller played with the Astros until 1973, when he was sent to the Atlanta Braves, with whom he ended his career in 1974. He has remained in the game, and is currently the director of baseball operations at the University of Houston. His teammates on the 1967 Astros included three Jewish pitchers: Bo Belinsky, Larry Sherry, and Barry Latman.

Career Dates:
Miller played with the Houston Astros, 1965-1973, and the Atlanta Braves, 1973-74.

Position:
Outfield, though he also caught and played third base.

Physical description:
5'10", 185 pounds
Throws right. Bats left

Career Statistics:
Games: 540
Batting Avg.: .238
Slugging Avg.: .356

At-bats: 1364
Hits: 325
Doubles: 68
Triples: 10

Home Runs: 24
Home Run %: 1.8
Runs: 166
RBI: 265

BB: 160
Strike Outs: 265
Stolen Bases: 16

Pinch Hitting
At-bats: 147
Hits: 36

Fielding Statistics
Put-outs: 570
Assists: 23
Errors: 18
Double-plays: 9

Total Chances per Game: 1.6
Fielding Avg: .971

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