Doggie Miller

Note: This page is for George Frederick "Doggie" Miller, major league player from 1884-1896. For other players with similar names, click here

George Frederick Miller
(Foghorn or Calliope)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 6", Weight 145 lb.

• Debut May 1, 1884
• Final Game September 25, 1896
• Born August 15, 1864 in Brooklyn, NY USA
• Died April 6, 1909 in Ridgewood, NY USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"He was a hard-drinking, fast-living player who played baseball with evident joy, drawing comparisons to King Kelly." - from The New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract

George "Doggie" Miller, also nicknamed "Foghorn" and "Calliope", played 13 years in the majors, appearing at every position other than pitcher. He was at catcher more often than any other position, but had at least 22 appearances at each other spot on the diamond other than pitcher.

Miller is the only major leaguer who has been nicknamed Doggie, and the only one nicknamed Calliope. Several others have had the nickname Foghorn.

Doggie was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1864 but never played major league ball for a Brooklyn team. Most of his career was with teams based in Pittsburgh. At age 18 he was playing minor league ball with Harrisburg, appearing at several positions but most frequently at catcher.

He came up to the majors at age 19. Some years he was primarily a catcher, but other years he played more at outfield or third base. Since he was one of relatively few catchers who could hit, it was useful to keep him in the lineup.

He managed once in the majors and several times in the minors.

The Cardinals Encyclopedia indicates that, although he was relatively short at 5 ft. 6 in., he had a booming voice and loved pets. When, in the early 1890s, he hit well at Harrisburg, the St. Louis team brought him back to the majors as player-manager. He was a player but not a manager the second season with the St. Louis team. He liked to drink but nevertheless had a long pro career. In addition to his major league days he played years in the minors.

He worked a total of 6 games as a National League umpire, 1 in 1893 and 5 in 1896.

One source says he bred dogs.

Clearly he makes the "All Canine Team", along with players such as George "Pooch" Puccinelli and Brian Bark, among others.

Notable Achievements

• 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 1 (1892)

Preceded by Bill Watkins

St. Louis Browns Manager 1894

Succeeded by Al Buckenberger

Year-By-Year Managerial Record

Year	Team	League	Record	Finish	Organization	Playoffs	Notes
1894	St. Louis Browns	National League	56-76	9th	St. Louis Browns
1901	Fort Wayne Railroaders	Central League	74-68	5th	none
1902	Saginaw/Jackson White Sox	Michigan State League	50-39	2nd	none		team moved to Jackson, MI on July 20
1903	Dayton Veterans	Central League	61-76	6th	none

Related Sites

• BR Manager page