Bob Miller 1953

Morton Baseball

  

Bob Miller lived at 2441 Grove Ave. in Berwyn. His mom and dad were a combination of German, Czech, and Irish. He attended St. Odilio Grade School. During his time at Morton, he played varsity basketball, football, and baseball. In 1953, Bob was named the Outstanding High School Athlete in the State of Illinois. Bob was a left-handed pitcher on the Morton baseball team, making All-State in 1953.

Drafted later that year by the Detriot Tigers, he began his professional baseball career in 1953 on the same day Baseball Hall of Famer Al Kaline did. Bob was the youngest pitcher in history ever to beat the New York Yankees, who went on to win the 1953 World Series. He threw a two-hit shutout, only days past his 18th birthday. In 1954, he pitched 34 games and had an earned average run (ERA) of 2.32,
giving up only one home run that year.

In 1957 was named the MVP of the Mexican National Championship. In 1960, he shared the MVP honors with Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Gibson for the Venezuelan Winter League. Bob was chairman and CEO of the Major League Alumni Association, along with his lifetime friends Whitey Ford
and Yogi Berra.

Bob has received many civic awards, is active in 14 different charities, and over the years has donated $3.5 million to Northwestern Hospital. The St. Charles North baseball stadium was named after him. Bob was instrumental in introducing and marketing Mexican beer in the U.S. Bob is truly a giant in our time.