Why is your company named Dots Miller?

Dots Miller was a middle infielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies from 1909-1921. He had two RBI in Game 7 of the Pirates World Series winning game in 1909, could steal a base, hit balls in gaps, and made a career as a utility man, playing all over the infield and sometimes the outfield, too. He was named team captain immediately upon being traded to St. Louis and he ended his career early to begin managing the San Francisco Seals in the Pacific Coast League. Dots Miller was adaptable, he performed under pressure, and he was a leader. 

It was actually John Miller who went to Spring Training with the Pirates in 1909, but one morning, the reporters were gathered around Hall of Fame shortstop, Honus Wagner, and they asked him who was that promising young second baseman he’d been working with on the field that day? 

Wagner answered with his thick German accent, “Oh, that’s Miller.” 

But the reporters heard, “Oh, Dots Miller!”

And John Miller became Dots Miller.

About 95 years after that nickname stuck, I was sitting in my sister’s kitchen on a December evening. I was admiring the famous t206 Honus Wagner baseball card, the most expensive and iconic in the card world, and thinking one of the cool features about it was that it just used last names of players. I wondered if there was a card of anyone named “Miller” in that set. A quick search turned up Dots Miller’s card. It was an image of a right-handed hitter, with hands a bit apart on the bat, possibly squaring to bunt. “Miller, Pittsburg” was the only print on the bottom of the card. I bought the card and then found a site selling posters of t206 cards as well. I’ve had my “Miller, Pittsburg” framed poster in every office I’ve used since 2002. 

In 2005, my career in MLB began as I was hired to be the first ever mental skills coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates. There were many people who helped me get to that place in my career. Family members, teachers, colleagues, mentors, coaches. I made a scan of my Dots Miller card, and taped them to thank you notes to each of these special people. 

I was now “Miller, Pittsburgh!”

I was part of the game. 

I would do everything in my power to make a contribution to the game of baseball. To the field of sport psychology. To the careers of the players and staff I met along my journey.

I’m no longer “Miller, Pittsburgh.” 

But over 17 years with five Major League teams, I did my best to help people be adaptable, to perform under pressure, to be leaders. 

Dots Miller is a symbol of these ideals. It’s also a symbol of my love of the game of baseball, a reverence to the history of the game, and the part each big leaguer plays in its story. 

I’m proud to help people in their daily challenges, whether in sport or not, whether at the beginning of promising careers or at the beginning of NEW promising careers. 

If you’re looking for someone to help you with these challenges, well, that’s Miller!