William Francis Miller was born on April 12, 1910, in Hannibal, Missouri.[1] He was a well-known local baseball player in Hannibal as a pitcher and outfielder.[2] In 1935, he pitched in two games for the Mexico All-Stars when they went to Moberly, Missouri, to play the Moberly Merchants.[3][4] Miller then played in the Texas League for the San Antonio Missions, a farm team of the St. Louis Browns, from 1936 to 1937.[1][5] He pitched in 25 games, starting 11, in 1936 and missed some time due to a sore arm.[5] In May 1937, he was activated from the team's ineligible list.[6] He finished the year with 24 games pitched, and 18 starts, for San Antonio while posting an 8–9 win-loss record and a 3.38 earned run average.[1]
On September 15, 1937, the Browns purchased Miller from the Missions.[7] Miller made his major league debut, and first start, on October 2, 1937, against the Chicago White Sox.[1] He retired the first five batters he faced but ended up leaving the game after giving up six earned runs in four innings.[8][1] In February 1938, Miller signed a contract with the Browns for the 1938 season.[5]
On April 5, 1938, the Browns optioned Miller to the Hollywood Stars of the Pacific Coast League.[9] He pitched in 14 games for the Stars in 1938.[1] He finished the 1938 season with the Toledo Mud Hens of the American Association.[1]
Miller returned to the Missions in 1939, but missed most of the year due to a serious illness.[10][1] In February 1940, the Browns invited Miller back to spring training, stating that they "have every assurance that Miller has regained his health and with it his possibilities as a pitcher."[10] However, Miller did not make the major league roster and played the 1940 season with the Springfield Browns of the Illinois–Indiana–Iowa League.[1]
Miller died on February 26, 1982, in Hannibal at the age of 71.[1] He was buried at Hannibal's Holy Family Cemetery.[1] During his baseball career, he was noted for his good looks.[11][12]
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