Gainesville native Andrew Miller retires

After 16 seasons in the Major League, veteran relief pitcher and Gainesville native Andrew Miller is retiring. Miller talked with Steve Russell of WRUF to reflect on his career and thank those supporting him along the way.

After 16 seasons in the majors, Andrew Miller has announced his retirement. pic.twitter.com/D9ZWs5AoYN

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 24, 2022

A look at Miller’s MLB career

Miller graduated from Buchholz High School where he pitched for the Bobcats. He was selected the Florida baseball Gatorade player of the year in his senior season as well as a selection for first-team all-state.

The Detroit Tigers selected the Gainesville native sixth overall in the 2006 MLB Draft and would make his professional debut with the Lakeland Tigers. The southpaw’s stint with Lakeland would last less than a week, as Detroit called him up to the major leagues that season.

In his first season with the Detroit Tigers, he posted a 0-1 record with a 6.10 ERA. After that, he would become part of the Tigers’ biggest trades in franchise history. Moreover, Miller was one of six players traded to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis.

2 minutes of Andrew Miller making hitters look silly in the 2016 playoffs pic.twitter.com/BSJVsP2crE

— David Adler (@_dadler) March 24, 2022

When looking back on his career, Miller says he is proud to have been part of and work with so many successful organizations.

Miller spent the past three seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. Meanwhile, he spent the past three months advocating for the players’ union at the negotiating table. During the bargaining process, he helped win great earning power for young players.

Miller’s work for the union further cemented his legacy in league history. He spoke on what it meant working with the players’ union and his experience during the negotiating process.

Why Andrew Miller is retiring

As to what prompted Miller’s decision to step down from the mound, he says he has known for a while and was waiting for the right time. As he spent a few months bargaining at the table, he says he was waiting for things to slow down before announcing his plans to retire.

After 829 innings with seven different MLB teams, Miller retires with a career 4.03 ERA and 27.1% strikeout rate with 979 strikeouts. In addition, he posts a 10.6% walk rate with 63 saves and 141 holds.