Miller's rookie season in 1901 was his best. He started 36 games for the Detroit Tigers in their first season in the new American League, and finished with a record of 23–13—the first 20-game season by a Detroit Tigers pitcher. In 1901, he also had 35 complete games, 3 shutouts, 79 strikeouts, and a 2.95 ERA–89 points below the league average. His Adjusted ERA+ of 130 was 5th in the AL behind Cy Young. He was also among the league leaders in wins and win percentage in the AL's inaugural season. Two games in September 1901 illustrate his strengths and weaknesses. On Labor Day 1901, the Tigers picked up 21 infield assists to support Miller—still the American League record for infield assists. Three days later, Miller lost his cool in an 11–9 loss to the Philadelphia Athletics, inexplicably lobbing the ball and grinning as the A's batter hit it, then throwing a bunt into the stands allowing three runs to score. Miller could not duplicate the success of his rookie season, losing 20 games in 1902, and never again having a winning record. He was the first pitcher to record a 20-win and a 20-loss record in consecutive seasons. After a rough start to the 1902 season, Miller jumped mid-season to the New York Giants to play with newly signed Giants' manager John McGraw. Miller was 1–8 for McGraw and the Giants in the last half of 1902. Miller played his remaining three MLB seasons in the National League. In 1904, Miller sprained his wrist in a carriage accident. Miller was riding with 14 Pittsburgh Pirates players when the rear wheel suddenly collapsed. Several players, including Miller and Kitty Bransfield, were injured when the frightened horses bolted and dragged the carriage on its side. In 1906, Miller pitched for the Des Moines Champions of the Western League, where he led the circuit with a 28–15 record.
Later years
In the spring of 1912, Miller traveled to Virginia to try out unsuccessfully for a minorleague club. He did not make the club and was described at the time as "down and out, and penniless." He died from tuberculosis one year later at his home near Corydon, Indiana, at age 36.
