February 29
In an acknowledgement to that phenomenon known as “Leap Year” we cannot forget those who have a birthday that only comes around once every 4 years on February 29th.
To date, only 11 major leaguers have celebrated a February 29th birthday. A couple of very well known players, Pepper Martin and Al Rosen have that distinction. Only 1 Washington Senator has celebrated a Leap Year birthday.
Senators Birthdays
Ralph Joseph Miller B Feb. 29, 1896 D Mar. 18, 1939
Infielder Ralph Miller first came to the major leagues as a 24 year old rookie with the 1920 Philadelphia Phillies.
Playing in 97 games his first season, Miller would hit .219 while patrolling 3rd base.
Returning with the Phillies in 1921, Miller would hit .304 in 57 games, having moved to shortstop for most of his playing time.
Out of the majors in 1922 & 1923, Miller would be purchased by the Washington Senators in mid-July of 1924 from Reading, then of the International League.
Miller would only make it into 9 games with the Senators, hitting a paltry .133 but would make an appearance in 4 games of the 1924 World Series, going 2-11 with 2 RBI, 1 walk and 1 sacrifice fly, as the Senators defeated the New York Giants in 7 games for their only World’s Championship.
Miller’s appearance in the World Series would be his last in the major leagues.
