[drumback]

In 1909 the Minneapolis Tribune released a series of supplements featuring twelve (perhaps more?) players from the Minneapolis Millers, a minor league team. All twelve played major league baseball at some point, and the team, I read sometime in the distant past, is apparently considered one of the greatest minor league teams in baseball history. The set includes:

Andy Oyler, who, while playing for the Millers, hit, according to Baseball Digest in 1953, what is believed to be the shortest home run in baseball history, traveling a mere 24 inches. The ball became lost in a quagmire of mud, and by the time the pitcher and catcher were able to locate it, Oyler had already crossed home plate.

Dr. Warren Gill, who in 1909 while playing for the Pirates, failed to touch second base while the winning run scored. Johnny Evers of the Cubs retrieved the ball and touched second, claiming a force out to negate the run, but umpire Hank O'Day had not actually seen the play and allowed the run to stand. 19 days later, in the same situation, O'Day would pay closer attention and alter baseball history.

Ollie Pickering, who in 1906, while playing for the Houston team of the Texas League, hit seven consecutive bloop singles to the outfield, leading to the common use of the phrase, "Texas Leaguer." Pickering also is credited with the first at bat in American League history, a fly ball to center off White Sox' pitcher Roy Patterson. The fly was caught by Billy "Dummy" Hoy.

Nick Altrock, who is one of only two players to play in five different decades. He played his last game in 1933 at the age of 57.

Jerry Downs, who, during the Great Depression, down on his luck, robbed a jewelry store in Los Angeles, got caught, and served time in prison.

The manager of the 1909 Minneapolis Millers was Hall of Famer Jimmy Collins, who is often cited as the first to play the modern style of third base. Collins was also the manager of the 1903 Boston Americans, winners of the first World Series.

Here they are, the quirky 1909 Minneapolis Millers: