#15 Mike "Tiny" Eicher2002 MVP Position: 1B, 3B, C Bats/Throws: R/R Years with the Millers: 2002 - Present 3 dogs (Brynna (Rottweiler), Bella (Mastiff) Abby (Rottweiler mix)) Baseball Career: Micheal “Tiny” Eicher was born on May 12, 1925 in Denver, CO. and grew up on Elizabeth Street in a neighborhood called "The Hood". Tiny got his "nickname" from Bobby Hill, a fictional childhood friend. While watching a movie about an Indian snake charmer, Bobby noted that Tiny had a striking resemblance to large Hindu man, and the name stuck. Joe Garagiola tells a funny story about Tiny giving Carmen an anniversary card signed 'Tiny Eicher'. She asked him if he thought he had to sign his last name so she wouldn't think it came from some other 'Tiny'. In 1940 Tiny was playing minor League ball and was approached by then Saints General Manager, John 'Brutus' Noonan. Brutus had just signed Garagiola (Freddy, not Joe) for $500, but Brutus offered Tiny $2.50 and Tiny turned him down. It was reported that Brutus said of Tiny, "He'll never make anything more than a Triple A boozer with bad knees at best." Saints scout Jeff “Crash” Cook disagreed and convinced the Saints that Tiny was worth the $5.00, so the Saints signed him. Tiny was assigned to the Norfolk Tars of the Class B Piedmont League. During a double header, Tiny had perhaps his most productive game ever. He is credited with driving in 23 runs that day. When Tiny turned 35 he joined the Navy to sing songs and bring joy to all of the men (and Women). He is pictured here with his father and brother John in St. Louis in 1944. World War II was in full swing and Tiny played his part. He participated in the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach, served in North Africa and Italy, and then was finally stationed back in the States. The Photo below is of Tiny and two GI's taken somewhere in Italy 1945. After the war, Tiny returned to baseball and played with the New London, CT club. It was there that Mel Ott, the Lakers Manager saw him play and attempted to offer the Saints $50.00 for Tiny's contract. Saints GM John 'Brutus' Noonan had no idea who Tiny was, but figured that if Mel Ott wanted him that badly, he had to be worth keeping. In 1946 Tiny was apprenticed to the Newark Bears of the International League before beginning his career with the Saints in late 1946. He joined the team as a platoon catcher/infielder with John Abercrombie, Jeff Schmidt, and Scott Gatzke. Tiny was known as a wild swinger, perhaps equal to Hall of Famer Joe Medwick, and he was very difficult to get out. Paul Richards said of Tiny. "He is the toughest man in baseball in the last three innings." In spite of his 'wild' swing, Tiny struck out often. In 1950, he fanned only 412 times in 597 at bats. Tiny was also a talker on the field. He used to talk to the opposing batters in order to distract them. Hank Aaron tells the story about the 1958 World Series, with Tiny behind the plate. Tiny kept telling Aaron to 'hit with the label up on the bat'. Finally Aaron turned and said "Tiny, I came up here to hit, not to read." Tiny went on to become a Fifteen-time All Star, winning the AL MVP three times, in 1951, 54 and 55. He played in 14 World Series and holds numerous World Series records including most games by a catcher (63), hits (71), and times on a winning team (10), first in at bats, first in doubles, second in RBI's, third in home runs and BOB's. Tiny also hit the first pinch hit home run in World Series history in 1947. One of Tiny's most memorable moments came in 1959 at "Tiny Eicher Day" at Big Willow Stadium. Here Tiny is pictured with the gifts given to him by his team and friends, displayed right on the field. Just a great shot! The photo below is the famous shot of Tiny and Joe DiMaggio taken that day.
Hobbies: Baseball, Baseball, Baseball, Watching Baseball, Twins, Woodworking, Brewing Beer, watching movies, playing with my mutts, coaching Brett in Baseball and Football, basketball and racquetball in the off season, oh, I almost forgot, Drinking beer, talking baseball and hanging out with my buds!. Favorite Food: Italian Favorite Beer: Yes Favorite TV Show: M*A*S*H Favorite Movie(s): Summer Catch, For Love of the Game, Bull Durham, About Last Night, Mr. Holland's Opus, Children of a Lesser God Favorite Baseball Player(s): Cal Ripkin, Jr., Ryne Sandberg, Jack Clark, Alex Rodriguez Nicknames: Tiny, No-No, Eunice, Ike, Bobby, "E" and Yogi (As in Bear, NOT Berra!) Claim To Fame: Mike still thinks he looks like actor George Clooney. |
