miller spent 1885 in the minor leagues. he started 1886 with macon of the southern association but finished it with the philadelphia athletics of the american association. he went 10-8 that season, completing all of his starts and throwing one shutout. on august 20, he threw a one-hitter, giving up his one hit in the ninth inning and losing 1-0 to the baltimore orioles, and their young fireballer matt kilroy. during this season, he played one game at third base, becoming one of only 36 left-handed players to have played at least one game at that position.