On Memorial Day, Remembering John 'Mule' Miles

While I was at my parents' house this weekend, I learned that former Negro Leaguer, John 'Mule' Miles, passed away at his home in San Antonio, Texas on Friday morning.  Miles was one of the best TTM successes I got, aside from Virgil Trucks.

Not only was Miles an accomplished ballplayer, but he also served as a member of the Tuskeegee Airmen.  So, in honor of Memorial Day and while remembering all of those who serve and have served in the armed forces, I wanted to take the time to honor a man who was definitely larger than life.

Miles will definitely be missed.  My son even wrote to Miles at one point.  I put the response Chris got up so he could have it later on in the future.  It is something he can look back on and enjoy.  I'm glad I had him do it as a part of his working on his handwriting.

So, at the age of 90, Mule Miles has passed away.  He will lone be remembered by all of the fans whose lives he has touched.

Finally, I want to wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day.  Also, take the time to reflect and remember those who have fought and died for our country, those who lost family members who fought, the retired military personnel and the active military still serving today.

Chris Got Mail

On Friday, not only did I get mail, but Christopher got some as well.  When he got his report card a few weeks ago, he got an 'Unsatisfactory' on his handwriting.  One of the suggestions to improving his handwriting (which I have NO idea where he gets bad handwriting from cough cough me cough) was to write letters to people.  The first letter he wrote was to my grandma, which Chris decided all on his own.  I thought that was really sweet of him.  The second one he did was my idea.  I told Chris that it would be a good idea to try to write a letter to a baseball player.  He had already sent one as a thank you to Virgil Trucks for the awesome photos he got last month, so I wanted this one to be someone else who would send him a letter in return: John 'Mule' Miles.

 Mr. Miles didn't disappoint.  Chris wrote him a letter as neatly as he could.  It was like pulling teeth because this 6-year old gets bored and frustrated pretty fast, but we got the letter hammered out.  In return, Chris got the above biography, signed by Mr. Miles.  I included a couple index cards with the letter so Chris might get some quotations, and Mr. Miles obliged.  I think you all can read those fairly clearly.

 Finally, Chris got a letter as well:

Hello Christopher,
Thank you for writing me a nice letter.  I am doing real good.  Hoping you are likewise.  Have signed your card for your collection - my favorite baseball player Josh Hamilton with the Texas Rangers.  Remember keep your eye on the ball because you will never hit it if you can't see it.  Good luck always, John 'Mule' Miles.

Amazing TTM Success - John 'Mule' Miles

I mailed a baseball and a letter to former Negro Leaguer John "Mule" Miles on November 7, 2011 and got the signed ball back today (November 14, 2011).

I was amazed at the inscriptions that Miles added to my ball.  He signed it on the sweet spot...

...added his position...

...added the fact that he was a Tuskegee Airman in World War II...

...inscribed his feat of hitting 11 home runs in 11 straight games in 1948...

...and added Negro League Legend.  Simply amazing TTM return.  But wait, there's more!

Mr. Miles also sent a letter in response to the one I sent.  In my letter I asked him who the toughest pitcher he ever faced was and his answer (if you can't tell from the scan) was Satchel Paige.  I thought this was a really awesome return and it is only the second letter I got back from a TTM (the other being Virgil Trucks, of course).

John "Mule" Miles was born on August 11, 1922 and lives in San Antonio, Texas.  He is an original member of the Tuskegee Airmen.  He played in the Negro Leagues from 1946 to 1949 and earned his nickname from his manager after hitting two home runs in one game which elicited the comment from his manager that Miles hit "like a mule kicks..."

Miles is my 38th TTM success.  He signed for free with a 7-day TAT.