Corky Miller added to Dayton Dragons' coaching staff

Former Reds catcher Corky Miller, a fan favorite for years in the majors and minors, has been added to the Dayton Dragons' coaching staff for the 2015 season.

Miller joins manager Jose Nieves, pitching coach Tom Browning, and hitting coach Luis Bolivar on the Single-A Dragons' staff.

Miller also will visit other Reds' affiliates in a catching instructor role in 2015, according to the team.

More from a release from the Dragons:

Miller completed a 17-year professional playing career in 2014. On August 31, 2014, he became the first player in the history of the Triple-A Louisville Bats to have his number retired by the club. He is the Bats all-time career leader in games played, first appearing in a game with Louisville in 2001.

Miller spent parts of 11 years in the Major Leagues, mostly with the Reds. He also played for the Braves, White Sox, Twins, and Red Sox. He made his big league debut with the Reds in 2001 and played in his final Major League game in 2013 at age 37, becoming the oldest Reds player to start a game at catcher since 1951. He was originally signed by the Reds as an undrafted free agent in 1998.

"We are excited to transition Corky Miller onto our Minor League coaching staff in 2015," said Jeff Graupe, Reds Director of Player Development. "Corky will be based out of Dayton and will split his time working with the Dragons and roving around our system developing our catchers. As a player, Corky was well known throughout the game as a terrific defensive catcher with outstanding fundamentals and quality relationships with his pitchers. He will be a tremendous asset for our young catchers to learn from."

Miller's Career Highlights:

Hit two home runs in one game for Reds vs. Cubs on October 3, 2001, his first year in the Major Leagues.

Notched what turned out to be the only stolen base of his big league career when he stole home on September 27, 2001 vs. Philadelphia. He became the first Reds catcher to steal home since Johnny Bench in 1976.

Selected to play in the Midwest League All-Star Game in 1999 as a member of the Rockford club, which relocated to Dayton the following year.

Voted the "player you want most in your clubhouse" and "player who will make the best future manager" in a poll of the Southern League in 2000 by USA Today Baseball Weekly.

Enjoyed his best Minor League season in 2001 when he batted .309 with 16 home runs and 70 RBI over 103 games with Chattanooga and Louisville.

Made the Reds opening day roster in 2004 and 2005. Made the White Sox opening day roster in 2009.

Spent parts of 14 consecutive seasons in the Triple-A International League from 2001-2014.

The Dragons will open their 16th season in the Midwest League on April 9 at West Michigan and open their home season at Fifth Third Field on April 12 vs. South Bend. For information on season tickets, luxury suite rentals, and group outings, call (937) 228-2287.