Pitcher Justin Miller's Tattoos Are Taboo

[Jenya]

Pitcher Justin Miller's Tattoos Are Taboo

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sunday March 21, 2004

DUNEDIN, FL- Tattoos are taboo for Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Justin Miller.

Baseball told Miller he must wear long-sleeved shirts under his uniform when he pitches because the tattoos on his arm are a distraction to hitters. More than 50 percent of Miller's body is covered by tattoos.

"We had (umpire supervisor) Jim McKean come in the other day and said that someone had complained about Justin's tattoos and some of them are colored," Toronto manager Carlos Tosca said. "All they have done is ask that he wear sleeves when he pitches."

Tosca was not sure who made the complaint.

"I don't know if it was a team we played, I don't know if it was an MLB official or whatever, but it's no big deal with Justin," Tosca said.

Miller wasn't bothered by the decision.

"Jim McKean came in and talked to me the other day," Miller said. "He said that it was his recommendation that I wear sleeves. He said it was brought to his attention that it was a distraction. But right now we are just trying to figure out the situation and get an answer."

Miller has no visible tattoos on most of his right arm but does have the words "love" and "hate" tattooed on his knuckles.

The right-hander made his first start and third appearance of the spring on Saturday.


Right-hander Justin Miller has
been ordered to cover up
tattoos when he pitches this
season for Jays. He’s not fond
of longsleeved shirts, but will
obey Major League Baseball
order. (CP Photo)