T. W. Miller Jr.
T. W. “Bill” Miller, Jr. is known as “Mr. Softball” to many of Ashland” ardent softball fans.
Through Bill’s interest in the game, Ashland’s fastpitch program has grown over the years and is now recognized all over the softball world. In your travels, if you mention to people you are from Ashland, Ohio, the people comment that you are from the city that has several fine softball teams.
Bill attended University School in Shaker Heights from 1925 to 1929 and graduated from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida in 1933.
He was employed in the trust department of the National City Bank in Cleveland until he joined Faultless Rubber as Vice-President in 1935. When World War II came, Bill served in the army as a Major.
In 1949, Bill became Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Faultless.
Bill has always been interested in all sports, particularly softball. Prior to sponsoring teams under the Faultless banner, he was instrumental in organizing and sponsoring the Ashland Indians. The Indians were recognized as a powerhouse in Ohio softball circles.
The Faultless softball program flourished under Bill Miller’s leadership. The club won many state and regional championships and became a national championship contender. In 1965, the Rubbermen finished third in the A.S.A. National Championship. Many of the Faultless players were named to the all-American teams over the years. Bill has also been inducted in the Ohio Amateur Association’s Hall of Fame.
In addition to softball, Faultless sponsored many other sports teams during Miller’s presidency. Faultless teams also excelled in basketball, golf, and bowling. Faultless received the Helms Athletic Foundation Award three times for having the outstanding athletic program in the county under 1,000 employers.
Bill retired from Faultless in 1969 and now resides in Winter Park, Florida. He and his wife, Elinor, have one son, Thomas W. Miller, III.
Although Bill has retired from Faultless, he established a softball program that has continued throughout the years. Ashland is proud of the many accomplishments of its softball teams and wholeheartedly thanks Bill Miller for establishing such a great tradition.
Nominator: Howard Honaker
Presenter: Howard Honaker
