The Big Cat is on the streets of Demorest once again. Johnny Mize, known as “The Big Cat” was born in Demorest in 1913 and went on to lead a legendary baseball career that landed him in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981. He played in the majors with the St. Louis Cardinals, the New York Giants and the New York Yankees before retiring in 1953.
Local elected officials gathered Tuesday to honor him with the unveiling of a sign designating the U.S. 441 bridge over Hazel Creek in Demorest as the Johnny Mize Memorial Bridge.
The name change came at the request of the Demorest City Council and was approved by the Georgia State Legislature this past legislative session.
Among those in attendance were members of the Demorest City Council, Habersham County Commisioner Natalie Crawford, Habersham Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Judy Taylor, State Representative Terry Rogers and State Senator John Wilkinson. Mize’s daughter Judy, who lives in Demorest, was unable to attend.
VIDEO Johnny Mize Memorial Bridge dedication July 7, 2015
For more on Johnny Mize’s career visit johnnymize.com.
