The Big Cat Has A Big Day!

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 Johnny Mize Photo Gallery

Let’s Remember Hall of Famer Johnny Mize

The Big Cat Has a Big Day!

“The pitcher has to throw a strike sooner or later, so why not hit the pitch you want to hit and not the one he wants you to hit?” -The Big Cat, Johnny Mize

Seventy-eight years ago today, April 24, 1947, the Big Cat, Johnny Mize, had a big day. The Giants’ first baseman hit three home runs in a losing cause as the Giants lost to the Boston Braves 14-5 in a game played at the Polo Grounds. In doing so, Johnny became the first major leaguer to hit three homers in one game five different times.

The Demorest, Georgia native played fifteen seasons in the majors (1936-1953). After making his major league debut for the Cardinals on April 16, 1936 with the Cardinals (1936-1941), he also played for the Giants (1942, 1946-1949), and Yankees (1949-1953). Mize lost three seasons during WWII to military service.

Over his career, the 6’2”, 215-lb first baseman hit .312, with 2011 hits, 359 home runs, 1337 RBIs, .397 on-base percentage, and .562 slugging average. His 158 OPS+ places well above the average of his major league contemporaries. Career highlights include ten All-Star appearances, winning the 1939 National League batting title, four National League home run titles, and three times leading the National League in RBIs.  Defensively, he recorded a .992 fielding percentage as a first baseman.

During his tenure with the Yankees, the team won five consecutive pennants (1949-1953). Over 18 post-season games, Johnny hit .286, with three home runs, and nine RBIs.

Mize was a cousin of Ty Cobb, and his second cousin was the second wife of Babe Ruth, Claire. After retiring in 1953, Johnny served as a radio commentator, scout and coach. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committee in 1981. In 2014, he was inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum.

Johnny Mize passed away on June 2, 1993, at age 80.

Gary Livacari

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Gary Livacari 

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