DEMOREST, Ga. — As part of the nationwide Wreaths Across America campaign, Demorest City Councilman Shawn Allen placed a ceremonial wreath today at the grave of Johnny Mize at Yonah Memorial Gardens, honoring the legendary baseball player’s service to both his country and his community.
Mize, a Demorest native and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, is widely remembered as one of the greatest hitters of his era. Less well known, but equally significant, is his service during World War II, when he stepped away from professional baseball to serve in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1945.
At the time of his enlistment, Mize was in the prime of his baseball career. Like many athletes of his generation, he put personal and professional success on hold to answer the nation’s call. During his naval service, Mize was assigned to training and athletic roles, helping prepare sailors physically while boosting morale during the war years. His service cost him three full Major League seasons, a sacrifice historians note likely limited what were already Hall of Fame-caliber career statistics.
The wreath-laying was part of Wreaths Across America’s annual mission to remember the fallen, honor those who served, and teach future generations the value of freedom. Volunteers across the country gathered this weekend at cemeteries to place wreaths on the graves of veterans, ensuring their service is not forgotten during the holiday season.
Mize returned to baseball after the war and went on to win multiple World Series titles with the New York Yankees, eventually earning induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Today, his grave in Demorest stands as a reminder that one of baseball’s greats was also part of the Greatest Generation.
Through ceremonies like this one, Demorest continues to honor its veterans — famous and unknown alike — and to preserve the stories that connect local history to the broader story of the nation.
