Baseball fans and local history lovers will have a chance to celebrate one of Habersham County’s most famous athletes this weekend during a free showing of the new Johnny Mize documentary, “Stalking the Big Cat of Georgia.”
The event will take place Sunday at the Sautee Nacoochee Center and will feature the latest film by filmmaker Hal Jacobs chronicling the life and legacy of baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Mize.
Known as “The Big Cat,” Mize grew up in Demorest before becoming one of Major League Baseball’s most accomplished hitters during a career that included time with the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants and New York Yankees.
Mize was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981 and remains one of Habersham County’s most celebrated sports figures.
Organizers say the free event will begin with a short comedy film from local filmmaker Jon Schwartz before transitioning into the approximately 60-minute Johnny Mize documentary.
The film explores not only Mize’s baseball career, but also themes of family, community and his lasting ties to Northeast Georgia.
“Hey Habersham! Come see a free showing of ‘Stalking the Big Cat of Georgia,’ the new Johnny Mize movie at the Sautee Nacoochee Center this Sunday,” organizers said in promoting the event. “It’s gonna be tons of fun.”
The screening gives local residents another opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of one of Habersham County’s most iconic athletes while supporting local filmmaking and storytelling efforts.
The Sautee Nacoochee Center has increasingly become a venue for regional arts, music, film and cultural events celebrating Northeast Georgia history and talent.
Admission to Sunday’s event is free and open to the public.
