John Milner

The East Point Historical Society is recognizing the late John Milner, during Black History month, for his local and national impact.

Born in 1949, John Milner played for the Pirates, Mets, and Expos over a span of 12 years. Milner was born in Atlanta, but stayed with family in the East Washington Community in East Point. During Milner’s formative years in East Point, he was not allowed to play on segregated little league teams of that era. A local Black East Point activist, “O.J” Hurd organized a separate league, and Milner was able to play baseball and hone his skills. After becoming locally recognized for his talents, he was discovered and recruited by a scout for the Mets. This led to his successful professional career as a baseball player.

After Milner’s retirement, he returned to East Point. In 2000, he was 50 years old when he passed away at Grady Hospital from lung cancer.

In 2002, the John Milner Athletic Complex, located in the East Washington community on Randall St, was named after John Milner.

For additional information, please consider purchasing the incredible book, “East Point, Georgia (Black America Series)” by Herman “Skip” Mason, Jr., when you visit the EPHS.