John Milner – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

John David Milner built a solid 12-year career in Major League Baseball, bouncing between three teams from 1971 until he retired in 1982. People called him “The Hammer.” He swung left-handed and played first base and left field for the New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Montreal Expos. His journey from the segregated South to the big leagues really showed his athletic ability and his determination to make it at the highest level.

Milner hit his stride with the Mets in the early 1970s. He led the team in home runs multiple times and helped them get to the 1973 World Series.

The Atlanta native wrapped up his career with 131 home runs and 548 RBIs. He played key roles for three different playoff teams.

He almost took a job with the sanitation department before the Mets drafted him in the 14th round. Instead, he became a World Series champ with the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates.

Let’s take a look at Milner’s story, from his early life in segregated Georgia to his minor league grind and his impact on some memorable teams in the ’70s and early ’80s.

His story isn’t just about baseball stats. He faced plenty of personal challenges, too, including later testifying about drug use in pro baseball—a topic that exposed a darker side of the sport back then.

Early Life and Background

John David Milner was born on December 28, 1949, in Atlanta, Georgia. Segregation shaped life for African-American families in the South during those years.

He grew up in a single-parent home in East Point. At South Fulton High School, he stood out in several sports.

Family and Childhood in Atlanta

John was the second of three kids born to Johnny Sims and Addie Milner. Addie raised the family alone, working as a domestic housekeeper to keep things afloat.

They lived in East Point, a suburb outside Atlanta. Their neighborhood, East Washington, was segregated under Jim Crow laws starting in 1912.

Most families nearby were African-American. Many had left farms to find work in steel mills and fertilizer plants around Atlanta.

Family Baseball Connection:

• Eddie Milner, his older cousin, played nine years in MLB (1980-1988)
• Eddie suited up for the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants
• Both cousins had their share of struggles with substance abuse later on

Extended family played a big part in John’s upbringing. With his mom’s modest income, relatives chipped in to help raise the three kids.

High School Achievements at South Fulton

Milner went to South Fulton High School, a place known across Georgia for turning out talented athletes in the ’60s. The school’s sports programs helped a lot of students find a way out of tough situations.

He graduated in 1968 after earning All-State recognition in three sports.

• Football: Halfback
• Basketball: Guard
• Baseball: Outfielder for the Mighty Lions

Other South Fulton standouts included Charlie Greer, who made it to the Denver Broncos as a defensive back. Don Adams, another alum, played forward for NBA teams like the Atlanta Hawks.

Even though Milner loved basketball most, baseball offered the best shot at a pro career.

He’d already put in an application at the East Point sanitation department. But then Mets scout Julian Morgan picked him in the 14th round of the 1968 amateur draft, and everything changed.

Influence of Hank Aaron and Early Idols

Hank Aaron was Milner’s biggest hero growing up in Atlanta. Aaron starred for the Atlanta Braves and was a huge name in baseball.

Milner took on Aaron’s nickname, “The Hammer,” out of pure admiration. The name stuck with him throughout his career.

Physical and Playing Style Similarities:

• Both hit left-handed
• Both had powerful, pull-heavy swings
• Both came up in the segregated South
• Both ran into racial barriers chasing their baseball dreams

Aaron’s success inspired young Black players like Milner. Watching Aaron thrive with the Braves made it feel possible for local kids to reach the majors.

Aaron’s influence wasn’t just about the game. His dignity and persistence in the face of racism showed Milner how to handle tough times with real professionalism.

Milner’s batting stance mirrored Aaron’s. He kept his legs close together and leaned in toward the plate, turning himself into a dead-pull hitter who could crush mistakes.

Professional Baseball Career Overview

John Milner made his mark as a dependable power hitter during his 12 years in the majors from 1971 to 1982. The New York Mets drafted him in the 14th round back in 1968, and he developed into a solid first baseman and left fielder with real home run pop.

Draft and Minor League Development

The New York Mets picked John David Milner in the 14th round of the 1968 MLB June Amateur Draft out of South Fulton High in East Point. Mets scout Julian Morgan, who’d also signed Cleon Jones, spotted Milner’s potential and persuaded him to go pro.

Milner had already applied for a job with the East Point sanitation department when Morgan called with the news. That call changed everything for him. He probably liked basketball more, but he realized baseball was the only sport that could offer a real career.

In the minors, Milner grabbed All-Star honors at more than one stop. He played for Marion, Virginia in the Rookie-level Appalachian League (1968), Visalia in the Class A California League (1969), and Memphis in the Double-A Texas League (1970).

He really broke through with the Triple-A Tidewater Tides in 1971. Milner hit 19 home runs and batted .290, which got him a call-up to the majors that September.

MLB Debut with the New York Mets

Milner made his big league debut on September 15, 1971, in a doubleheader at Shea Stadium against the Chicago Cubs. He grounded out as a pinch-hitter in his first at-bat against Bill Hands.

He started in left field in the second game and picked up his first major league hit—a single to right off Burt Hooton. That was the start of his productive run with the New York Mets.

In 1972, Milner started to stand out. At 22, he received the team’s Johnny Murphy Award as top rookie in spring training. The nickname “The Hammer” stuck, thanks to his admiration for Hank Aaron.

Milner hit 17 home runs as a rookie, leading the power-starved Mets. He finished third in 1972 Rookie of the Year voting, behind teammate Jon Matlack and San Francisco’s Dave Rader.

Transition to First Baseman and Left Fielder

Milner showed flexibility by playing several positions during his career. His best position was first base, but he spent almost as much time in left field, filling whatever role the team needed.

Standing 6 feet tall and weighing in at 185 pounds, he had the build for both spots. He was an average corner outfielder with decent speed, though his arm wasn’t great. At first base, he played with solid fundamentals and steady hands.

When reporters asked Mets manager Gil Hodges what position Milner played best, Hodges just said, “at bat,” making it clear Milner’s real value was his hitting.

His batting stance was unique—legs tight together, upper body leaning toward the plate. That made him a dangerous dead-pull hitter who could take advantage of mistakes. Even with his aggressive style, Milner stayed patient at the plate, drawing more walks (504) than strikeouts (473) over almost 4,000 plate appearances.

Key Seasons and Team Contributions

John Milner’s 12-year MLB run had several standout seasons that shaped his reputation as “The Hammer.” He put up his best numbers with the Mets in the mid-’70s, then played a key role in Pittsburgh’s 1979 World Series win, and even helped Montreal’s 1981 playoff push.

Breakout Years with the Mets

Milner broke out as a legit power threat in his 1972 rookie season with the Mets. He hit 17 home runs and drove in 38 runs in 362 at-bats, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting.

In 1973, he did even better. Milner belted 23 home runs and knocked in 72 RBIs while hitting .239 over 129 games. His power helped steady the Mets’ lineup during their surprise pennant run.

Milner’s best year came in 1976. He hit .271 with 15 home runs and 78 RBIs, slugging .447. That season, he posted a 3.4 WAR—his career high.

From 1972 through 1977, Milner racked up 94 home runs and 338 RBIs in 741 games for New York. He also became known for his knack with the bases loaded, smashing 10 grand slams in his career.

Postseason Runs: 1973 NLCS and the Big Red Machine

The 1973 season brought Milner his first taste of the postseason. The Mets took the National League East with a modest 82-79 record and faced the Cincinnati Reds in the NLCS.

Milner played a big part in the Mets’ upset win over Cincinnati’s “Big Red Machine.” The series went the full five games, with New York coming out on top to face Oakland in the World Series.

The Cincinnati Reds lineup included stars like Johnny Bench and Pete Rose, so the Mets’ victory was no small feat.

During the NLCS, Milner’s power hitting fit right in with the Mets’ scrappy approach. His hits helped New York get past a Reds team that would soon win back-to-back World Series in 1975 and 1976.

The Mets lost the World Series to Oakland in seven games, but Milner’s postseason debut showed he could handle the pressure.

Pittsburgh Pirates Years and the 1979 World Series

The Pittsburgh Pirates picked up Milner in December 1977 in a massive four-team, 11-player trade. He joined a stacked roster that was about to win the franchise’s fifth World Series.

Milner had his best season in Pittsburgh in 1979. He batted a career-high .276 with 16 home runs and 60 RBIs in 326 at-bats. His steady play helped the Pirates win the National League East.

The 1979 World Series against Baltimore put Milner’s clutch skills on display. Playing at Three Rivers Stadium and Memorial Stadium, the Pirates came back from down 3-1 to win it in seven games. Milner chipped in with key hits during the title run.

Pittsburgh’s “We Are Family” squad starred Willie Stargell, Dave Parker, and more. Milner filled a valuable role, adding left-handed power and leadership when it counted.

Montreal Expos and Return to the Pirates

The Montreal Expos grabbed Milner during the 1981 season to help with their playoff chase. He played as the team captured its only division title ever, hitting .237 with 3 home runs in 31 games.

Montreal’s 1981 run happened during the strike-shortened year. Milner’s experience helped the young Expos through their first postseason, though they lost to the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.

Milner went back to the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 1982 season, his last in the majors. He played in 33 games, hit .240 with 2 home runs, and then called it a career at age 32.

He played his final game on October 3, 1982, against Montreal. Milner ended up with a .249 batting average, 131 home runs, and 498 RBIs in 1,215 games across three teams.

Notable Teammates and Influential Figures

John Milner’s career took him across three teams and put him alongside some of baseball’s legends. His time with the Pittsburgh Pirates brought him under Hall of Fame leadership, while his Mets years included memorable teammates during the club’s early days.

Willie Stargell, Bill Robinson, and Dave Parker

Milner joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1978 when he got traded in a major deal. He found himself playing alongside Willie Stargell, the team’s legendary captain and future Hall of Famer.

Stargell led the Pirates during their wild “We Are Family” championship run in 1979.

Bill Robinson brought a veteran vibe to the Pirates clubhouse. Robinson played with Milner during that championship year.

He offered leadership and a steady hand to a team blending young guys and seasoned pros.

Dave Parker stood out as the Pirates’ star outfielder while Milner was there. Parker snagged back-to-back National League batting titles in 1977 and 1978.

He anchored the group that pushed Pittsburgh to win the 1979 World Series.

The Pirates leaned on their veteran leaders. Milner chipped in with 16 home runs during that 1979 title season.

He hit .276 that year, which ended up being his career high.

Jon Matlack, Willie Mays, and Cleon Jones

Early in his career, Milner played for the New York Mets and got to know some big names. Jon Matlack joined the Mets as a key pitcher around the same time Milner broke in.

Both helped the Mets win the 1973 National League pennant.

Willie Mays wrapped up his incredible career with the Mets while Milner was a rookie. Mays, the “Say Hey Kid,” played his last seasons from 1972 to 1973.

He offered advice and leadership to younger players like Milner.

Cleon Jones was already an established outfielder and took Milner under his wing. Jones had been with the Mets since 1963.

He played a big role in the Mets’ 1973 World Series run.

That 1973 Mets team mixed old pros with up-and-coming talent. Milner knocked 23 home runs as their everyday first baseman.

The team made it to the World Series against the Oakland Athletics.

Willie Montañez and Other Trades

Willie Montañez became linked to Milner’s career through a major trade. In December 1977, the Mets sent Milner and Jon Matlack to the Texas Rangers.

The Mets got Montañez, Ken Henderson, and Tom Grieve in return.

This trade changed Milner’s path in the majors. He never played a game for Texas, since the Rangers immediately shipped him to Pittsburgh.

That multi-team deal ended up shaping the next chapter of his career.

Montañez stepped in as the Mets’ new first baseman. The trade showed the Mets wanted to shake things up.

Milner’s exit closed out his seven years in New York.

The Montreal Expos picked up Milner during their 1981 pennant chase. He suited up for both Pittsburgh and Montreal that season.

That year, the Expos won their only division title in franchise history.

Career Milestones and Highlights

John Milner put together a 12-year career with 131 home runs, 10 grand slams, and three postseason runs. He hit .249 and actually walked more than he struck out, which says a lot about his patience at the plate.

Grand Slams and Power Hitting Achievements

Milner belted 10 grand slams during his time in the big leagues. That knack for power made him a clutch hitter when teams needed it most.

His most unforgettable grand slam happened in August 1979. He hit a walk-off slam off his old teammate Tug McGraw, helping the Pirates beat the Phillies 12-8.

That blast put Pittsburgh back in first place over Montreal during a crucial five-game sweep.

Milner led the Mets in home runs three different times. He hit 17 as a rookie in 1972, then 23 in 1973, and 20 in 1974.

His power numbers really fueled the Mets during their early ‘70s runs.

In 1974, he hit one of the longest home runs ever at Shea Stadium, crushing a pitch from Andy Messersmith that smashed lightbulbs halfway up the right-center scoreboard.

Batting Records and Defensive Stats

Milner racked up 855 hits and 498 RBIs across 12 seasons. He showed great discipline, drawing 504 walks and striking out 473 times in nearly 4,000 plate appearances.

His best average came in 1979, when he hit .276 with the Pirates. That year, he smashed 16 home runs in just 326 at-bats and helped Pittsburgh win the World Series.

Milner played both first base and left field during his career. Manager Gil Hodges once joked Milner’s best position was “at bat,” which really sums up his offensive focus.

He was an average corner outfielder and didn’t have a strong arm. At first base, he did the job but never stood out defensively.

Awards and Honors

Milner picked up the Johnny Murphy Award as the Mets’ top rookie in spring training back in 1972. He earned it after a strong showing at age 22 in his first big league camp.

He finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting that same season. His teammate Jon Matlack won, while Giants catcher Dave Rader came in second.

Milner made the postseason with three different teams. He helped the 1973 Mets win the NL East and reach the World Series.

He was part of the 1979 Pirates team that came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat Baltimore for the championship.

His last postseason trip happened with the 1981 Expos, when Montreal finally won their only division title.

Retirement and Legacy

John Milner wrapped up his baseball career in 1982 after 12 seasons in the majors. After baseball, he got caught up in the Pittsburgh drug trials, but his impact on championship teams still stands out.

Final Season and Retirement in 1982

Milner started the 1982 season with the Montreal Expos but got released halfway through. He returned to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he’d built a reputation as a reliable pinch hitter and bench player.

He made his final MLB appearance on October 3, 1982, for the Pirates. The team released him the next spring, ending his pro career at 33.

That 1982 season closed the book on a career that spanned three clubs and several playoff runs. Milner finished with 131 home runs and 498 RBIs over 12 years.

His career average, .249, reflected his role as a power bat who could come through in big spots. His walk-to-strikeout ratio of 1.066 showed just how disciplined he was at the plate.

Later Life and Post-Baseball Influence

After he retired, Milner got pulled into one of baseball’s biggest scandals. He testified in the Pittsburgh drug trials in the mid-1980s, admitting he’d used cocaine from 1978 to 1984.

He told the court he bought cocaine at Three Rivers Stadium during games and used amphetamines from teammates.

The trials exposed how widespread drug use had become in Major League Baseball. Milner’s honesty helped shine a light on what was really happening in the clubhouses back then.

His cousin Eddie Milner also played pro ball and struggled with similar substance abuse issues.

John Milner died of cancer on January 4, 2000, in East Point, Georgia. He was just 50 years old.

Recognition and Memories in Major League Baseball

Milner left his mark with two championship teams. He played for the 1973 National League pennant-winning New York Mets. Later, he suited up for the 1979 World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates.

People called him “The Hammer” because he admired Hank Aaron. That nickname really showed off his Atlanta roots and his hopes of becoming a power hitter like Aaron.

He managed to hit 10 career grand slams. Three of those came in 1976, which is kind of wild if you think about it.

On September 11, 1974, Milner tied a major league record by making 12 plate appearances in a single, marathon 25-inning game between the Mets and Cardinals.

He played as both a first baseman and a left fielder, which gave his teams a lot of flexibility. Later in his career, he built a reputation for handling pressure, especially when he came off the bench as a pinch hitter for Pittsburgh.