Top 5 of 2025: #4 Cooperstown of the South Johnny Tallant

Описание: Bettis Musgrove's Top 5 of 2025: #4
Join us at the legendary Tallant Baseball Museum, dubbed "Cooperstown of the South," for an unforgettable conversation with Forsyth County icon Johnny Tallant. From his 30-year teaching career to performing 6,000 weddings as a magistrate judge, Johnny's stories will keep you entertained from start to finish.

ABOUT JOHNNY TALLANT:

Forsyth County native and true local legend
30 years as educator and coach (retired 1999)
Magistrate judge who has performed over 6,000 weddings
Owner of one of the most impressive personal baseball museums in the country
State championship winning softball coach (1994)
Visited 50 Major League Baseball stadiums across America
Part of the Tallant family that founded Tallant Brothers Auto Parts in 1942

THE TALLANT BASEBALL MUSEUM:
Located in Johnny's basement, this incredible collection features over 260 bobbleheads, 200 mini bats, countless baseball cards, uniforms, and memorabilia from every era of baseball. The museum earned its nickname "Cooperstown of the South" from legendary announcer Bob Rathbun.

WHAT WE DISCUSS:

Growing up in Forsyth County and the Tallant family legacy
30 years of teaching social studies and coaching
Starting the softball program at Dawson County
Winning the 1994 state championship at South Forsyth
His journey to visiting 50 MLB stadiums
Epic road trips with friends to see multiple games in one day
Becoming a magistrate judge and performing 6,000 weddings
Building one of the most impressive baseball collections in America
Meeting legends like Hank Aaron, Dale Murphy, and Willie Mays
Memorable stories from decades of coaching youth sports

INCREDIBLE STORIES:

Flying to New York to see Yankees and Mets games in one day during the Son of Sam murders
Getting Dale Murphy to leave tickets at a Philadelphia pay phone
Taking 25 people to Wrigley Field for a day game
Performing a wedding at Captain D's with 10 minutes notice
His epic 1991 family road trip to 4 MLB games, 2 minor league games, and Cooperstown
Country boys experiencing their first baked potato in Texas
Meeting baseball legends and getting their autographs

COACHING HIGHLIGHTS:

Started coaching youth baseball in 1971 at age 21
Went 12-0 his first season
Founded the first 8-and-under softball league in Forsyth County
Coached high school softball from 1979-1999
Won region championships and state championship
Impacted hundreds of young athletes over three decades

THE STADIUM QUEST:
Johnny and his friends embarked on an incredible 20-year journey visiting 30 MLB stadiums together from 1988-2007, creating unforgettable memories at every stop. His favorite? Atlanta Fulton County Stadium, where it all began in 1966.

MAGISTRATE JUDGE:

Served as magistrate judge from 1981-1999
Has performed over 6,000 weddings in his career
Still performs nearly 300 weddings per year
Has married couples from over 60 different countries
Available for weddings anytime, anywhere (even at Captain D's)

FAMILY LEGACY:
The Tallant family has been a cornerstone of Forsyth County since Johnny's father and uncle founded Tallant Brothers Auto Parts in 1942. The business is still thriving today, run by Johnny's brothers and nephew.

This episode is a treasure trove of Forsyth County history, baseball lore, and life lessons from a man who has dedicated his life to education, community service, and America's pastime. Whether you're a baseball fan, history buff, or just love great storytelling, Johnny Tallant delivers.

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Like this video if you appreciate local legends who preserve history and serve their community, subscribe for more conversations with the people who make Forsyth County special, and let us know in the comments your favorite baseball memory or stadium you've visited.

Special thanks to Johnny Tallant for opening his incredible museum and sharing his stories with us.

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