| Birthdate | 04/04/1924 |
| Death Date | 04/02/1972 |
| Debut Year | 1943 |
| Year of Induction | 2022 |
| Teams | Dodgers, Mets |
| Positions | First Base, Manager |
The manager of the ’69 Miracle Mets, Gil Hodges led all Major League first baseman in hits, runs, total bases, homers and RBI during the decade of the 1950s.
Gil Hodges was dominant during the decade of the 1950s
Only teammate Duke Snider hit more than Hodges 310 homers in the 50s. The Brooklyn duo also finished 1 and 2 in RBI for the decade. Hodges appeared in 5 World Series during in the 1950s, coming away with a ring in 1955.
In 1960, Hodges broke Ralph Kiner‘s NL record for career homers by right-handed hitter. Hodges finished his career with 370 home runs.
The first baseman was also a fine fielder. Hodges led the NL in double plays four times, and in putouts, assists, and fielding percentage thrice each. At the time of his retirement, he had the second most assists and double plays in NL history.
Shown here is a picture of Hodges listening to a young Vin Scully. The greatest baseball story-teller, Scully has added his signature to the photo.
Among Scully’s personal favorites were Giants Mel Ott, and Willie Mays. Going back to Brooklyn, Hodges ranked near the top. Scully was clear throughout the years in his belief that Hodges belongs in the Hall of Fame.
Notice what appears to be a 1955 World Series ring on Scully’s finger. Hodges, seated to Scully’s left, is wearing a Brooklyn hat, dating the photo either 1956 or 1957 the last season in Brooklyn.
Scully signed this photo in his final season as Dodger broadcaster. His hand appears to have grown less steady as evidenced by the penmanship.
Gil Hodges is best remembered for his years in Brooklyn. His Dodgers brought the city’s only World Series championship in 1955. It’s often forgotten that the first baseman also won a World Series with the Dodgers in Los Angeles.
Here Joe Ziegler, assistant to general manager Buzzie Bavasi writes to Hodges in part, “Buzzie has asked me to write to you about the World Series ring he was attempting to secure for Mrs. Hodges.”
He goes on to explain that because he will be unable to get the ring for Mrs. Hodges. Ziegler also needs Gil’s rings size. For that he enclosed the ring size card shown in the next image.
Joe Zeigler enclosed this ring card for Hodges to use to accurately measure the size of his ring finger. The card is from L.G. Balfour Company from Attleboro, Ma.
The ’59 championship came in the Dodgers second season in Los Angeles. The title helped solidify the LA fan base.
Hodges won his three consecutive Gold Glove Award in ’58. He also slugged 25 homers.
In the collection is a handwritten letter from Gil Hodges dated eight days after Ziegler’s correspondence. When the team won it all in 1959, Hodges requested that the championship ring be for his wife. That was not possible.
Here Hodges writes, “Sorry to hear about the rings for the wives. That’s life. My ring size is 13. Best regards to everyone, Gil Hodges.”
Hodges remains a fan favorite and a strong candidate for Cooperstown.
Gil Hodges spent his first dozen MLB seasons in Brooklyn. When the Dodgers moved west, Hodges came with them. He played four seasons in Los Angeles before being plucked in the expansion draft by the New York Mets.
After two seasons with the Mets Hodges was traded to the Washington Senators who appointed him manager. He immediately retired as a player to focus on his new job. Hodges managed Washington through the ’67 season. They improved their record each year under the former Dodger.
In 1968 was brought back to New York to manage the Mets. He guided them to a 73–89 record – their best in franchise history to that point.
The following season he piloted the “Miracle Mets” to the World Series title.
Shown here is Sport Magazine photo with a smiling Gil Hodges. He has penned his autograph just above the “Dodgers” script.
As of 2021, Hodges remains second on the Dodger franchise All Time list for homers (361), and RBI (1254). Hall of Fame outfielder Duke Snider sits atop both lists.
Should Gil Hodges be in the Hall of Fame? Whether you think so or not, his treatment by the Hall’s two voting bodies — the BBWAA and the Veterans Committee — might surprise you
Read More >"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball…"
~Jacques Barzun, 1954
I truly think that he should have already been in the hall.
He should have been elected to the HOF many, many years ago. It needs to be done in 2021!!!!!!!!!
No doubt, a hall of famer!Could he play first base on your team for a decade or more??? H…….M?Was he a base stealer?He could do every thing else.
Gil Hodges should be in the hall of fame. I believe he batted 4th behind Duke Snider, after Duke batted there wasn’t much left to drive in but look what he did.