He was such a noble character in so many respects that I believe Gil to have been one of the finest men I met in sports or out of it.
-Arthur Daley, The New York Times
Who Is Gil Hodges?
Gil Hodges’ prodigious talent and career statistics on the baseball field make him a clear candidate for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. His impeccable character and leadership on and off the field made him an inspiration to players and fans. This has led many to ask the question: Why isn’t he enshrined at Cooperstown?
Baseball Player
Gil Hodges won three consecutive Gold Glove awards at first base – the first three years of the award’s existence – and is generally considered to be the best defensive first baseman of the 1950s. An eight-time all-star, he hit at least 30 home runs for five consecutive seasons, from 1950 to 1954. During this period, he hit 40 or more home runs twice.
He had the second most home runs (310) and RBIs (1,001) in the major leagues during the decade of the 1950s. He became the first player ever to hit four home runs in one game of four different pitchers, and was the first National League player to hit 14 career grand slams.
Baseball Manager
Gil Hodges has the rare achievement of combining success as both a player and manager. His 370 career homers were the most ever hit by a right-handed batter in the National League at the time his playing career ended and are also by far the most ever by a player who went on to win the World Series as a manager.
Yet Hodges’ contribution goes far beyond statistics. His quiet leadership led the Dodgers to multiple National League championships in Brooklyn, culminating in a World Series victory in 1955. He is acknowledged as the unquestioned leader of those iconic Dodgers teams that included six Hall of Fame players. He later helped the Dodgers win the World Series in 1959, following the team’s move to Los Angeles. As a manager, he guided the New York’ “Miracle” Mets to an against-all-odds World Series victory over the Baltimore Orioles in 1969.
Exemplary Leader
While his on-field accomplishments were significant and in the opinion of many, merit his own induction into the Hall of Fame, it is his strong character and moral uprightness that captured the respect and imagination of New York, Los Angeles, and baseball fans throughout the nation. As a World War II veteran, loving husband and father, and a faithful Catholic who treated everyone he met with respect, Gil Hodges has rightly earned the esteem of his family, friends, peers, and fans. Said teammate Pee Wee Reese, “If you had a son, it would be a great thing to have him grow up to be just like Gil Hodges.”
According to the Baseball Hall of Fame, inductee voting “shall be based upon the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played.” While his career statistics at the end of his playing career in the 1960s were sufficient enough for induction, few players in the history of the game have better epitomized the qualities of integrity, sportsmanship, and character.
The extraordinary life and exceptional career of Gil Hodges inspired the creation of this documentary.
We want more people to hear the story of this professional athlete who played the game the right way: combining immense talent with respect, humility, and love.
On December 5, Gil Hodges was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Golden Days Era Committee. Thanks to your support, we did it!