Gil Hodges

Gilbert Raymond Hodges (April 4, 1924 - April 2, 1972) homered in each of his last four World Series and joined Lou Gehrig as the second post-1900 player to hit four home runs in a 9-inning game. Hodges played the majority of his 16-season career with the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers (1943, 1948-1957, 1958-1961) and the New York Mets (1962-1963). He was a member of seven National League pennant winning Dodger teams, winning the World Series twice (1955, 1959). A strong and steady first baseman, Gil led the NL in double plays four times and putouts, assists and fielding percentage three times, retiring with an impressive .992 fielding percentage. Hodges was an eight-time All-Star selection and won the first three NL Gold Gloves at first base (1957-1959). In 1963, Gil was shipped to the Washington Senators to take over the managerial duties, and would remain at the helm until 1967. In 1968, Gil joined the New York Mets as manager, leading this most recent expansion team to the 1969 World Series title over the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles. This Miracle Mets team became the first World Series winner to finish the previous season 15 games under the .500-mark. Hodges was honored with The Sporting News Manager of the Year Award in 1969. Gil Hodges retired with a .273 career batting average with 1,921 hits, 370 home runs, and 1,274 RBI adding a 765-321 record as a manager.