Due to his achievements as a player and manager, as well as his sterling
character, Gil Hodges deserves to be in the Hall of Fame more than any
other player. A towering figure during the Golden Era of the 1950s,
Hodges was the Brooklyn Dodgers' powerful first baseman who, alongside
Jackie Robinson, helped drive his team to six pennants and a thrilling
World Series victory in 1955. Fans never booed the beloved home run
hitter from Indiana who married a Brooklyn girl and settled in their
borough, and they famously prayed for him when he slumped.
Dutifully following the Dodgers to Los Angeles in 1958, Hodges longed to
return to New York City. He joined the original Mets team in 1962, and
he finished his playing career with them. In 1968, he took over the
manager's spot on their bench. Under his steady hand, the Mets went from
a joke to World Champions in 1969--the Miracle Mets.
Yet behind his stoic demeanor lay a man prone to anxiety and worry.
Hodges was scarred by combat on Tinian and Okinawa during World War II,
and his inner turmoil was exacerbated by tight pennant races and
excruciating defeats. His sudden death in 1972 shocked his friends and
family, and left a void in the hearts of baseball fans everywhere.
Acclaimed authors Tom Clavin and Danny Peary delve into one of
baseball's most overlooked stars, shedding light on a fascinating life
and career that even his most ardent fans never knew. An exciting
biography that paints a portrait of an amazing era of baseball as much
as it does an admirable player, Gil Hodges is sure to please fans of
America's pastime.
