Gil Hodges

Gilbert Raymond (Ray) Hodges (April 4 1924 - April 2 1972) was an American first baseman and manager in Major League Baseball.

Career

From 1943 through 1963, Hodges played for the Brooklyn & Los Angeles Dodgers (1943, 1947-61) and New York Mets (1962-63). He batted and threw right handed. Following his playing career, Hodges managed the Washington Senators (1963-67) and New York Mets (1968-71).

Related Topics:
1943 - 1963 - Brooklyn & Los Angeles Dodgers - New York Mets - Washington Senators

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A native of Princeton, Indiana, Hodges was originally signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers as a third baseman. After serving in the US Marine Corps during World War II, he returned to Brooklyn and was made the backup catcher. Shortly thereafter he was moved to first and eventually became one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball history. He received three Gold Glove Awards between 1957 and 1959.

Related Topics:
Princeton, Indiana - Third baseman - US Marine Corps - World War II - Catcher - First - Gold Glove Award

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A member of the 1955 World Series champion World Champion 1955 Dodgers, Hodges held the National League record for grand slams (14) for several years, and he is a member of the exclusive club of players that have hit four home runs in a single game. Also, he had more RBI during the 1950's than any other player (1001), and was an eight-time All-Star, from 1949-55, and in 1957.

Related Topics:
1955 World Series - 1955 - National League - Grand slam - RBI - All-Star

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Hodges was one of the original 1962 Mets. A year later, he retired from playing and went on to manage the Washington Senators in the midseason. In 1968 he was brought back to manage the Mets and led them to the 1969 World Series championship.

Related Topics:
1962 - 1969 World Series

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Hodges died suddently of a heart attack in West Palm Beach, Florida while managing the Mets during spring training in 1972, just two days short of his 48th birthday.

Related Topics:
West Palm Beach, Florida - Spring training

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