Remembering Mets History (2022) Gil Hodges Finally Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame

Sunday July 24th, 2022- Cooperstown New York: It was a long time coming & way overdue. Finally, on this day Gil Hodges was inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. 

Prior to the induction, Hodges had received the most votes than any other person wo had not been in inducted.

In 2022 the Golden Days Era Committee voted Hodges in along with Jim Kaat & Minnie Minoso.

Gil's son & daughter accepted the Award for their father. Daughter, Irene gave a tear shedding speech about her father, not only the ball player & manager but the family man too.

Quotes- Irene Hodges: "Our greatest gift, although my fathers life was cut so short, was his
influence on those around him."

In the 1950s Gil Hodges was the leagues most dominant first baseman, leading all those at the position in hits, HRs, RBIs & games played. The only MLB player with more RBIs in the 1950's was teammate Duke Snider. 

Hodges was a core member of the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers "Boys of Summer" to their first Championship & later played on the 1959 L.A. Dodgers Championship team as well. Hodges hit 370 career HRs with 1274 RBIs. He was an eight time All Star, won the first three Gold Gloves issued & had his number retired by both the Dodgers & Mets.

Hodges the man was also a true friend & supporter of Jackie Robinson. At Gil's funeral Robinson told Hodges son, besides the day he lost his own son, this was the saddest day of his life. 

After his playing days, Hodges took a young Mets franchise that had beknown as loveable losers & molded them into World Champions in one of the most surprising underdog championships in sports history.

Many of the Mets players from Hodges Mets teams we no longer with us, most notably Tom Seaver who had passed away earlier that year. But four of the 1969 Amazing Mets were on hand in support, Cleon Jones, Ed Kranepool, Ron Swoboda & Art Shamsky. 

Also in attendance were Tom Seaver's daughter Sara & Tommie Agee's widow Maxine showing their love & respect for the former Mets manager. Also on hand was the Mets longtime legendary, media man Jay Horowitz, & his wife, shedding tears as well.

In 1972 at the end of Spring Training, Hodges suffered a fatal heart attack, he was just 47 years
old.

Gil's wife Joan was unable to attend the Hall of Fame ceremony, three months later she would pass away ten days shy of her 96th birthday. Joan was finally able to rest knowing Gil made the Hall of Fame.