Why Famous:Generally considered the MLB's most outstanding first baseman in the 1950s. He was exceptional defensively, winning the first three Gold Glove Awards. In 1969, he managed the New York Mets to the World Series title over the Baltimore Orioles, one of the greatest upsets in history.
Born: April 4, 1924 Birthplace:Princeton, Indiana, USA
1948-12-26 MLB player Gil Hodges (24) weds Joan Lombardi
Historical Events
1950-08-31 Dodger Gil Hodges hits 4 HRs & a single in a game vs Braves
1957-08-01 Gil Hodges hits his 13th MLB career grand slam, a NL record and the last ever by a Brooklyn Dodgers player
1958-04-23 Gil Hodges hits his 300th HR & Pee Wee Reese plays in 2,000th game
1960-08-22 Gil Hodges set NL right handed HR record with #352
1968-09-24 NY Met manager Gil Hodges suffers a heart attack
1972-04-02 New York Mets manager Gil Hodges collapses just minutes after completing a round of golf in West Palm Beach, Florida, and dies of a heart attack
1972-06-10Hank Aaron's grandslammer (14) ties him for NL lead with Gil Hodges & moves him ahead of Willie Mays as #2 HR hitter (649)
1988-03-01 For first time since 1956, the Special Veterans Committee does not elect anyone to the Baseball Hall of Fame; Phil Rizzuto, Leo Durocher, Joe Gordon and Gil Hodges passed over
Casey Stengel
Cy Young
Jackie Robinson
Sammy Sosa
Steve Garvey
Tommy Lasorda