Mission Complete, Gil Hodges is a Baseball Hall of Famer

By Jay Horwitz

His family, his friends, his last surviving Dodger teammate and a host of 1969 Mets all were on a mission. Their collective goal was simple: make sure Gil Hodges’ 36th time on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot would be meant with success. They all knew that Joan Hodges was 95 years and the next vote would not be for another five years.

Well it was mission accomplished. Last Sunday at about 5:40 PM at Joan’s home on Bedford Ave in Brooklyn, the call came in from Cooperstown with these magic words” We have some good news for you.” Joan was with one of her daughters Irene and they both cried. Joan put her hand on her heard and sighed, “Thank the Lord, Gil.”

Here is a look at the people who played key parts in Gil’s selection. The HOF induction ceremonies are slated for late July.

Gil Jr. spread the word of his dad’s service in World War II with the Marines and how he was awarded a medal the Battle of Okinawa

Kevin O’Malley produced at film on Gil titled “Soul of a Champion.” The film, which went viral on social media, stressed Hodges’ character and integrity.

Cleon Jones called his friend Ferguson Jenkins, who was one of the voters and gently told Fergie that the Mets would not have overcome the Cubs in 1969 if not for Gil.

Carl Erskine, the last living Dodger, spread the word that Gil was the quiet leader of his team and held the infield together. He gave Hodges credit for helping Jackie Robinson overcome the racial prejudices of the times and aiding him in his quest to make it to the majors.

Ron Swoboda, Art Shamsky Jerry Koosman and Ed Kranepool, gave glowing reports to the media on Hodges’ skills in the dugout. Ron talked about his platoon system and his five-man outfield alignments.

Last Sunday was a great day for the Hodges family, Mets fans, and the old Brooklyn Dodger faithful.

Perhaps Irene Hodges put it best when she said, “My dad was a great player, a great manager but above all else, he was a good man.”