Sports History

Gil Hodges, "The Kid" to teammates and fans, stood tall not just in stature but also in his impact on baseball. From 1947 to 1963, he anchored the first base position for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming a cornerstone of their championship teams and earning a well-deserved spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Rising Star in Brooklyn: Starting as a catcher, Hodges transitioned to first base, showcasing his power and agility. He earned eight All-Star selections, led the league in RBIs three times, and clubbed 370 home runs, ranking third among right-handed hitters only behind Jimmie Foxx and Willie Mays at the time of his retirement. His signature moment came in 1950 when he became the fourth player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game.

Championship Pedigree: Hodges was synonymous with winning. He played a crucial role in six National League pennants with the Dodgers and two World Series titles, in 1955 and 1959. His defensive prowess, earning three Gold Glove awards, and powerful bat were vital components of the team's success.

Born April 4, 1924, in Princeton, Indiana, was Baseball Hall of Fame First Baseman Gil Hodges. Hodges played the positions of First Base, Catcher, Left Field, Third Base, Right Field, Center Field, and Second Base wearing the number 14 on the Brooklyn Dodgers (1947-57), Los Angeles Dodgers (1958-61), and the New York Mets (1962-63) for 18 seasons as he batted 0.273 for his career, had an On Base percentage of 0.487, with 370 career Home Runs, and 3 Gold Glove Awarded Seasons.