COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — With seven new members within the Class of 2022, there was a lot emotional launch emanating from the stage and from the throngs of followers and relations in attendance at this yr’s induction ceremony for the Baseball Corridor of Fame.
There have been hundreds of Boston- and Dominican-based followers who got here to wave flags and salute former Purple Sox slugger David Ortiz. There additionally have been loads right here to honor long-ago Twins stars Tony Oliva and Jim Kaat, Cuban legends Oliva and Minnie Minoso, and Negro Leagues pioneers Buck O’Neil and Bud Fowler.
Nonetheless, not one of the resonating speeches given Sunday at Clark Sports activities Middle have been extra heart-tugging or poignant than the tearful phrases spoken by the daughter of Gil Hodges. The household of the legendary first baseman of the Brooklyn Dodgers and the World Collection-winning supervisor of the Mets in 1969 had waited greater than 50 years for today since his dying at 47 in 1972.
Irene Hodges hit one out of the park — similar to her dad did so typically — in encapsulating that journey.
“My dad was a really humble man, however he could be so proud to be right here with the most effective of the most effective in baseball,” Irene Hodges acknowledged in a speech that spanned practically quarter-hour. “Fifty years in the past not solely did the Mets and the Dodgers lose considered one of their heroes, we misplaced a husband and a father.
“Our biggest present, though my father’s life was reduce so quick, was his affect on these round him. His teammate Jackie Robinson as soon as stated, ‘A life shouldn't be vital, aside from the affect it leaves on others.’ My father sincerely believed that and led a life that has impacted others in a constructive means.”
After all, Hodges’ daughter additionally reminded everybody of his stellar enjoying profession, which included World Collection titles with the Dodgers in each Brooklyn (1955) and Los Angeles (1959). She identified that he led all big-league first baseman in the course of the Nineteen Fifties in house runs, RBIs, runs, hits and video games performed — and completed with 370 homers over 17 seasons with the Dodgers and the 1962 growth Mets.
“You additionally will hear additionally how he took a workforce affectionately often known as the lovable losers and turned them into the Miracle Mets in simply two quick seasons,” Irene Hodges added of her father’s stint as Mets supervisor from 1968-71. “However I'm his daughter, and I'm right here to let you know in regards to the man he was.”
Hodges’ daughter spoke eloquently about how he appeared in a single sport for the Dodgers in 1943 earlier than becoming a member of the Marines to serve within the Battle of Okinawa throughout World Warfare II, profitable a Bronze Star and a fight medal for heroism below fireplace. She recounted tales of her father and fellow Marines instructing Japanese kids the sport of baseball, and upon returning to Brooklyn, embracing his teammate Robinson starting with their rookie season collectively in 1947.
“Nothing was extra vital to my dad than giving Jackie all of his assist,” Irene Hodges stated. “We have been like household with the Robinsons. Jackie’s youngsters performed in our home, and we performed in theirs. My dad was not solely teammates with Jackie, however they have been household. My father made everybody comfy and accepting of Jackie when he got here to the massive leagues.”
Lower than three years after managing the Mets to the ’69 World Collection title, Hodges died of a coronary heart assault late in spring coaching of 1972, two days shy of his forty eighth birthday. Robinson “cried uncontrollably” at Hodges’ funeral, Irene recalled, earlier than he additionally died barely six months later.
5 many years have handed, however the household was elated that after so many Corridor of Fame near-misses, Hodges’ widow — 95-year-old Joan Hodges — was capable of watch Sunday’s ceremony, even when she was unable to attend the festivities.
“At this time, I'm particularly pleased for my mom,” Irene Hodges stated. “When the decision got here from the Corridor of Fame. … I started sobbing, most likely as a lot as I did once I misplaced my father. I used to be so past pleased for him, and even thrilled that my mother at 95 would be capable to hear this information. My mother is watching right this moment from our house in Brooklyn.”
As Irene Hodges fought again tears, she concluded her speech — to a standing ovation — by saying she knew her father was smiling down from heaven together with her late sister Barbara, “and indubitably, I do know you’re celebrating with Tom [Seaver] and the Boys of Summer time.”
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