Quote:
Originally Posted by vtgmsc
If you can't appreciate Gil Hodges you are not really impressing me with your knowledge of baseball history.
Need I add that Mr. Hodges was as an anti-aircraft gunner in WW2 and most notably Okinawa. He was also the recipient of a Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for heroism under fire.
I really do not understand how character means nothing for you? Oh, by the way, best defensive 1B of his day. So many stats to chew on and awards also. Oh yeah, he was the Mets World Championship Manager in 1969.
He was a pure player and pure American. The Hall of Fame could use an icon like him. Actually the Mets Hall of Fame does have Gil inducted. Time for Cooperstown to open the doors.
Peace, Mike
PS Here are some quotes and notations from some notables about Gil:
"Not getting booed at Ebbets Field was an amazing thing. Those fans knew their baseball, and Gil was the only player I can remember whom the fans never, I mean never, booed."—Clem Labine
"...epitomizes the courage, sportsmanship and integrity of America's favorite pastime."—back of a 1966 Topps baseball card.
"Gil Hodges is a Hall of Fame man."—Roy Campanella
"If you had a son, it would be a great thing to have him grow up to be just like Gil Hodges."—Pee Wee Reese
"Gil Hodges is a Hall of Famer; he deserves it and it's a shame his family and friends have had to wait so long."—Duke Snider
"He [Hodges] was such a noble character in so many respects that I believe Gil to have been one of the finest men I met in sports or out if it."—Arthur Daley, The New York Times.
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Hodges was before my time but I put a fair amount of stock into the passion of fans advocating for a player they had the opportunity to watch. By far, based on all the threads I have seen here and elsewhere, the most impassioned supporters of a player not in the HOF are Gil Hodges supporters. Based on his playing stats and his WS win as manager, along with the support of fans and reputable character, I think he belongs in the HOF.