Tom Clavin and Danny Peary. Gil Hodges: The Brooklyn Bums, the Miracle Mets, and the Extraordinary Life of a Baseball Legend.
New York: New American Library, 2012.
As reviewed by Ted Odenwald
If it weren’t for his managing the 1969 “Amazing Mets” to a World Championship, Gil Hodges could possibly be a forgotten man—forgotten even by sportswriters who have repeatedly bypassed him in Hall of Fame balloting. Yet he is remembered–or rather, idolized by surviving Brooklyn Dodger fans –as “the most graceful and skillful defensive first baseman of his time,” the leading right-handed power hitter of his era, and a model citizen/athlete.
His greatness lay in his play and his behavior, not in his speaking. Hodges was laconic—often withdrawn, “saying little and expressing less.” A possible explanation for his quietness was that he was deeply affected by his two-year service with the Marines during World War II; he earned the Bronze Star, but refused to discuss his experiences, even with his closest friends and family. Outwardly, he usually appeared without emotion, but most likely internalized his emotions. One sportswriter observed, “There is a drawn, tight quality to Hodges, somewhat like a prizefighter the morning of a big fight. Worries appear to weigh heavily on him, and he suffers with them.” His main outlet was chain-smoking—an addiction that probably contributed to two heart attacks and his early death at 48.
Hodges was a feared slugger, setting an all-time National League record for right-hand hitters, with 379 home runs in his 18-year career. He drove in more than 100 runs in seven consecutive seasons, set a league record for grand slams, and in 1954, hit a major league record of 19 sacrifice flies. Exceptional defensively, he won the first three Gold Glove Awards ever given to a first baseman, while anchoring what was arguably the best infield in baseball.
The ultimate role model, Hodges possessed an exceptional work ethic and impeccable moral values; he practiced for long hours throughout each year, honing his defensive skills and working on his batting. He also devoted many hours helping younger players learn the game. He was devoutly religious and dedicated to his wife, children, and extended family. He was a significant factor in the successful integration of baseball; his unequivocal acceptance and support of Jackie Robinson, in spite of strong opposition throughout both the National League and the Dodgers, helped to break down many barriers. Knowing that Robinson had sworn to be non-confrontational in his first year in the big leagues, Hodges protected the second baseman when opponents tried to stir up trouble. He kept the peace at second base with his intimidating strength and determination. “He served as a unifier for the diverse personalities on the club, including the black and white players who had issues with one another, and even the team’s two black stars, Campanella and Robinson.”
Always a student of the game, Hodges took “…everything he absorbed from teammates, coaches, and managers Leo Durocher, Burt Shotten, Charlie Dressen, Walter Alston, and Casey Stengel..” and became an excellent manager. Always self-disciplined, he became a strict disciplinarian, enforcing rules of behavior on and off the field. He was a hands-on leader, batting fungoes, instructing first and third basemen, and pitching batting practice to detect and correct flaws in hitters’ swings. He used his coaches effectively as liaisons with his players. In the early 1960’s, he was hired to manage the dismal Washington Senators. Sticking to basic drills to improve fundamental skills, he actually succeeded in leading his club out of the league’s cellar. Based on his success in Washington, he was called upon to manage the lowly New York Mets. The “Amazin’s” not only climbed out of the bottom of their division, but won the World Series in 1969, his second year with them. His players credit him with the team’s success. Outfielder Ron Swoboda said, “…most of us were just young guys…Dumb kids just good enough to be in the majors. And Hodges was the maestro.” Another player said that Hodges “…[paid] attention to everything that makes you a good ballplayer,” in never trying to “outsmart the game and never overmanag[ing].” Pitcher Tom Seaver claimed that “We were managed by an infallible genius for the final six weeks of the season.”
Hodges was a man of few words, so it isn’t surprising that the authors give us few quotes from him. Rather, they rely on the first-hand observations of family, friends, team members, opponents, coaches, and sportswriters. To document his career, including some of his painful batting slumps, Clavin and Peary provide synopses of several key games from each of his playing and managerial years. This approach may try the patience of the casual reader, but to the baseball enthusiast—particularly the “Wait-till-next-year” Brooklyn Dodgers fan—the synopses provide many flashback moments of a great man playing for a great team in an exciting chapter of major league history.
Ted Odenwald and his wife, Shirley have lived in Oakland for 43 years. He taught HS English at Glen Rock High School for all of those years plus one more. Now he is enjoying time spent with his family, singing in the North Jersey Chorus and quenching his wanderlust. Ted is also the Worship Leader at the Ramapo Valley Baptist Church in Oakland.