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Vote In Our Weekly Blog Question: Does Gil Hodges belong in the Hall of fame?
Every week I’m posting a baseball history-related question and will encourage our readers to vote and voice their opinion.
Vote in the poll box to the right. Then feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
This week’s question:
Do you think Gill Hodges belongs in the Hall of Fame?
In my humble opinion, there’s no doubt that Gill is an automatic Hall-of-Famer, and it’s a travesty that he hasn’t already been enshrined. As a matter of fact, I’d be interested in organizing a movement to help Gil’s case for enshrinement before the next vote of the Veteran’s Committee.
Last fall I wrote a piece called Does Gil Hodges Belong in the Hall of Fame. Let’s Take a Good Look. In that article I examined Gil’s career in it totality: offensive, defensive, and post-season play. I even looked at character issues. In case you missed it, or would like to reread it, here’s a link to the article.
My conclusion: It’s a slam-dunk, Gil should be in!
The piece generated a lot of interest and impassioned responses from our readers and that’s why I decided to ask the question again in an informal poll.
Anyway, that’s my opinion. Feel free to agree or disagree. You’re welcome to voice you opinion on this page below.
Gary Livacari
P.S. Does anyone out there have any connection to sportswriter Tom Verducci or know how I could contact him? I recently found out he’s Gil’s nephew and is actively working for his HOF selection. I’d like to offer my help.
Please leave your comments below!
As I mentioned in my article from last Fall, when you examine Gil’s career in its totality, I don’t think there’s any doubt he’s a Hall-of Famer. I respect others who have a differing opinion. Let’s hear what you have to say.
I completely agree with you. I grew up in NY as an avid Giant fan (still am) and even though I ‘hated’ the Bums, Gil Hodges was consistently terrific for a LONG time, offensively and defensively. How he has not been already voted into the HOF is beyond me. Put Hodges in the HOF! Period.
To see a lot more spirited commentary on Gill Hodges, follow this link to by article from last Fall, “Does Gil Hodges Belong in the Hall of Fame, Let’s Take a Good Look!” https://wp.me/p7a04E-4qC
Yes he does
Yes! Gil Hodges should be in the Hall Of Fame. Very puzzling why he hasn’t made it via Veterans Committee. His time has come to be put into the Hall.
Agree completely. Recently pointed out to me that he lost 3 years in his prime to military service. That’s something that never gets mentioned in this debate.
The best first baseman in baseball for the decade of the 50s.
*****He had the most home runs in NL history by a right handed batter when he retired. That says a lot as well as three years of military service and his great defensive skills.
I am disappointed that the anti-NYC attitude in the Hall still exists today, even though Bob Feller is no longer on the selection committee.(Remember how he fought like he’ll to keep Phil Rizzutto out?) It’s time to right this wrong! Put Gil in the Hall!
A good player – good fielder with decent bat. His batting average and rbi totals put him way down the list as a hitter, certainly lower than Larry Walker and many others very good players who however fall short of having true HOF credentials.
To each his own, including Mr. John C. Aird, but — No first baseman in the Hall has a better lifetime fielding percentage than Gil. Quoting Stan Musial, he was the “greatest first baseman of his generation.” His homers-to-at-bats ratio was better than those of Musial, Yaz, Kaline, Bench, Cepeda, Berra, Hornsby and Simmons, to name just a few. Only one guy (Snider) had more homers and RBIs than Hodges in the 1950s. When he retired Gil held the N.L. records for grand slams and double plays. He batted in 100-plus runs seven years in a row. (Mantle had 4 in his career.)
“(W)ay down the list as a hitter”? Who are we talking about?!
Thanks Michael, very well put!
Gary, I just became aware of this excellent site today while thinking about Gil Hodges!
Here is some additional info on Hodges that I have not seen posted here that further speaks to his greatness during the era he played:
At one time he was the all-time career right-handed home run leader in the N.L. and second in the major leagues to Jimmie Foxx (both eventually surpassed by Willie Mays).
At one time he was the all-time career grand slam leader in the N.L. (until eventually surpassed by Hank Aaron).
Of the 21 players with at least 300 home runs at the time of his retirement as a player, he is the only one not in the HOF.
It was mentioned above (in a quote from SABR) that “Gil Hodges led all major-league first basemen of the 1950s in home runs (310) …. [and] runs batted in (1,001)…” I believe he led all players — no matter what their position — except Duke Snider in those two statistics during the 1950s, not just first basemen.
I appreciate your support of Gil’s long overdue selection to the Hall of Fame. Vin Scully was long said that he can’t understand why Gil hasn’t made it.
When is the next committee meeting that could finally change Gil’s status?
Thank you.
Jason Hanson
Hi Jason- I just reposted your great commentary on the “Does Gil Hodges Belong in the Hall of Fame? Let’s Take a Good Look!” thread so others could read it. Sorry you were having a problem, not sure why that happened. -Gary
Hello Gary Livacari. If you really love true baseball history please contact me. John W. Smirch at info@baseballreal.com – I want to talk to you in person if you live near Los Angeles. or on the phone. I am a SABR member. You will be glad you contacted me. I am the grandson of a key Copper League ball player that has written a 1000 page Baseball Trilogy. Yes, Three complete book series. documenting the three years 1925 thru 1927 detailing from first hand games my grandfather played with and against Hal Chase, Buck Weaver, Joe Jackson, Jimmy O’Connell, Lefty Williams Tom Seaton and many more. In the Southwest. (see my website @baseballreal.com for details.) I look forward to talking to you. Please leave your contact phone number. I want to talk to you in person. Thank You.John W. Smirch.
Carl Furillo is another that is Hall of Fame worthy. Hit for average, won a batting title,had a great arm and played that lopsided right field wall better than anyone.
He also saved Abe Stark a bunch of suits!😆 He was blackballed from baseball by the L.A. Dodgers. His only drawback was that he didn’t hit as many home runs as his Dodger teammates.
How about Joe Jackson and Roger Maris
I totally agree ..Gil definitely belongs in the HOF …especially now with every Tom, Dick and Harry getting inducted …A number of years ago I corresponded with a Michael Keedy from Montana about this …same guy that contributes to website? …Thank you …Nick Snider
Also Lefty O’Doul and of course Shoeless Joe ..
Thanks Nick…Pretty sure that’s the same Micahel Keedy.
I am over the moon about Gil Hodges being in the hall of fame. He was not only a HOF player, but a wonderful man with the very best character. Well deserved and long overdue. I am sure his family is grateful.
Lou Whitaker, Mickey Lolich, & Bill Freehan definitely belong in The Hall OF Fame. I am very happy for Gil Hodges. I met him several times in the 1950’s as he appeared at least 5 times at a dinner for underprivileged children at the Union Temple in Brooklyn. He was a very nice person.