“ If I had sold or traded Hodges, the Brooklyn fans would hang me, burn me, and tear me to pieces.” Walter O’ Malley “ I’ve never met a finer man.” Johnny Podres “ Gil was the heart and soul of the Brooklyn Dodgers.” Jackie Robinson “ He 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, New York Times 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 was a great player but an even greater man. “ 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 Fame man.” Roy Campanella 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 his 1966 Topps baseball card “ Not getting booed at Ebbets Field was an amazing thing. I did, however, learn a lot about his character In doing this research through what his fellow players said about him.

I just observed that he was as steady as the Rock of Gibraltar, a quiet and humble man that was incredibly strong and plied his trade in a very workmanlike manner. I was too young to know much about his character when I watched him play. I will just say this, if a player can be voted in for being a tremendous person, then Gill Hodges would be a unanimous first ballot selection. Much has been written about the subject and nothing that I offer here is unique or original to me. I’m going to come right out and say that I believe that Gil Hodges should be in the Hall of Fame.

Barely Hanging On by Berry Hodge