Spring Premier Auction 2018
Wed, Mar 7, 2018 04:00PM EST - Sat, Mar 24, 2018 11:00PM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 204
1955-57 GIL HODGES AUTOGRAPHED H&B PROFESSIONAL MODEL GAME USED BAT (PSA/DNA GU10)
Sold for
$8,287.20
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
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Gilbert “Gil” Ray Hodges was one of the most popular Dodger baseball players of all time and one of the quintessential “Boys of Summer.” He played for Brooklyn and then LA from 1943 (only one game in ’43 before he went into the Marines during WWII) to 1961. He was voted to eight All-Star Games including seven in a row. His Dodgers won three World Series including the first and only Brooklyn championship in 1955. He became the second player to hit four HRs in one game and he won 3 consecutive Gold Glove Awards from 1957-1959.
How popular was he? Fans & followers of the Brooklyn Dodgers say that he was probably the only regular never booed. Once when he was in a slump a Brooklyn Priest famously said one scorching summer Sunday “It’s far too hot for a homily. Keep the Commandments and say a prayer for Gil Hodges.” Concerning his untimely death at the age of 47 there are countless stories of how absolutely devastated his former teammates were. Johnny Podres said “I’ve never known a finer man.” 10000 mourners attended his funeral and Jackie Robinson said “Next to my son’s death this is the worst day of my life.”
His 361 HRs with the Dodgers are the second most in team history. When he left the Dodgers he went on to hit the first HR in NY Mets history. And after his playing days he managed the Washington Senators from 1963-1967 and then the NY Mets from 1968-1971; leading the 1969 “Miracle Mets” to their first World Series title and winning Manager of the Year along the way.
The game used bat offered here is from 1955-1957; years in which Hodges participated in multiple All-Star and helped bring the Brooklyn Dodgers and the long-suffering Flatbush Faithful their only championship. The Hillerich & Bradsby S2 model is uncracked and shows outstanding use. Ball marks and stitch marks cover the barrel which has been stamped with “HODGES”. Green bat rack marks can be seen and Hodges famous “14” is written on the knob in black marker. A light coat of pine tar is evident on the handle. Hodges has signed the barrel in period black ink and added “Best Wishes”. Finding Hodges bats from his Brooklyn days are difficult. This PSA/DNA GU10 graded example easily ranks among the finest examples the hobby has ever seen. LOA from John Taube of PSA/DNA (GU10). Additional full LOA by PSA/DNA (auto.).
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