TTM Success - Joan Hodges

Joe Buck mentioned her during the World Series broadcast, so I took a chance and sent these two cards to Joan Hodges, widow of Gil Hodges. I figured it was worth a shot, since what I was sending was the above 1989 Topps Turn Back The Clock and the below 1972 Topps checklist. I was excited when I got them both back signed.

She signed both "Mrs. Gil Hodges", and they look pretty cool.

Gil Hodges (b. 1924 - d. 1972) played in the majors in 1943 and 1947 to 1963 for the Dodgers (Brooklyn and LA) and Mets. He had 1,921 hits, 370 home runs and a .273 batting average.  He was an 8-time all star (1949-1955 and 1957) and his best finish in the MVP race was 7th (1957). He was a Gold Glove Award winner in 1957, 1958 and 1959.  Hodges won the World Series with the Dodgers in 1955 and 1959.

Hodges managed the Senators from 1963 to 1967 and the Mets from 1968 to 1971; winning the World Series with the Mets in 1969.  His overall managerial record was 660-763 (.467 win %).

Hodges appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot a maximum of 15 years (from 1969 yo 1983), where he received as much as 63.4%. This is the highest vote % for anyone who did not eventually get elected to the Hall.

I mailed to Mrs. Hodges (who is now 94) on 10/28 and got the cards back today 11/19 for a 22-day TAT.