GIL HODGES - DOCUMENT SIGNED - HFSID 275384

GIL HODGES
The first baseman and manager revered by Dodger and Mets fans alike signed this contract rider relating to his brief career as an actor
Document Signed: "Gil Hodges" as Artist. One page. 8½x11. Headed: "American Federation of Television and Radio Artists". An addition to a standard AFTRA exclusive agency contract. In part: "Artist shall not be obligated to pay commissions on contracts of employment in existence when this contract is entered into, unless artist signs this rider where indicated below..." Hodges appeared in one feature film,The Geisha Boy(1958), in an uncredited role as a "Los Angeles Dodgers First Baseman". He also made two appearances on Ed Sullivan'sToast of the Townin 1951 and 1959, and was seen on several TV game shows. Hodges (1924-1972) is remembered, however, not as an actor, but as the star first baseman of the Brooklyn (and Los Angeles) Dodgers and manager of the world champion "miracle" New York Mets of 1969. After one at bat for the Dodgers in 1943, Hodges joined the Marines, returning to the team in 1947 for a stellar career through 1961. A consistent RBI machine, Hodges moved from catcher to first base when Roy Campanella arrived and soon earned Gold Gloves at his new position. An original member of the New York Mets (1962-1963, hitting that expansion team's first home run), he went on to manage the Washington Senators (1963-1967) and the Mets (1968-1972), leading the Mets to their first World Championship in 1969. Hodges was voted Manager of the Year after the series victory over a powerful Baltimore Orioles team. Despite being named an All-Star eight times, a World Series champion three times (twice as a player, once as a manager), and a Gold Glover three times, Hodges has not been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Separately, neither his playing career or managerial career are great enough, but together he certainly comes close. The major reasons given for this decision over the years includes his poor career batting average, his spotty playoff performance, and his inability to win an MVP award despite being one of the top players in the 1950s. Lightly creased. Staple holes at upper left corner and margin, two file holes at upper blank margin. Otherwise, fine condition.