1948 Brooklyn Dodgers Team Issue Gil Hodges Signed Rookie Card RC BGS

Introduction

Presented is signed 1948 photo of Gil Hodges, one of the earlier known items that he signed. Hodges was a 2022 posthumous inductee to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The striking image was from the Brooklyn Dodgers Photo Pack from ’48, which was Hodges’ official rookie season. Hodges served as a U.S. Marine in World War II, and he was awarded a Bronze Star. Hodges broke in with the Dodgers in 1947 as a back-up catcher, playing in only 23 games. In 1948, Roy Campanella took over as the Dodgers’ first-string catcher and Hodges was moved to first base. Gil hit .249 that season, with 11 home runs. Hodges hit more home runs than any other right-handed National League batter during the 1950s. He won the first Gold Glove Award for a first baseman in 1957, back when the Gold Glove was an MLB award. Hodges also won the Gold Glove the next two years when it became a league award. He most likely would have won more Gold Gloves, but the award was not instituted until his tenth season as a first baseman. The 8-time All-Star was a part of two Dodgers World Champions, including the only World Championship of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955. Hodges later became a manager, and skippered the amazing Miracle Mets World Champions in 1969. The photo measures approx. 6.5×9″. Hodges signed and inscribed the photo in pen, neatly writing, “Best Wishes/ Gil Hodges.” The signed photo has been encapsulated and BAS certified as “AUTHENTIC AUTOGRAPH.”