Remembering Gil Hodges

When my team (NYM) fades out of existence, I usually go running for the Past to feed my fix.  Yesterday I was in the neighborhood of Ebbets Field (I usually always speak of her in the present *sigh*).  I also went to Holy Cross Cemetery later that afternoon.  Gil Hodges and Edward McKeever rest there.

Back in the early and mid-70's I lived on a block (a dead-end block as we call it ~ GREAT For StickBall!!  I digress) that bordered the cemetery; East 45 Street.  I don't remember but my neighbors in the years since 72' told me of the incredible sight which was the procession bringing Gil to Holy Cross.  It passed our block.  I was 5 yrs old when he left us. 

As I grew up in Brooklyn, I played games at Gil Hodges Little League Field on Shell Road.  I used to hang out as a teenager and "actually bowl" (just because it was close to the house I suppose) in Gil Hodges Lanes when it was still located on Ralph Avenue.  Upon entering the Bowling Alley immediately on the left was a display case with some memorabilia including one of Gil's GOLD GLOVE Award trophy.  Gil Hodges Lanes is now in a different part of the neighborhood over on Mill Lane.  I plan on checking to see if they brought the display over with it.  When I speak of Ralph Ave I'm speaking 25+ years ago.  So I'm going to look into that.

I used to and still go to Jacob Riis Park/beach in the Rockaways.  It's just on the other side of the Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge.  That bridge connects Brooklyn with the Rockaways.

Gil Hodges remains, Still, a real part of our lives in Brooklyn.  OldBrooklynFan ~ Don't you agree?

A drive down Bedford Avenue towards SheepsHead Bay to get some clams or fried Calamari? -  Are you kiddin me?  Fugheddaboudit!  Every Time I drive on Bedford Avenue my mind wanders to another time and place.  The grip is strong on this Grasshopper.  Bedford Avenue is Gil Hodges Way.

Joan Hodges, his beloved wife, still manages to attend a Brooklyn Cyclones (NYM-A class) in Coney Island every once in a while.  Gil Hodges' number 14 is proudly retired and displayed over the lux boxes at MCU Park along with some other of the Bums.

Yeah...he managed my Miracle Mets to a championship and of course that just adds to his Legend here, but I think you can tell, Gil Hodges still continues to enrich our lives on a daily basis around here.

As a 5 year old and a 6,7,8 and 9 year old I couldn't have been any closer to him or he to me, literally.  He remained a part of my life as I previously explained.   And every drive down Bedford Ave. I feel is an opportunity for me to express my unyielding and never ending respect for the person they called, _

The Quiet Man.

I've been feeling a little 55 Since 55 ' ish lately.

This is also another opportunity to thank Emma over at:

http://crzblue.mlblogs.com/

for sending me the patch.

The Cyclones remember Gil.

*wiki pic ~ Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge

One of my most prized posessions.

*****************************************************

Here Rests Edward J. McKeever;

Dodgers Baseball Club of Brooklyn

Born 1859; Brooklyn ~ Passed 1925; Brooklyn

For OldBrooklynFan, Emma

and Everyone blogging over on

"Inside the Dodgers"

...for your eyes only (kinda).

Mike.BTB