The World Series-winning manager of the New York Mets and Hall of Famer Gil Hodges’ widow, Joan Hodges, passed away after a protracted illness.
She passed away on Saturday night, 10 days before turning 96, according to the team. Before their matchup with Pittsburgh on Sunday, the Mets observed a moment of grief and paid homage.
In July, Gil Hodges was officially inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame. He hit 370 home runs in a big league career spent mostly with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, then managed the 1969 Miracle Mets to the franchise’s first title.
Gil Hodges died of a heart attack at age 47 in 1973.
“We are so thankful that Joan was able to see Gil inducted into the Hall of Fame in July,” Mets president Sandy Alderson said in a statement. “That meant so much to hear and the entire Mets and Hodges family.”
Gil and Joan Hodges’ daughter, Irene, spoke during the induction on July 24 at Cooperstown on her father’s behalf.
“Today I am especially happy for my mother,” Irene said. “When the call came from the Hall of Fame . I began sobbing probably as much as I did when I lost my father. I was so beyond happy for him and thrilled that my Mom at 95 would be able to hear this news.”
