Here is the cover letter that accompanies the petition, the notable signers list, and the Scott Russell study: To Members of the Golden Era Committee: It is my honor to forward to you a petition with 3,231 signatures supporting the election of Gil Hodges to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The signers include men and women from every corner of this great country who span all age groups. Some of them watched Gil patrol first base at Ebbets Field; some looked on with wonder and delight as the Miracle of 1969 unfolded; some were born after his passing, but know of him through memories passed down from a parent or grandparent. This is part of the beauty of baseball--its unique power to span and link generations. All of these fans earnestly ask you to select this man, who, as the petition states, eminently qualifies for the honor under every one of the criteria set forth by the Hall’s own Board of Directors. In addition to a printout of the entire roster of signers, I am including a list of some of the more prominent individuals and organizations on the list. You will find several former major league players; Pulitzer Prize-winning sportswriters; Emmy award-winning broadcasters; reporters who have covered the game for many years; and historians who have studied it with great care and devotion. They are all united in the belief that Gil Hodges has earned this recognition. He has come close so many times—more votes than any other candidate in BWAA history not yet enshrined, the highest percent vote of any BWAA candidate ever not to be elected (63 percent, since exceeded by Jack Morris), higher finishes than more than twenty candidates since elected, missing by a single vote in the 1993 Veterans Committee balloting—that his fans feel justified in the hope his time has finally come. These petition signers join many others of note who have endorsed Gil Hodges for the Hall of Fame through the years, including Hall members Willie Mays, Ralph Kiner, Tom Seaver, Joe Torre, Yogi Berra, Jim Palmer, Tommy Lasorda, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, Don Drysdale and Pee Wee Reese. Vin Scully, who has witnessed more National League games than any man in history, has said more than once he doesn’t know why Gil Hodges isn’t in the Hall of Fame. This package also includes sixteen copies, one for each committee member, of a comprehensive study of Gil’s qualifications for the Hall by Scott Russell. This document provides overwhelming documentary proof that Gil belongs in Cooperstown. Our campaign has been watched with interest by members of the Hodges family—his children, his grandchildren, and by his widow Joan, who celebrated her 88th birthday a few weeks ago. Make no mistake—Gil earned this honor with his performance on the field and in the dugout. But wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if the entire Hodges clan could gather on the podium at Cooperstown next July to celebrate his enshrinement? Given that Gil spent the majority of his playing and managing career in the two largest media markets in the country, and the fact that he retains a large and loyal following so many years after his passing, it’s likely to be a very large and very appreciative crowd looking on. On behalf of this wonderful family, on behalf of every one of these players, reporters, historians and fans, as well as on my own behalf, I respectfully request your vote to support Gil Hodges for the Hall of Fame. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,
Posted on: Fri, 14 Nov 2014 16:54:48 +0000
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