Gil Hodges: Charlie Dressen's Failed Bribe and a Congregation's Prayers

Gil Hodges had two qualities that are necessary for every manager.

Hodges had great strength, and he had the ability to inspire.

The former Brooklyn Dodgers first baseman had the reputation of being a nice guy. But people knew not to try and take advantage of Gil Hodges.

When he learned that Hodges was the new Mets manager, a happy Pee Wee Reese told reporters, "It's a good thing he's a nice guy. With his strength, he had to be a peacemaker."

Reese told the story of the time that he and Chicago Cubs first baseman Dee Fondy had a disagreement. Fondy, who was on first base, started moving toward Reese, who was at his shortstop position.

Brooklyn Dodgers first baseman Hodges ended it before it started. Hodges grabbed Fondy by his uniform shirt, lifting him into the air.

"I don't know where you're going Dee," Hodges quietly told  the 6'3'' Fondy, "but you're not going near Pee Wee."

During his tenure as the Washington Senators manager, Hodges had been ejected for disputing calls twice. During his playing career, he had never been thrown out of a game, which didn't please Brooklyn manager Charlie Dressen.

"I'll give you $50 if you get thrown out," Dressen told Hodges, thinking that Hodges would be more dangerous if he were angry. Hodges merely smiled.

The 1952 World Series was a nightmare for Hodges and Brooklyn. He set a record by going hitless in 21 at-bats as the New York Yankees beat Brooklyn.

After his discouraging World Series performance, Hodges started out 1953 in a slump. On a May Sunday, a priest in Brooklyn  spoke to his congregation:

"It's too hot for a sermon. Keep the commandments and say a prayer for Gil Hodges."

Something must have worked. Hodges hit .302/.393/.550 with 31 home runs and 122 RBIs that season.