This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 5/21/2006.
Gil Hodges was 19 years old when he broke into the big leagues with the Brooklyn Dodgers on October 3, 1943. Throughout the 1950s, Hodges’ career gained considerable momentum as he hit at least 30 home runs a season for five consecutive years from 1950 to 1954. During those years he hit 40 or more home runs twice. He also had more RBIs (1,001) during the 1950s than any other player in the league. In addition, he was an eight-time All-Star from 1949-1955 and in 1957. After 14 years in Brooklyn, Hodges and the team moved to the West Coast to begin playing in Los Angeles. He would remain there for three seasons until 1961. On the left front tail of the jersey is the "Spalding" manufacturer's tag. Attached to that is an additional manufacturer's tag with the jersey size "44" on it. Below that is "Hodges 59" in script embroidered in blue. Across the front of the jersey is "Dodgers" in script in blue felt. Below that on the left is the player number "14" in red felt. On the back of the jersey is the player number "14" in blue felt. On the inside back waistband is the "Spalding" manufacturer's tag. Attached to that is an additional manufacturer's tag with the pants size "36" waist on it. Next to the "Spalding" tag are two additional tags, a wash instructions tag and a "27" Inseams" tag. Above the "Spalding" tag is "Hodges 27 ins" embroidered in blue. On the inside back waistband is an additional manufacturer's flag tag with "1959 SET 1" on it. The jersey and pants show light game-use and appear to have no alterations of any kind. We have a photo on file from the 1959 World Series showing Hodges in a Spalding jersey, possibly this exact Spalding manufactured jersey. Accompanied by an additional LOA.