Gil Hodges’ last two seasons as a player were spent with the then expansion New York Mets franchise. They were lean years as the new team played in the shadows of not only the cross-town New York Yankees, but also the ghosts the Giants and Dodgers, who left for the west coast following the 1957 season. These were Hodges’ last seasons before concentrating on managing, a position he proved to be well suited for when he returned to Flushing in 1968 and led the New York Mets to the World Championship in 1969.

                Offered is this Adirondack 123C model bat that was used by Hodges during his last three seasons as a player (1961-1963). This bat displays heavy use and is un-cracked. There are ball marks and stich impressions on the barrel, along with checking or grain swelling from repeated ball contact. Other marks include cleat imprints and black bat rack streaks. The knob has a small piece chipped away and the model number “123C” is stamped on the center of the knob. This bat comes with a LOA from Mears (312408) for the game use and has been graded an A7.5.

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