Gilbert Ray Hodges, ne Hodge was an American first baseman and manager in Major League Baseball who played most of his career for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. The eight time All-Star is generally recognized as the major leagues' most outstanding first baseman in the 1950s, with teammate Duke Snider being the only player to have more home runs or runs batted in during the decade. He was also exceptional defensively, winning the first three Gold Glove Awards and led the National League in double plays four times and in putouts, assists and fielding percentage three times each. He ranked second in NL history with 1,281 assists and 1,614 double plays when his career ended, and was among the league's career leaders in games and total chances at first base. After his playing days, he managed the New York Mets to the 1969 World Series title, one of the greatest upsets in Series history. 

April 4th, 1924 in Indiana  /  Died:   Apr 2nd, 1972 - aged 47