#363 - Ron Hodges

What a card: This is the final card issued of Ron Hodges during his career. The last season of his 12-year career with the Mets was in 1984.

My observation on the front: Lots of enjoyable, old-school catching gear in this shot. Hodges is wearing a helmet, not a goalie mask, the grilled chest protector, not modern robocop armor, and the less-forgiving shin guards. Good stuff.

More opinion from me: Yeah, I know the current equipment is safer. Let me have my fun.

Something you might know: Hodges was a long-time backup to Jerry Grote and then John Stearns before getting the run of the show for one year in 1983.

Something you might not know: Hodges was a key figure in the Mets' unlikely September surge to the pennant in 1973. A last place team in August, the Mets were on the verge of first place on Sept. 20 against the Pirates. Hodges delivered the game-winning hit in the 13th inning after tagging out the potential winning run at the plate in the top of the inning. The game was known as the "Ball on the Wall" game as the hit that led to Richie Zisk being thrown out the plate struck the top of the wall and then bounced right to outfielder Cleon Jones, who threw to Wayne Garrett, who relayed to Hodges for the out.

My observation on the back: It's a shame "Dancing With The Stars" wasn't around then.

The blog wants to speak now: The TV category is updated.