The world has lost another baseball star today. New York Mets legend Ron Hodges has passed away at the age of 74. With all 12 of his MLB years spent in Flushing, the former catcher was a backup player but was nonetheless involved in huge team victories. A Mets slugger through and through, he gave his entire baseball career to the New York team even after he had options to leave. Hodges’ old teammates still remember the iconic moments that have forever become etched in the Mets’ history.

Fans and the baseball world at large are reacting to his passing by remembering his contribution to the sport and the impact he had on them in the glorious 70s and 80s.

Ron Hodges: an intricate thread in New York Mets tapestry

Ron Hodges defined an era of the Amazin’ Mets long gone. Unlike some major leaguers, Hodges didn’t mind playing second fiddle. He was famously a player who would cover for others; his debut was marked as a fill-in for injured catchers Jerry Grote and Duffy Dyer. The left-hander was always present when the team needed him, and one of his most famous moments was the “Ball on the Wall” play in his rookie year.

Ex-outfielder Dave Augustine of the SF Giants was at the plate in the 13th inning when he hit a two-out drive that caromed off the left-field wall that was above the 358-foot sign. Then Cleon Jones threw it to Wayne Garrett, and he relayed it to Ron Hodges, all at lightning speed. Hodges tagged Richie Zisk as he was trying to score at home, with the spectacular play forever etched in Mets history.

With a red-hot bat to boast, Hodges may not have been a home run hitter but he had his moments behind the home plate. He even ended up accidentally fracturing the ribs of teammate Craig Swan, trying to throw the ball to tag Tim Raines in a 1981 game but ended up hitting Swan’s right side. It was an unfortunate moment but a memory to remember.

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Hodges’ old teammate Cleon Jones even told ESPN, “I just remember so many key hits he got for us, any time he played, Ron always managed to do something to help us win.” The fan’s emotional reaction too shows the impact that he has left in the baseball world.

Fans pay respect in their final messages to the legend

The Mets faithful remembered Ron Hodges for how he impacted their baseball fandom. One fan said that he was one of the longest-tenured Mets players in their history.

One remembered his interaction with the legend and paid his respects to him.

Even non-Met fans admired Hodges.

This fan got a relic of baseball history and shares it with the world.

He really seems like an anomaly in baseball.

Farewell Ron Hodges. The world will never get another one like you, a true gem in baseball.

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