In a somber announcement on Friday, a spokesperson for the New York Mets revealed that former Mets catcher Ron Hodges, a stalwart of the team, has passed away at the age of 74. The baseball icon breathed his last at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital after a brief and unexpected illness, leaving behind a legacy that forever etched his name in the annals of Mets history.
Ron Hodges, born in Rocky Mount, Virginia, had an illustrious career entirely devoted to the Mets, having been selected by the team in the second round of the 1972 amateur draft. His journey to the big leagues was swift, making his MLB debut in 1973 during his second season as a professional baseball player.
His career spanned an impressive 12 years, concluding in 1984, and saw him finish with a .240 batting average, 19 home runs, and 147 RBIs. Hodges, a product of Franklin County High School and later Appalachian State became a symbol of resilience and dedication throughout his tenure with the Mets.
Hodges’s introduction to the Mets lineup in 1973 was propelled by injuries to fellow catchers Jerry Grote and Duffy Dyer. His memorable debut on June 13, 1973, just nine days before his 24th birthday, involved catching Tom Seaver’s complete game win over the San Francisco Giants.
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In his rookie season, Hodges showcased his talent by batting .260 with one home run and 18 RBIs. One of his standout moments included a 13th-inning walk-off single against the National League East-leading Pittsburgh on September 20. This pivotal play, forever etched in Mets lore, contributed to the team’s surge to the division lead.
Reflecting on Hodges’s impact, former teammate Cleon Jones remarked, “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.”
While his postseason appearances were limited, with just one plate appearance in the 1973 World Series, Hodges left an indelible mark on the Mets and their fans. In a 2018 interview with the Society for American Baseball Research, he fondly recalled the 1973 season as his favorite memory of his baseball career, particularly the intense pennant drive in September.
Ron Hodges is survived by his wife, Peggy; sons Riley, Gray, Nat, and Casey; and sisters Aubrey, Carmen, Pat, and Donna. Funeral arrangements are pending, and the baseball community mourns the loss of a true legend whose contributions extend beyond the field. Ron Hodges will be remembered not only for his athletic prowess but also for the indomitable spirit he brought to the game he loved.
