1957 Gil Hodges "Players Popularity Award" Presented By His Teammates on "Gil Hodges Day" Signed

Sold For:

$15,275

Year:

1957

Auction:

2008 Spring

Lot #:

983

Category:

Autographed Baseballs/Flats/Photos

Offered here is one of the most impressive and desirable 1950s Brooklyn Dodgers signed display pieces in existence: the "Players Popularity Award" presented to Gil Hodges by his teammates on his special day, July 19, 1957, at Ebbets Field. The stunning presentation piece features color photos of Hodges and thirty-three other team members, including clubhouse personnel, laminated upon a large wooden plaque. Ideally, the award has been signed on the reverse in vintage blue ink by all thirty-three team members pictured on the piece. Each person's signature appears on a strip of tape that has been affixed to the reverse in a pattern that corresponds to the location of the respective person's photograph on the front. The photo/signatures represented here are those of Roy Campanella, Duke Snider, Pee Wee Reese, Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Walt Alston (Mgr.), Billy Herman (coach), Don Zimmer, Sandy Amoros, Gino Cimoli, Randy Jackson, Rube Walker, John Roseboro, Bob Kennedy, Elmer Valo, Charlie Neal, Ed Roebuck, Dan McDevitt, Don Bessent, Clem Labine, Don Newcombe, Carl Erskine, Roger Craig, Johnny Podres, Sal Maglie, Carl Furillo, Junior Gilliam, Greg Mulleavy (coach), Charlie DiGiovanni (bat boy), Jake Pitler (coach), Doc Wendler (trainer), Senator Griffin (clubhouse attendant), and Joe Becker (coach). The front of the plaque is beautifully lettered in grand calligraphic style "Players Popularity Award - Presented to Gil Hodges - On the occasion of his Honor Night - For having won the respect and admiration of all who played with or against him through many consecutive years of distinguished competition. - For his outstanding ability, genuine talents and sincere and unending devotion to our national pastime. - For his character, generous understanding of his fellowman on and off the baseball diamond and for his complete sportsmanship in the best tradition of a true American - Tendered by The Members of The Brooklyn Dodgers Baseball Club - July 19th 1957 - Ebbets Field - Brooklyn, New York." This piece was originally obtained years ago directly from Gil Hodges' daughter Irene and is accompanied by a handwritten letter from her (on her mother's personal stationery) to the original owner attesting to its provenance. The plaque is also accompanied by an original 8 x 10-inch black-and-white photo picturing Pee Wee Reese personally presenting this very award to Gil Hodges on the field during the special ceremonies at Ebbets Field on July 19, 1957. Also accompanying is a copy of a different 8 x 10-inch photo of Hodges receiving this award. Both photos are perfect for display alongside the award. The signatures range in grade from "8" to "10"; however, many of the tape strips have toned and faded with age. Two of the signature strips have torn, affecting the signatures of Labine and Bessent. The plaque (16.75 x 23 inches) remains in Near Mint condition. This was obviously a very special keepsake for the team and for Gil Hodges. 1957 was the Dodgers' final year in Brooklyn and this award, presented to one of the most popular players in team history, is an outstanding team-signed piece from that historic season, the ultimate Brooklyn Dodgers Gil Hodges piece, and a simply extraordinary keepsake representing the end of the legendary glory years of 1950s Brooklyn baseball. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $10,000. Estimate (open). SOLD FOR $15,275.00