Gomer Hodge
From BR Bullpen
Harold Morris Hodge
- Bats Both, Throws Right
- Height 6' 2", Weight 185 lb.
- Debut April 6, 1971
- Final Game September 26, 1971
- Born April 3, 1944 in Rutherfordton, NC USA
- Died May 13, 2007 in Saluda, NC USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Gomer Hodge had a remarkable debut in the major leagues with the Cleveland Indians in 1971. Used as a pinch hitter and late-inning substitute, he collected base hits in his first four at bats, including two game-winning hits. He cooled down afterwards, and while he spent all of the season with the Indians, he never played again in the majors afterwards.
Gomer Hodge acquired his nickname "Gomer" after the popular television show Gomer Pyle. Hodge resembled Jim Nabors, the star of the show physically, and, like Nabors's character, spoke with a deep southern accent.
Hodge guided the Gulf Coast Instructional League team for the Expos in 1980.
Hodge was a coach for the Augusta Greenjackets in 1999, GCL Red Sox in 2000, and Pawtucket Red Sox in 2001. Hodge also piloted the Mayos de Navojoa in the Mexican Pacific League winters of 1999-2000, 2002-2003, and 2003-2004.
Gomer Hodge died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) in May, 2007.
[edit] Year-by-Year Managerial Record
| Year | Team | League | Record | Finish | Organization | Playoffs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | San Jose Bees | California League | 45-95 | 6th | Cleveland Indians | ||
| 1981 | Waterloo Indians | Midwest League | 81-55 | 2nd | Cleveland Indians | Lost in 1st round | |
| 1982 | Waterloo Indians | Midwest League | 75-64 | 5th | Cleveland Indians | ||
| 1983 | Waterloo Indians | Midwest League | 76-64 | 3rd (t) | Cleveland Indians | Lost in 1st round | |
| 1984 | Waterloo Indians | Midwest League | 65-74 | 9th | Cleveland Indians | ||
| 1986 | Beloit Brewers | Midwest League | 70-69 | 6th | Milwaukee Brewers | ||
| 1987 | Beloit Brewers | Midwest League | 76-64 | 3rd | Milwaukee Brewers | Lost in 1st round | |
| 1988 | Beloit Brewers | Midwest League | 66-74 | 8th | Milwaukee Brewers | ||
| 1990 | GCL Expos | Gulf Coast League | 40-23 | 1st | Montreal Expos | Lost League Finals | |
| 1995 | West Palm Beach Expos | Florida State League | 19-35 | -- | Montreal Expos | replaced by Rick Sofield (35-46) on June 4 |
