WASHINGTON — In this 50th anniversary season of the Miracle Mets, their manager won’t be forgotten.
To that end, the team on Friday announced plans for Gil Hodges Jr. to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the home opener on April 4 at Citi Field. Gil Hodges Sr. was the team’s manager for the World Series-winning season in 1969.
The ceremony will also mark what would have been Hodges’ 95th birthday. The U.S. Marine and former first baseman died suddenly before the 1972 season.
Hodges’ widow, Joan, is scheduled to attend the ceremony.
“It’s because of Gil’s leadership that we really changed everything around,” said former Mets first baseman Ed Kranepool, who is scheduled to catch the first pitch.