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Old 03-25-2019, 08:33 PM   #12
HerbD
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Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Indiana
Posts: 851
HBL Hall of Fame: Making a case for Ron Hodge



originally posted by Scott Fite:

Ron Hodge made his retirement official, ending the career of one of the league's greatest players of all time.

After being drafted 4th overall out of Michigan State, Hodge played 17 years in Bay City, spending his entire career with the organization. And what a career it was! Hodge hangs up his spikes with a lifetime slash of .328/.472/.562. He was a 10-time All-Star, 9-time Player of the Month, and won the North Hitter of the Year twice, while finishing in the top three of the voting an amazing 8 times.

Hodge was part of three Heartland Series championships for Bay City, winning it all in 2004, 2006 and 2007. He was named the MVP of the 2006 series.

Hodge won 7 Silver Slugger awards at first base, fitting since getting to first base was his specialty. Hodge led the HBL in On Base Percentage four straight years, setting a record with a .540 OBP in 2003, a record that still stands today. That season he also set a league record with 10.4 WAR, a mark that has since been topped by just one man, David Howard. Hodge has 1,875 walks, ranking behind just Howard and Greg O'Finegan.

Among the career leader boards, Hodge is 7th in WAR (103.3) and 3rd in OPS (1.034). Among retired players he is first in OBP and 12th in batting average. While Hodge was an amazing pure hitter, he could hit for power as well. Nine times he was among the top 10 home run hitters in the North, finishing with 397 bombs (16th among all HBL players) and Hodge has the 12th highest slugging percentage among all retired players.

Hodge was an amazing blend of professional contact hitter, a keen eye, and raking power. He even won a Best Fielder award in 2009, to complete his reputation as one of the most well-rounded ball players the HBL has ever seen.

Thanks for the amazing career, Mr. Hodge. Looking forward to seeing your plaque in the Hall of Fame!

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