1957 Gil Hodges Sterling Silver "Popularity Award" Presented By Doger Teammates

On July 19, 1957, the Dodgers and their fans paid homage to their favorite player, Gil Hodges. Included is a photo of Hodges receiving the "Player Popularity Award" from teammates Pee Wee Reese and Carl Erskine, as well as this sterling silver charger, engraved "To Gil Hodges From Teammates, July 19, 1957" with engraved facsimile signatures of 34 of his teammates and coaches, including Robinson, Reese, Campanella, Koufax, Erskine, Podres, Alston, Furillo, Snider, Labine, Drysdale, batboy Charlie DiGiovanna, etc. The photo is signed on back in black sharpie, "Dear Sy, My Very Best Wishes, Mrs. Gil Hodges." There are also two color photos of Mrs. Gil Hodges (Joan) with two other men, one probably is "Sy." In his 16 seasons with the Dodgers, Hodges anchored the lineup during their Brooklyn heyday, hitting at least 30 home runs a season from 1950 to 1954. He knocked 100+ RBIs each year from 1949 to 1955 seasons. Known as the best defensive first baseman in baseball, the six-time All-Star also won Gold Glove for the first three years that they were awarded, 1957-59. Despite these credentials and his immense popularity with fans and teammates, Hodges is not in the Hall of Fame, an enigma. This plate measures 14 ½ inches and is in very good condition overall with some minor scratches.