1859. GIL HODGES (1924-1972) Baseball Hall of Famer, best remembered for his coaching of the "Miracle" Mets of 1969. Good content A.L.S. "Gil", 1p. 8vo., Mar. 27, 1959 to Major League Baseball executive Frank Slocum. Hodges sends checks and cash contributions to a baseball welfare fund Slocum had established, adding: "I'm hoping we can get started and be ready for this winter. Will call you as soon as I can talk to Ralph. Take care of everything...". Trimmed at bottom, else fine. After a dismal 1958 season, things turned around in 1959 as the Dodgers captured another NL title, with Hodges contributing 25 HRs and 80 RBI and hitting .276. His hitting helped the Dodgers win the Series in six games the same year. $250-350