Ron Hodges – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Ron Hodges spent 12 seasons behind the plate for the New York Mets, quietly becoming one of the most dependable backup catchers in franchise history. Born in Rocky Mount, Virginia, Hodges carved out a steady career during one of the most turbulent periods in Mets history. He provided stability as the team cycled through seven different managers and endured multiple last-place finishes.

Hodges retired in 1984 after spending his entire Major League Baseball career with the Mets. He caught 445 games and finished with a .342 on-base percentage, even though he hit just .240. His time with the team stretched from the memorable 1973 pennant race through the early 1980s rebuilding years. He saw both the highs and lows in Queens.

What set Hodges apart? He stayed loyal to the Mets and always managed to step up when the team needed him, whether as a pinch hitter or behind the plate. His journey from a small Virginia town to Shea Stadium shows how a player can make the most of every opportunity. He became a respected figure in the clubhouse, sticking it out through the franchise’s darkest days and rare moments of hope.

Early Life and Amateur Baseball

Ronald Wray Hodges was born on June 22, 1949, in Rocky Mount, Virginia. He grew up in a big family, and his dad worked as a furniture maker.

His high school baseball career at Franklin County High School really showed off his versatility. He pitched and caught, earning enough attention to land a college scholarship at Appalachian State University.

Family Background and Childhood

Ronald Wray Hodges arrived on June 22, 1949, in the small rural town of Rocky Mount, Virginia. The place stayed pretty steady at about 4,800 residents during his childhood.

He was the seventh of nine kids in Daisy and Tony Hodges’ household. Tony, his dad, made furniture to support the family.

Growing up in Rocky Mount shaped Hodges’ early years. The small-town vibe and close-knit community definitely influenced him during the 1950s and early 1960s.

Life in a big family taught Hodges patience and how to get along with others. Those traits came in handy once he started playing baseball for real.

Franklin County High School Baseball Career

At Franklin County High, Hodges showed off some serious versatility on the baseball field. He played both pitcher and catcher for his school team.

Frank Ciamillo coached Hodges and quickly recognized his potential. Ciamillo didn’t just coach—he became a mentor and really pushed Hodges to think bigger.

Ciamillo even drove Hodges to North Carolina to visit colleges and help him land a scholarship. Hodges later said, “He saw talent in me. He hauled me to North Carolina to visit colleges to get a scholarship. If I didn’t do that, I probably would have been in the Army and gone to Vietnam.”

That moment changed everything for Hodges. Without his coach’s help, he might have ended up in the military instead of chasing a baseball dream.

Success at Appalachian State University

Hodges took a scholarship to play baseball at Appalachian State University. At college, he focused on catching, which ended up being his spot for good.

The Appalachian State Mountaineers gave Hodges the chance to develop as a catcher. The program helped him sharpen his defense and learn the ins and outs of managing a game.

While at Appalachian State, Hodges caught the eye of pro scouts. He got drafted three times while playing for the Mountaineers, which says a lot about how much people noticed him.

The New York Mets finally signed him, offering a modest bonus and picking him in the free agent draft on January 12, 1972.

His college experience at Appalachian State really set the stage for his pro career. The coaches there helped him toughen up mentally and work on the skills he’d need to survive in pro ball.

Professional Beginnings and Path to the MLB

Ron Hodges’ journey from small-town Virginia to the big leagues started at Franklin County High and wound its way through Appalachian State University and several minor league teams before he landed with the New York Mets.

Draft History and Minor League Journey

At Appalachian State University, Hodges played catcher for the Mountaineers. His high school coach, Frank Ciamillo, played a big part in getting him to college by helping him visit schools and find a scholarship.

The draft process wasn’t easy at first. Hodges got picked three times by different teams but didn’t sign with any of them. He kept at it, and the Mets finally offered him a contract in the free agent draft on January 12, 1972.

He kicked off his pro career with the Pompano Beach Mets in the Class A Florida State League in 1972. Hodges hit .256 with a .380 on-base percentage over 112 games. That strong debut showed he could be a solid catcher.

Next, Hodges moved up to Double-A with the Memphis Blues. His batting average dipped to .173 in 47 games, but he still managed a .316 on-base percentage. He found ways to get on base, even when the hits weren’t dropping.

Tidewater Tides and Minor League Development

The Tidewater Tides played a big role in Hodges’ growth as a professional player. He spent a lot of time with the International League team, the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate.

In 1975, Hodges split time between the majors and Tidewater. He played 95 games for the Tides, hitting .266 with a .372 OBP. His performance helped Tidewater win the Governors’ Cup, the International League title.

Hodges made a key decision in the minors. He chose to accept a backup role in the big leagues instead of starting in the minors. That choice really shaped where his career went.

His experience at Tidewater taught him a lot about pro baseball. The competition there got him ready for what he’d face in the National League.

Major League Career With the New York Mets

Ron Hodges played his entire 12-year MLB career with the New York Mets from 1973 to 1984. He mostly worked as a backup catcher, debuting during the team’s memorable 1973 pennant run. Throughout his career, he became a steady defensive presence behind the plate at Shea Stadium.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Hodges made his major league debut on June 13, 1973, at age 24, in a 3-1 Mets win over the San Francisco Giants. The Mets had two catchers on the disabled list, so manager Yogi Berra called him up from Memphis.

The rookie catcher came to the Mets in the Secondary Phase of the 1972 MLB January Draft out of Appalachian State. He’d only spent one season in pro ball before getting the call.

Career Statistics (1973-1984):

• Games Played: 12 seasons
• Batting Average: .240
• On-Base Percentage: .342
• Primary Position: Catcher

Hodges said he felt nervous when his first game started, but he settled down pretty fast. Tom Seaver even noted that he only shook off Hodges’ signs about a quarter of the time.

In his rookie year, Hodges played 45 games and hit .260 with a .314 OBP during the Mets’ wild pennant chase.

Role as Catcher and Defensive Presence

Hodges made his mark as a dependable backup catcher who brought stability during some rough years for the Mets. He rarely played 100 games in a season, but managers valued his defense and his knack for handling pitchers.

Key Defensive Attributes:

• Solid game-calling
• Reliable behind the plate
• Good communication with pitchers
• Left-handed hitter

Pitcher Jon Matlack, who won National League Rookie of the Year in 1972, praised Hodges’ prep work and dependability. “When Ron played, I was confident that we were prepared to go to war,” Matlack said.

Hodges worked with pitchers in pre-game meetings to plan for opposing hitters. He helped Mets pitchers navigate lineups that included guys like Mike Schmidt, Pete Rose, and Dale Murphy.

Managers trusted his steady defense throughout his career. Tom Seaver even asked for Hodges to catch his first game back with the Mets on Opening Day 1983.

Significant Games and Career Highlights

Hodges’ most memorable game came on September 20, 1973, in a wild 13-inning battle against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In the 13th, he tagged Richie Zisk out at home on the famous “Ball on the Wall” play.

Cleon Jones fielded a ball off the fence, fired to Wayne Garrett at third, and Garrett threw home to Hodges for the out. Then, in the bottom of the 13th, Hodges singled in the game-winner.

Notable Career Moments:

• Broke up Ron Schueler’s no-hitter with a 9th-inning single in July 1973
• Played in the 1973 World Series against the Oakland Athletics
• Caught Tom Seaver’s return game in 1983
• Part of “Bambi’s Bandits” under manager George Bamberger

During the 1973 pennant race, Hodges joined in the “Ya Gotta Believe” campaign that pushed the Mets to their second World Series appearance. The team won the NL East with an 82-79 record.

Hodges played his last game on September 30, 1984, against the Montreal Expos. He spent his whole career at Shea Stadium with the New York Mets.

Versatility, Team Roles, and Relationships

Ron Hodges built a 12-year career by mastering the backup catcher and pinch hitter roles. His strong relationships with pitchers and his ability to handle all sorts of game situations made him a valuable teammate throughout the Mets organization.

Backup Catcher and Pinch Hitter Duties

Hodges mostly backed up the Mets’ main catchers, first Jerry Grote and then John Stearns. He played in 445 games over 12 seasons, rarely topping 100 games in a year.

His job meant he always had to be ready, even when he wasn’t playing much. “It’s extremely tough to come off the bench to play in the game or pinch hitter,” Hodges said. “There’s a huge adrenaline rush.”

He figured out ways to handle the nerves. Early on, he’d shake and his heart would race when he got called in. Hodges learned to take deep breaths and calm himself down.

Key Statistics:

• .240 career batting average
• .342 on-base percentage
• 19 home runs
• 147 RBIs

Manager George Bamberger trusted Hodges as part of “Bambi’s Bandits,” a group of veterans used in tough spots. That trust led to Hodges playing 80 games in 1982, which was one of his busiest years.

Working with Pitching Staffs and Team Leaders

Hodges built strong relationships with Mets pitchers by preparing carefully and managing games with a steady hand.

He worked side by side with stars like Tom Seaver and Jon Matlack, and they respected him for his consistent performance.

“He was a very solid guy who did what needed to be done,” pitcher Jon Matlack remembered. “When Ron played, I was confident that we were prepared to go to war.”

The catcher-pitcher relationship took a lot of work.

Hodges and his batterymates met before every game to go over scouting reports. They kept notes and memories of opposing hitters close at hand.

“We had meetings before every game to go over scouting reports and past things we remembered about hitters,” Hodges said.

The National League didn’t make things easy, with hitters like Greg Luzinski, Mike Schmidt, and Pete Rose in the lineup.

Notable Moments:

• Seaver asked Hodges to catch his return game in 1983
• Broke up a no-hitter against Atlanta in 1973
• Made a crucial defensive play in the 1973 pennant race

His quiet leadership and deep baseball knowledge made teammates trust him in the clubhouse.

Impact on Mets Fans and Team Legacy

Mets fans respected Ron Hodges for his steady leadership during some of the team’s toughest years.

He stuck with the Mets for 12 seasons, and fans really valued that kind of loyalty.

Leadership and Mentorship

Hodges gave the team stability when the Mets organization seemed to be in constant turmoil.

Seven different managers ran the team during his career, from Yogi Berra to Davey Johnson.

Players came and went, but Hodges stayed.

He became part of “Bambi’s Bandits” under manager George Bamberger, a group of trusted veterans who handled tough situations when regular starters struggled.

Hodges played 80 games in 1982 as part of this group.

His mentorship reached beyond the field.

When Tom Seaver returned to the Mets in 1983, Seaver specifically asked for Hodges to catch his first game back.

“Seaver asked for me to catch his first game back because he wanted a veteran catcher,” Hodges said.

Pitcher Jon Matlack praised Hodges’ preparation and reliability.

“When Ron played, I was confident that we were prepared to go to war,” Matlack said.

“He was quiet and steady. His left-handed bat was also a plus.”

Connection With Mets Fans

Mets fans really appreciated Hodges’ dedication during the franchise’s roughest years.

He stayed loyal through last-place finishes from 1977-79 and 1982-83.

His consistency gave fans some hope when stars like Tom Seaver and Dave Kingman left.

Hodges understood the unique relationship between players and New York fans.

“Mets fans are very aware of how much energy you put into the game and they understand that they get the best that you have to give,” Matlack said about how fans connected with players like Hodges.

Hodges had his most memorable moment during the 1973 pennant race.

He made a crucial tag at home plate in the 13th inning, then hit the game-winner.

“The pennant drive in 1973 was just awesome,” Hodges said.

“The stadium was packed for every game.”

He took a philosophical approach to baseball’s ups and downs, which resonated with fans who stuck with the team through tough years.

Hodges never complained about being a backup or about all the losing seasons.

Retirement, Legacy, and Life After Baseball

Ron Hodges wrapped up his 12-year Major League Baseball career after the 1984 season.

He then moved into real estate, where he worked for 30 years.

His unique achievement—spending his entire MLB career with the Mets—left a real mark on the team’s history.

Retirement in 1984 and Aftermath

Hodges retired after the 1984 season with some impressive numbers for a backup catcher.

He played 666 games and had 1,683 plate appearances over 12 seasons.

His career stats included a .240 batting average and a .342 on-base percentage.

He caught 445 games in a Mets uniform.

At the time, only Ed Kranepool had a longer career spent entirely with the Mets.

Kranepool played 18 seasons, while Hodges played 12.

After baseball, Hodges jumped into real estate and built a successful second career.

Ongoing Influence and Legacy

Hodges stood out as a rare breed in professional baseball.

Most career backup catchers bounce around between teams on short contracts, but he didn’t.

He spent 12 years with one franchise, which is pretty unusual these days.

That kind of loyalty to the Mets really defined his legacy.

Hodges played a part in some big Mets moments, like the 1973 World Series against Oakland.

He only had one plate appearance, but he drew a walk, so technically, he finished with a perfect on-base percentage in World Series play.

He was also the Mets’ Opening Day catcher in 1983.

That game was special because Tom Seaver returned to New York after five years with the Cincinnati Reds.

Hodges died on November 24, 2023, at age 74.

The baseball community, especially Mets fans, felt his loss and remembered how steady he was behind the plate.