The day Gil Hodges died changed Mets history forever

They’d already played 18 holes that sunny Easter Sunday, hit the first tee at Palm Beach Lakes Golf Course shortly after Mass, and after lingering over a light lunch thought, Might as well play nine more.

They would have preferred everyone to work, but the day before baseball players had gone on strike, leaving Gil Hodges with no team to manage and his three closest friends – Joe Pignatano, Eddie Yost and Rube Walker – all coaches on his Mets staff nothing but time available.

In the afternoon sun, Hodges consistently outperformed his playing partners despite struggling with his short game.

“Sometimes,” Hodges said, eventually smiling, “I think I’m too strong for this game.”