 Hodge spent the 1970 season with the Savannah Indians, where he hit .291 with nine home runs, 66 runs batted in, and 13 stolen bases.Hodge was signed by the Cleveland Indians in 1971 and received an invitation to spring training.During spring training, he was given an endorsement by Indians minor league manager Ray Hathaway, who said of him, "He has more hustle, desire, determination, and fan appeal than any player in our organization."