Bob Gibson

Date of Birth: November 9, 1935

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: October 2, 2020

Biography

Bob Gibson, born Pack Robert Gibson, was an American professional baseball pitcher who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals (1959–1975). Known for his fierce competitiveness and legendary fastball, Gibson was one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, and overcame numerous challenges, including poverty and racial discrimination, to achieve greatness in his sport. Gibson’s career is highlighted by numerous accolades, including two Cy Young Awards and an MVP Award. He was a nine-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion, winning the World Series MVP Award in 1964 and 1967. His 1968 season is particularly notable, as he posted a 1.12 ERA, one of the lowest in modern baseball history, and earned the Cy Young and MVP awards. Off the field, Gibson was known for his philanthropic efforts and his work as a baseball broadcaster and coach after retiring as a player. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the sport.

5 Interesting Facts about Bob Gibson

1. Bob Gibson set a World Series record with 17 strikeouts in a single game in 1968.

2. He was a standout basketball player and played for the Harlem Globetrotters before focusing exclusively on baseball.

3. Gibson’s 1.12 ERA in 1968 is the lowest single-season ERA in the live-ball era.

4. He was the first pitcher in Major League Baseball history to strike out 200 or more batters in nine consecutive seasons.

5. The pitching mound was lowered from 15 inches to 10 inches after Gibson’s dominant 1968 season, a change often attributed to his overwhelming success.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bob Gibson

1. “I’ve played a couple of hundred games of tic-tac-toe with my little daughter and she hasn’t beaten me yet. I’ve always had to win.”

2. “When I gave up a grand slam to Pete LaCock, I knew it was time to quit.”

3. “The only thing you know about pitching is you can’t hit it.”

4. “I had what they call the diminishing skills. I was getting older and I was getting slower, and I was getting dumber.”

5. “Why do I have to be an example for your kid? You be an example for your own kid.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Bob Gibson’s net worth was estimated to be around $4 million.

Children

Bob Gibson had two children with his first wife Charlene, whom he married in 1960. They had a daughter named Annette and a son named Christopher. He also had a daughter, Renee, from a subsequent relationship.