Bob Gibson

Pack Robert Gibson (November 9, 1935-October 2, 2020) began his professional career playing baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals and basketball for the Harlem Globetrotters where he was “Bullet Bob Gibson.” Bob Gibson, “Gibby” played his entire 17-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals (1959-1975). Gibson established himself as one of the great power pitchers in his time, brushing batters back and “owning” the plate with two separate fastballs, sliders and sweeping curveballs. In 1968, Gibson posted a remarkable record 1.12 ERA for the season earning him his first of two National League Cy Young Awards, the league’s Most Valuable Player award and his third NL pennant. Gibson appeared in three World Series with the Redbirds, winning the titles in 1964 and 1967, and pitching to a 7-2 record with 92 strikeouts including 17 in Game 1of the 1968 Series. Gibson’s extraordinary performance in the 1968 campaign in often credited for the pitcher’s mound being lowered by five inches in 1969, taking partial advantage back from the pitcher and “leveling the playing field.” Bob Gibson retired with a record of 251-174 adding 3,117 strikeouts and posting a career 2.91 ERA. His 1968 record ERA of 1.12 remains the mark to which pitchers aim. Pack Robert Gibson was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981.

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