The back: Gibson is still third-all time in Michigan State history for touchdowns, and fourth in receiving yards.
The player: Gibson was drafted in both baseball and football after college. He chose baseball, and had an excellent career. In 17 seasons, mostly with the Tigers and Dodgers, he hit .268 with 255 HR, 870 RBI and 284 SB. He was a consistent performer who regularly put up good numbers, but rarely great ones; he is considered one of the best players ever who never made an All-Star team. Despite several excellent seasons in Detroit, and a huge home run in the 1984 World Series, he will best be remembered as a Dodger. He came to the Dodgers as a free agent before the 1988 season, and sparked the team to a surprise World Championship. He won the MVP award, as much for his team leadership as for his on-field play. His pinch-hit, game-winning home run in the ninth inning of Game 1 shocked the A's and propelled the Dodgers to an upset series victory, and is one of the most memorable home runs of all time.
The man: Gibson has stayed in baseball as an announcer, coach and manager. He managed the Diamondbacks from 2010 to 2014, going 353-375 and winning the NL West in 2011. He is currently a Tigers announcer. Gibson was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2015, and has a foundation that raises awareness and funding for research on the disease.
My collection: I have 129 of his cards, from 1981 to 1996. I would be interested in trading for 1982 Drake's #15.
My collection:
Listened to Scully call that home run against Oakland several times last week. Painful yet awesome each and every time.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that he never made an All-Star team.
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