The World of Baseball

Major League Baseball (MLB) has produced great competitors. Whether it’s in the batter’s box or on the mound, the game has been elevated with intense players like Bob Gibson. He spent his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals (1959-1975).

Gibson was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He broke into the big leagues in 1959. Gibson became a full-time starting pitcher in 1961. He made his first All-Star Game in 1962. Gibson helped the Cardinals win the World Series in 1964 against the New York Yankees in seven games.

Gibson won at least 20 games in 1965 and 1966. He would develop a reputation as being a fierce competitor. Gibson was not afraid to throw inside and make hitters uncomfortable. He led the Cardinals to another championship in 1967 against the Boston Red Sox in seven games.

Gibson would have his best season in 1968. He went 22-9 with an ERA of 1.12. You talk about pure dominance. Gibson led the NL in ERA, strikeouts (268), and shutouts (13). He won both the NL CY Young Award and MVP. Gibson struck out 17 batters in Game 1 of the 1968 World Series against the Detroit Tigers.

Gibson would win another NL CY Young Award in 1970. He finished his career with 251 victories. Gibson made 9 All-Star Games. He won 9 Gold Glove awards. He was excellent in the World Series, going 7-2 with a 1.89 ERA in 9 starts. Gibson won two World Series MVPs in 1964 and 1967. Gibson was elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981. He died on October 2, 2020 at the age of 84. Gibson is one of the greatest pitchers in the 20th Century.