Detroit Tigers

Date of birth: May 28, 1957 Pontiac, MI

High School:  Waterford-Kettering HS (Waterford, MI)

College: Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)

Nickname: Gibby.

First Impression; At the time this was just another card. Gibson didnt get to my radar until 1984 and thats when I started knowing what a Rookie card was an was so happy to find 1981 Gibson in my collection once he hit the big time.

Career stats player: I couldnt believe it but Gibson was never an All-Star, I guess as an outfielder he had a hard time breaking through the Fred Lynn, Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield barrier. He was named to the All-Star team twice as a reserve, in 1985 and 1988, but declined the invitation both times. He didnt start making noise until 1981, that year he hit .328 and it was on. He had consecutive seasons of more than 11 homers from 1981-1988. His career average was .268 with 255 homers. He was a gamer though sometimes to his detriment, staying healthy was sometimes an issue. If Molitor was The Ignitor, Gibson was Mr. Clutch.

All Time Stat: He hit one other homer off Eckersley in 1982. Overall in his career he was .242 vs Eck. He backed up that ’84 ring with the one in ’88 with LA.

Career stats manager: 353-375. He became the Diamondbacks’ bench coach in 2007 and was promoted to interim manager in 2010 following the mid-season dismissal of A. J. Hinch. On October 4, 2010, the Diamondbacks removed the “interim” label, naming Gibson their manager for the 2011 season. He served as the Diamondbacks’ manager until September 26, 2014. He led them to their first NL West Division Title in 2017 with a 94-68, winning manager of the year. Then they slipped back and had back to back .500 season and then in 2014 before the end of the season (159 games in) they went 63-96 and the Dbacks let him go.

Fun Fact: In 21 postseason games, he batted .282 (22 for 78) with 13 runs, two doubles, seven home runs, 21 RBI, nine stolen bases and 12 walks.

Ever a Future Star?  No

Rookie or final card? This was his rookie card.

Hall of Fame? Number retired? He is a Dodgers Legend.

Links to stories including Kirk Gibson.

*wikipedia