Bob Gibson - 1935-2020

"I became a Cardinal fan in 1965 at the age of eight. During my formative years, Mr. Gibson was my favorite Cardinal. When Mr. Gibson took the mound, I knew the Cardinals had a excellent chance of winning. Harry Caray and Jack Buck were the soundtrack of my youth. Many nights, I fell asleep listening to Cardinal games on a transistor radio. My favorite Bob Gibson memory was game one of the 1968 World Series. I arrived home from school just in time to see the top of the ninth inning, when Mr. Gibson stuck out the side to set a World Series record of 17 strikeouts, a record that still stands. It was always a joy to watch Bob Gibson play baseball. If you never saw him play, you missed a blessing. He always played with a purpose and I am grateful for the opportunity to have seen him play."

Turner Hannah - Rogersville, AL

"At age 12 this 5 foot 3 inch left handed Little League pitcher wanted to pitch like Mr. Gibson. Of course that would never happen. So fun during 1964-68 following the Cards and the franchise figure head, (in my opinion). Intensity to the max and demeanor would be understood by me later in life. If it is true he had a sign on his locker that read "I'm not prejudice I hate everybody" that makes me happy. What a competitor and especially the loyalty to an organization. Great qualities for the next life."

Bruce Hanselman - Pleasant Plains, IL

"The greatest pitcher I have ever seen. Simply the best. RIP Gibby!"

Bill Minard - Cleveland, IL

"Loved to watch him pitch! One of the greatest of all."

Jackie Day - Inola, OK

"The greatest Cardinals pitcher in franchise history. I was very young (4 months old) when Bob set the World Series strikeout record in 1968 WS. He will be missed along with Lou Brock. I really love the Opening Day festivities seeing the HOF's parading around the stadium. Opening Day will be different in the years to come."

Robert Ivy Jr - Affton, MO

"I had the distinct pleasure of facing Gibby at a Fantasy Camp in 1992. My first thought while standing in the batter's box was "Oh my God, that's Bob Gibson". Gibby was in his mid 50's back then but he could still "bring it", maybe not like in his great years that were many, but to a 41 year old Cards fan for life, it was at least 100mph. 1st pitch was on the outside corner and all I could do was watch. Randy Hundley was the catcher and he told the next pitch would be in the same location and I'd better be hacking or I'd be sitting. Sure enough, there it was, I got lucky and I lined it over the 2nd baseman's head and it rolled to the wall for an RBI triple. Then he struck out my brother and blamed it all on me! That was a great time, but my best memories are from listening to his stories in the clubhouse after the game was finished. And watching the reverence all of the other former players showed when he arrived and when he worked the room and shook each and every hand. What a GREAT guy! RIP!"

Dan Ganey - St. Louis, MO

"I was born 21 years after Bob Gibson threw his final pitch, yet I can definitely say beyond a shadow of a doubt, no other Cardinal in history made as big of an impression upon me as Bob Gibson did. Gibson was the personification it seemed to me, of fearlessness, strength, perseverance, and most importantly, commitment. As much as I admired Chris Carpenter, it was evident to me that Gibson was on a plane all alone when it came to pure competitiveness. Yet Gibby never showboated, never let anyone know that he was anything other than a stoic man driven towards excellence. I will always remember Gibson with fondness and admiration for as long as I live. Thank you Bob."

Anton Puricelli - Richmond, MO

"Bob Gibson retired before I became a fan of the greatest game ever invented! Gibby exemplified the greatest game ever invented because like the game, win or lose, Gibby played the game until it was over, win or lose, he wouldn't accept a tie! It's probably why he chose baseball, because he knew his personal constitution could never accept stopping play until there was a winner and a loser!"

Kevin McConnell - St. Louis, MO

"Bob was my boyhood hero. Heck Gibby still is! RIP #45"

Paul Grabsky - Irving, TX

"My sincerest condolences to all his family. I prayed for both Lou and Gibby for the past year. I pray now for his family's comfort. I want to share some of my fondest memories. In the 64 World Series against the Yankees, we were watching on tv (I was 10 and my brother was 13), Joe Pepitone was batting and claimed he was hit by the pitch. Gibby disagreed and the umpire gave him first base. The next time Pepitone came to the plate, Gibby threw 3 straight fastballs at his head. Each time, Pepitone hit the dirt to avoid the pain. Then, and this is the part I will always remember, Gibby threw 3 straight perfect strikes (Pepitone couldn't touch 'em) to strike him out! To this day, that at bat is the standard I measure "good pitching" by. As children we loved it (oblivious to the risks of brain injury). In Gibby's defense, Pepitone knew the balls were coming toward his head and hit the dirt successfully; avoided injury all 3 pitches.
Been a Cardinal fan since toddler days. But, my all time favorite team is always remembered as Gibby pitching, McCarver catching, Boyer 3B, Maxvill SS, Javier 2B, Bill White 1B, Shannon RF, Flood CF, and Lou Brock LF. I never miss a game on tv, I (a mother) taught my husband and children all about the game of baseball as my father and brother taught me.
My first in person game was Stan's last season at old Sportsman's park with my dad and uncle. And I had the pleasure of taking my uncle's grandson to his first major league game 2 years ago. These stories are why we love baseball. Families have shared the game through history. Baseball has been there for us through World Wars, terrorist attacks and personal tragedies. I thank the Gibson family for sharing Bob with us. And I hope it is some comfort to know how much he has been revered by us fans. He will be missed."

Susan Klein - Belleville, IL

"I remember watching Bob Gibson, and Lou Brock, in Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia when my dad was stationed at Fort Dix. My dad was a Cub's fan because he was born in Chicago. I remember at the time that whenever I brought up how great a pitcher Bob Gibson was, my dad would always compare him to Ferguson Jenkins of the Cubs. As great as Ferguson Jenkins was, I still think Bob Gibson was better, and it was always a thrill to see him pitch with my dad."

John Bynum - Powell, WY

"I was very blessed to get to spend time with Mr. Gibson. I was not alive when he pitched but heard great stories from my grandpa and dad about Mr. Gibson's courage, his confidence, and mound presence. A complex and intimidating guy. Someone I loved for that, then I had the honor to meet the man. Intimidating indeed, but so kind. We will miss seeing him and talking about everything under the sun. The impact of a man like Gibson moves the earth. My prayers and thoughts are with the Gibson family."

Joshua Hughes - Astoria, MO

"I listened to Cardinal baseball with my grandfather for many years. I venture to say my grandfather was the biggest Bob Gibson and Cardinal fan of all time. When he died in February of 1968 the Cardinals were world champions. Bob Gibson is by far the greatest pitcher in Cardinal history. I was there in 1968 when he shut out the Reds in this classic season. Rest In Peace my friend and may God bless you and your family."

William Smith - Nashville, TN

"He was the best of the best! Thanks for the memories, Bob."

Chuck Wharton - Cedar Park, TX

"May you rest in peace you were a true hero to this 64 year old who listened to the cards on the radio in southern Illinois god bless you."

Jerry Brinkley - Terre Haute, IN

"One of the best pitchers ever to stand on the mound."

David Straeffer - Evansville, IN

"Mr. Gibson made me laugh a few years ago when I was getting his autograph on my HOF baseball. I complimented him on having 255 complete games and 251 wins. Bob said "Those four games I lost were Red Schoendienst's fault". One of the best pitchers ever to stand on the mound."

Thomas Lange - Saint Charles, MO

"Thank you so much for all the memories Mr. Brock. You were a great man on and especially off the field. You will always be remembered as a class act sir. God speed."

John Jones - Troy, MO

"I revered Bob Gibson, period!"

Rick Lopossa - Pekin, IL

"What a privilege to watch him pitch. Very sad day for all of baseball."

Orley Morgan - St. Louis, MO

"Please extend my condolences and prayers for comfort and grace to the Gibson family. I have always appreciated my interpretation of his views on the relationships as a team/ organization member. You could count on him giving his all to achieve the best. Cardinal nation and the USA lost a great American."

Joel Braddock - Memphis, MO

"Gibson was only THE best. I was fortunate to see him pitch in Atlanta against the Braves in 1966. His accomplishments in 1968 will never be matched. What many people may not know was Gibby was an excellent hitter, and the Cardinals on several occasions used him as a pinch-hitter. He also played at least one year for the Harlem Globetrotters. RIP Mr. Gibson. My thoughts & prayers are with your family. The baseball world could use more people like you."

Greg Little - Pearl, MO

"My family was gathered around our den in Dalton, Georgia listening to KMOX through some static as Gibson pitched the opening day game in 1968. Little did I know that my first ever visit to St Louis would come later that year to see "Gibby" strikeout 17 Tigers in another opening experience in the World Series. We arrived in St Louis around 3 a.m. after my dad drove about eight hours to St. Louis (470 miles) after working all day. We parked in the East Deck and walked over to the stadium. Dad found a policeman and told him we needed tickets. The officer said, "wait right here" and somebody appeared a little later and we had left field bleacher tickets for the game. We went back to the car, got some sleep and later that morning went up the Arch. I have the game ticket, scorecard and team picture pennant framed on my office wall. Several years ago the Stadium sold a black and white photo of Gibson pitching, with a signed ball and notations in a custom frame and ball holder. It too, is in my office and when I see it I am reminded of the day, Gibson's accomplishment, a Cardinal win and a great trip with my dad and grandad. Thank you "Gibby" for your personal accomplishments all the great memories of being a long distance Cardinal fan."

Max Caylor - Jasper, GA

"Louisville is my hometown now, but I grew up in St. Louis. Bob Gibson is my all-time favorite player. I have so many fond memories. I had the best high school job ushering for the Cardinals. I was paid to see my favorite player. I was there when he struck out 17 Detroit Tigers in '68. I was there when Roberto Clemente broke his leg. My condolences to Bob Gibson's family, an to baseball fans everywhere."

Keiley Caster - Louisville, KY

"Cardinals Bob Gibson has been an inspirational leader to those of us who have served in the military at the same time. Following his example on the baseball field has afforded us an opportunity to confidently and distinctly lead our own teams, squads, platoons, companies or batteries, battalions and brigades in training and war time missions. He gave us the "You Can Do It" positive attitude to use at the right time when military and family matters seem to overwhelm us. We thank him and wish his family and friends godspeed as we continue to walk in his and example and footprints!"

Harold Burleson - St. Robert, MO

"Watching Gibby as a young boy cemented my love for Cardinal baseball. Even though I didn't live close to St. Louis I admired the teams of the mid 60s from afar. Watching Gibson excel in those world series was a thrill of a lifetime. Never saw a competitor like him in all the years of watching MLB. RIP Gibby and keep pitching inside. Cardinals nation mourns your passing as well as Lou."

Mitch Davis - Weaverville, NC

"I grew to love Bob Gibson as a little girl. My father, being born and raised in St. Louis, was a huge Cardinals fan and I grew up loving them the same. I was so excited at having home openers tickets for this past April's game and seeing Bob Gibson and Lou Brock as they honored the retired players. Of course that did not happen. How very sad that we won't get to do that. God Bless his friends and family at this difficult time."

Debbie Ashurst - Springfield, MO

"There will never be another dominant pitcher like Bob Gibson. He changed pitching. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and Cardinal Nation. He will be sorely miss for being an ambassador for the game and the Cards. He is my favorite all time baseball player and Cardinal."

Mark Gailey - Ochelata, OK

"I will always remember attending the Cardinal games with my dad when Gibson was pitching. I have been a baseball fan ever since those days. I also had the honor to meet him in Cooperstown the year George Brett was inducted. I have a picture with him and an autograph that are proudly displayed in my Women Cave. Rest in peace to a great man who I will always remember as one of baseball's greatest. Prayers for his family."

Dr Brenda Prince - Ste Genevieve, MO

"I grew up listening to Cardinal baseball with my grandfather. My earliest memories are from the 1963 season. From that time on Bob Gibson was my favorite player. There were many great pitchers at that time and I always felt Gibby never got the credit he deserved. 1968 changed that briefly, but then along came Tom Seaver, and again it seemed like Bob didn't get the credit he deserved. I am sure a lot of that was due to being in St. Louis and not New York or LA. I only wear one jersey when I attend a Cardinal game and that is number 45. His intensity was always his greatest strength. Rest in peace, Bob Gibson!"

Charles Ludy - Jefferson City, MO

"To lose this icon on this day is heart wrenching. Bob Gibson & Lou Brock & Stan Musial were the shining lights that have always given the St. Louis Cardinals the guide book on class and integrity. God Bless these men and their families and Thank You Lord for giving them to the St. Louis Cardinal community."

Susan Price - Decatur, IL

"As a young girl, I grew up listening to the Cards games on radio mostly. I'd fall asleep with the transistor radio under my pillow, but never when Bob Gibson and Tim McCarver were the battery. I remember one hot noon game when I was able to go to Busch stadium to watch Bob Gibson and Juan Marichal battle it out with neither giving up a hit. But I wasn't bored; just kept putting out on my score card. What a game! There are so many memories. Thanks Bob, and prayers to your family."

Barbara Wilson - St. Louis, MO

"Bob will forever remain as one of my most cherished of boyhood memories. His greatest season (1968) was my senior year in High School. What a year! I will sorely miss you Bob!"

Michael Neace - Godfrey, IL

"Bob Gibson's 1982 season was the greatest ever. I have been a Cardinal fan since I was 10 Years old when Stan Musial was a rookie. Stan and Gibby were always my favorite players. I arose at 2AM when I was stationed in Thailand in the Air Force in 1985 so I could listen on Armed Forces radio to Gibby pitch game 7 against the Tigers. It broke my heart when Flood didn't catch that fly ball. Throw that slider in heaven for God's team Gibby. Amen."

Charles Franke - Alton, IL

"It has been a tough few years for Cardinals nation. Beginning with Stan Musial and Red Schoendienst and now Lou Brock and Bob Gibson. I never had the opportunity to watch these legends in person but they always felt like family. Rest In Peace Mr. Gibson and thank you for all of the memories."

Ahmad Nasr - St. Louis, MO

"In my opinion Bob Gibson was the greatest pitcher in baseball history. What a hero he is to young and old. The first book I read as a kid(that I chose) was From Ghetto To Glory. Thank you Bob."

Richard Gaskins - East Moline, IL

"Bob Gibson is the reason I fell in love with baseball. 1964, I was 6 years old. No player compares with Gibson. Every time I go to Busch, I have to stop and touch his statue before I enter. Cardinal Nation is heartbroken. Sign Yadi now."

Rosemary Nation - Kincaid, IL