Bob Gibson is an American former professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1959 to 1975. He is widely considered to be one of the best pitchers in the history of the game. He was a two-time World Series champion, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, and an eight-time All-Star. But did Bob Gibson play basketball at Creighton University?
History of Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson was born on November 9, 1935, in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up in the projects of Omaha, and attended Technical High School, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. After graduating from high school, Gibson attended Creighton University on a basketball scholarship.
Did Bob Gibson Play Basketball at Creighton?
The answer is yes, Bob Gibson did play basketball at Creighton University. During his time at Creighton, Gibson played both basketball and baseball. He was an All-Conference basketball player, and led the team to the National Invitational Tournament in 1957. Gibson was also an All-American baseball player, and was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 1958 MLB draft.
Why Did Bob Gibson Choose Baseball Over Basketball?
Gibson ultimately chose to pursue a career in baseball rather than basketball. There are a few reasons why this might have been the case. Firstly, Gibson was a better baseball player than he was a basketball player. He was an All-American baseball player at Creighton, and was drafted in the first round of the MLB draft. Secondly, Gibson was offered a significantly larger signing bonus from the Cardinals than he would have been offered by any basketball team.
The Legacy of Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson was one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the game. He was a nine-time All-Star, a two-time World Series champion, and a two-time Cy Young Award winner. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981 and his number 45 was retired by the Cardinals. Gibson is also remembered for his strong competitive spirit and his intimidating demeanor on the mound.
The Impact of Bob Gibson at Creighton
Bob Gibson had a huge impact on Creighton University during his time there. He was an All-Conference basketball player, leading the team to the National Invitational Tournament in 1957. He was also an All-American baseball player, and was the first Creighton player to be drafted in the first round of the MLB draft.
Bob Gibson’s Post-Creighton Career
After graduating from Creighton, Bob Gibson went on to have an illustrious career in Major League Baseball. He spent the entirety of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, and was the first pitcher to win multiple Cy Young Awards. He was also the first pitcher to win three consecutive World Series titles.
The Legacy of Bob Gibson at Creighton
Bob Gibson’s legacy at Creighton is still alive and well today. The school has retired his number 45 jersey and erected a statue of him outside of the baseball stadium. In addition, the school has created an annual award in his honor to recognize a student-athlete who exemplifies excellence in both academics and athletics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bob Gibson did play basketball at Creighton University. He was an All-Conference basketball player, and led the team to the National Invitational Tournament in 1957. He was also an All-American baseball player, and was the first Creighton player to be drafted in the first round of the MLB draft. Gibson ultimately chose to pursue a career in baseball rather than basketball, and went on to have a Hall of Fame career in Major League Baseball. His legacy at Creighton lives on to this day, and his number 45 jersey has been retired by the school.
References
- Creighton University Athletics: Bob Gibson
- Baseball Reference: Bob Gibson
- MLB.com: Bob Gibson
- The Baseball Hall of Fame: Bob Gibson