Bob Gibson’s Professional Sports Career
Bob Gibson is a legendary name in the world of sports, having achieved success in both baseball and basketball. He is most famous for his record-breaking baseball career, but did Bob Gibson also play professional basketball?
Early Life and Education
Robert Gibson was born on November 9, 1935 in Omaha, Nebraska. He was raised in a working-class family and had little opportunity to engage in sports as a child. Despite this, he had a natural talent for both baseball and basketball and he was determined to pursue a professional career in either sport.
Gibson attended Creighton University, where he excelled in both sports. He was a star player on the baseball team, setting several records. At the same time, he was also a star player on the university’s basketball team, leading them to two Missouri Valley Conference championships.
Did Bob Gibson Play Pro Basketball?
Despite his success in college, Bob Gibson never pursued a professional basketball career. Instead, he chose to focus on baseball, signing with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1957. He quickly established himself as one of the best pitchers in the league, setting several records and winning two World Series titles.
Gibson’s baseball career spanned 22 years, during which time he was named an All-Star eight times and won the National League Cy Young Award twice. He retired from baseball in 1975 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981.
The Harlem Globetrotters Invitation
Despite never playing professional basketball, Bob Gibson did receive an invitation to join the Harlem Globetrotters in 1959. The team’s owner, Abe Saperstein, was impressed with Gibson’s prowess on the court and offered him a spot on the team.
Gibson was tempted by the offer, as it would have given him the opportunity to travel the world and play basketball for a living. Ultimately, however, he decided to pursue a career in baseball and declined the offer.
Bob Gibson’s Basketball Legacy
Although Bob Gibson never played professional basketball, he still left an indelible mark on the sport. He was a role model for African-American athletes and inspired many young players to pursue their dreams, regardless of the odds.
Gibson’s legacy endures to this day, with many basketball players citing him as an inspiration. His incredible success in baseball has also led to the phrase “Bob Gibson-ing,” which is used to describe a player who dominates on the court.
Did Bob Gibson Play in the NBA?
Despite his success in college, Bob Gibson never played in the NBA. He chose to focus on baseball instead and achieved iconic status in that sport.
The NBA Draft
Bob Gibson was eligible for the NBA draft in 1957, but he was not selected. In fact, he was not even invited to the pre-draft workouts, as teams were already aware that he was planning to pursue a career in baseball.
The ABA
In 1967, the American Basketball Association (ABA) was founded. The league was a rival to the NBA and it provided an alternative for players who had not been drafted by the NBA.
Bob Gibson was eligible for the ABA draft in 1967, but he again opted to pursue a career in baseball and declined the offer.
Bob Gibson’s Basketball Career Today
Bob Gibson’s basketball career is now largely forgotten, although his legacy still lives on in popular culture. He is often cited as an example of an athlete who was successful in multiple sports and his name is still used to describe a dominant player on the court.
The Impact of Bob Gibson’s Basketball Career
Despite his short-lived basketball career, Bob Gibson had a lasting impact on the sport. He was a role model for African-American athletes and inspired many young players to pursue their dreams, regardless of the odds.
A Role Model for African-American Athletes
Bob Gibson was an inspiration to many African-American athletes, as he showed them that they could be successful in multiple sports. He was a role model for those who had been overlooked by the NBA, as he chose to pursue a career in baseball despite the lack of recognition.
An Inspiration for Young Players
Bob Gibson was an inspiration for many young players, showing them that they could achieve success in any sport. His journey from Creighton University to the Hall of Fame was an inspiration for many and his name is still used to describe a dominant player on the court.
Basketball Hall of Fame
Despite never playing professional basketball, Bob Gibson was still honored by the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1973. He was inducted in recognition of his achievements in college basketball and to honor his legacy as a role model for African-American athletes.
Conclusion
Bob Gibson is a legendary name in the world of sports, having achieved success in both baseball and basketball. Although he never played professional basketball, he was still honored by the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1973, in recognition of his achievements in college basketball and his legacy as a role model for African-American athletes. His incredible success in baseball has also led to the phrase “Bob Gibson-ing,” which is used to describe a player who dominates on the court.