| Greg Gibson | |
|---|---|
Gibson in 2011 |
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| Born | October 2, 1968 |
| Occupation | MLB umpire |
| Height | 5' 10" inches |
| Weight | 190lb. |
Gregory Allan Gibson (born October 2, 1968 in Ironton, Ohio) is an umpire in Major League Baseball who has worked in the National League from 1997 to 1999 and throughout both major leagues since 2000. Throughout his career, he has worn the number 53 on his uniform. Gibson has worked six Division Series (2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2011), one League Championship Series (2005), one World Series (2011), and the 2008 All-Star Game. He was the home plate umpire for Randy Johnson's perfect game on May 18, 2004, as well as Tim Wakefield's 200th win.[1] Before reaching the major leagues, he umpired in the Appalachian League (1991), Florida Instructional League (1991 and 1994), South Atlantic League (1992), Florida State League (1993), Eastern League (1994–1995) and International League (1996–1999).
On September 3, 2008, Gibson was the home plate umpire for MLB's first use of instant replay.
Gibson's crew for the 2009 season included Ted Barrett, Andy Fletcher, and Tim McClelland (crew chief). His crew for the 2010 season included Sam Holbrook and Gerry Davis (crew chief).
On Monday, August 23, 2010, while serving as first-base umpire, Gibson made a key call in the 8th inning of the Astros-Phillies game. Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard fielded a bunt by Michael Bourn and dove to tag Bourn. Bourn veered to avoid the tag, then proceeded to first base where he was called safe. Howard was convinced he had applied the tag. Though replays indicate the tag was never applied, Gibson ruled Bourne had not gone outside the three-foot basepath allowed him under MLB rule 7.08(a)(1).[2] Gibson was criticized for not asking for help in making the call from the home plate umpire, who had a good angle on the play. However, as the runner's lane call is the home plate umpire's call to begin with, this criticism was a moot point.[3]