Greg Gibson (umpire)
| Greg Gibson | |
|---|---|
 Gibson in 2011 | |
| Born |
October 2, 1968 Ironton, Ohio |
| Occupation | MLB umpire |
| Height | 5' 10" inches |
| Weight | 190lb. |
Gregory Allan Gibson (born October 2, 1968) 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.
Umpiring career
Gibson has worked six Division Series (2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2011), three League Championship Series (2005, 2012, 2013), 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).
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).
Controversy
During the 2005 NLCS, a series of contested calls brought fans and sports writers to wonder again whether instant replay would be a good move for Major League Baseball. For Gibson's part, he didn't see a ball hit off of Mark Grudzielanek's foot while he was still in the box, which would have been a foul ball. Instead, Grudzielanek grounded out to pitcher Roy Oswalt for the first out of the home half of second inning. [2]
In the 2009 ALDS, Gibson was alleged to have ruled incorrectly on a baserunner coming into third base.[3]
On April 24, 2010, in the 12th inning, with the Minnesota Twins leading 9-7, two outs, and the tying run at the plate for the Royals, Willie Bloomquist hit a ground ball to shortstop, where J.J. Hardy bobbled the ball and threw to second base, where Scott Podsednik was clearly safe, meanwhile Gibson called him out, ending the game and giving the Twins a 9-7 win. Royals manager Trey Hillman came out to argue after the point, but there was no point in it, as the game had already ended.
Injuries
On August 15, 2012, Gibson left a game between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Cleveland Indians after he was slashed near the left eye by Torii Hunter during a play at the plate. Gibson was not seriously injured.[4] After his departure, minor league fill-in and first base umpire Manny Gonzalez assumed home plate umpiring duties as the crew worked in a three-person alignment for the remainder of the contest.[5]
Notable games
On September 3, 2008, Gibson was the home plate umpire for MLB's first use of instant replay.
Gibson was chosen as one of the umpires for the one-game Wild Card playoff between the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers on October 5, 2012.[6]
See also
References
- ↑ "Greg Gibson – 53". MLB.com. Retrieved 15 August 2010.
- ↑ Instant replay is bad for baseball - columnist - ESPN
- ↑ More bloopers by men in blue: Ump misses call on Mauer fly ball - MLB - Sporting News
- ↑ Gonzalez, Alden. Umpire Gibson exits after freak play at the plate. MLB.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2012.
- ↑ "Injury: Greg Gibson Spiked in Face after Slide at Home Plate". Close Call Sports. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
- ↑ Umpires for Wild Card Games, Division Series announced Darling, Kellogg Will Serve As Crew Chiefs for Wild Card Games; Davis, DeMuth, Gorman and West Assigned to Lead Division Series Crews. MLB.com. Retrieved October 5, 2012.