Jim Bibby facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jim Bibby |
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Bibby in 1974
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| Pitcher | |||
| Born: October 29, 1944 Franklinton, North Carolina |
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| Died: February 16, 2010 (aged 65) Lynchburg, Virginia |
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| debut | |||
| September 4, 1972, for the St. Louis Cardinals | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| May 26, 1984, for the Texas Rangers | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Win–loss record | 111–101 | ||
| Earned run average | 3.76 | ||
| Strikeouts | 1,079 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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James Blair Bibby (October 29, 1944 – February 16, 2010) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for 12 years, from 1972 to 1984. Jim Bibby pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a key player for the Pirates when they won the 1979 World Series.
In 1973, Bibby achieved a no-hitter against the Oakland Athletics. This means he pitched an entire game without any opposing player getting a hit. Later, in 1981, he almost pitched a perfect game. He only allowed one hit at the very start of the game, then retired the next 27 batters in a row!
Contents
Playing Career
Starting Out with the New York Mets
Jim Bibby went to Fayetteville State University on a basketball scholarship. He also played baseball for the school team. The New York Mets signed him as a professional player in 1965. He was the only player from his university to reach the major leagues.
After playing a few games in 1965, Bibby served in the United States Army in Vietnam for two years as a truck driver. When he returned to baseball, he played for several minor league teams. In 1970, a serious back injury kept him from playing for a whole season. Many thought his career might be over. But Bibby worked hard and came back strong in 1971. He had his best minor league season, winning 15 games.
Joining the St. Louis Cardinals
Jim Bibby never got to play for the New York Mets. In 1971, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals as part of a big trade involving eight players. He joined the Cardinals' main team in 1972. He had been a top pitcher for their minor league team, the Tulsa Oilers.
Bibby made his first major league start on September 4, 1972. He was 27 years old. He pitched well and earned his first win against the Montreal Expos. He made five more starts that season.
Time with the Texas Rangers
In 1973, Bibby was traded to the Texas Rangers. The Rangers' manager, Whitey Herzog, really wanted him. Herzog said Bibby threw the ball harder than almost anyone else in the league.
On July 30, 1973, Bibby made history for the Rangers. He pitched a no-hitter against the Oakland Athletics. The Athletics were the champions of the 1972 World Series and would win again in 1973 World Series. Bibby struck out 13 batters in that game. Even famous player Reggie Jackson was amazed by Bibby's fast pitches. After this great game, the team owner gave Bibby a $5,000 bonus!
The Rangers had a tough season in 1973, but Bibby was their best pitcher. In 1974, the team improved a lot. Bibby and another pitcher, Ferguson Jenkins, both started a club-record 41 games that year.
Moving to the Cleveland Indians
In 1975, Bibby was traded to the Cleveland Indians. This trade was part of a disagreement between the Indians' star pitcher, Gaylord Perry, and their manager. While with the Indians, Bibby worked with a pitching coach to improve his throwing style. He also learned to throw new types of pitches, like the curveball and slider.
In 1978, Bibby became a free agent. This happened because the Indians did not pay him a bonus he had earned on time.
Winning with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Bibby signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in March 1978. He became a starting pitcher for the team. He had some of his best years with the Pirates, winning 50 games over five seasons.
His most exciting time was helping the Pirates win the 1979 World Series Championship. Bibby pitched very well in the playoffs. He had a low ERA and struck out many batters. He helped the Pirates win Game 2 of the National League Championship Series. In the World Series, he pitched in Game 4 and Game 7, helping his team to victory.
Bibby's best individual season was in 1980. He won 19 games and lost only 6, which was the best winning percentage in the league. He was also chosen for his only All-Star Game that year.
On May 19, 1981, Bibby had another amazing game. He gave up a single hit to the first batter he faced. But after that, he retired the next 27 batters in a row! This was like pitching a perfect game for the rest of the game. He also hit two doubles himself in that game, helping his team win 5-0.
Bibby missed the 1982 season due to a shoulder injury. He played one more season with the Pirates in 1983 before becoming a free agent again.
Final Years and Retirement
Bibby returned to the Texas Rangers in 1984. He pitched in a few games from the bullpen (as a relief pitcher). His last major league game was on May 26, 1984. He was released by the Rangers shortly after.
He then briefly played for a minor league team for the St. Louis Cardinals before ending his playing career in July 1984.
Coaching Career
After his playing career, Jim Bibby became a baseball coach. He earned a college degree in health and physical education in 1980. His first coaching job was with the Durham Bulls in 1984.
From 1985 to 1999, Bibby was the pitching coach for the Lynchburg, Virginia, baseball team. He stayed with the team even as its major league partner changed over the years. In 2002, the Lynchburg Hillcats honored him by retiring his uniform number (26). This was the first time a number had been retired in the city's baseball history. He coached for one more season with the Nashville Sounds in 2000 before retiring from coaching.
Personal Life
Jim Bibby was the older brother of Henry Bibby, who was a famous NBA basketball player. He was also the uncle of Mike Bibby, another NBA player.
He was married to Jacqueline Ann Bibby and had two daughters, Tamara and Tanya. Jim Bibby passed away on February 16, 2010, due to health issues.
