John Gibbons facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Gibbons
Gibbons in 2015
New York Mets – No. 68
Catcher / Manager / Coach
Born: (1962-06-08) June 8, 1962 (age 63) Great Falls, Montana, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
April 11, 1984, for the New York Mets
Last appearance
October 4, 1986, for the New York Mets
MLB statistics
Batting average	.220
Home runs	1
Runs batted in	2
Managerial record	793–789
Winning %	.501
Teams
As player New York Mets (1984, 1986) As manager Toronto Blue Jays (2004–2008, 2013–2018) As coach Toronto Blue Jays (2002–2004) Kansas City Royals (2009–2011) New York Mets (2024–present)
Career highlights and awards
World Series champion (1986)

John Michael Gibbons (born June 8, 1962) is an American baseball coach, manager, and former player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a catcher for the New York Mets in 1984 and 1986.

Gibbons became a coach for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2002. He then became their manager in 2004. He coached for the Kansas City Royals from 2009 to 2011. After that, he managed in the minor leagues in 2012. He returned to manage the Blue Jays from 2013 to 2018. As of 2024, he is the bench coach for the New York Mets.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings

John Gibbons was born in Great Falls, Montana. He grew up in San Antonio, Texas. His father was a colonel in the United States Air Force. John played his first Little League Baseball game in Canada. This was when his family lived there for a short time.

Playing Baseball in the MLB

Joining the New York Mets

The New York Mets chose Gibbons in the 1980 baseball draft. He spent three years playing in the Mets' minor league teams. In 1984, he was seen as a top young catcher. He was expected to start playing in the major leagues.

However, he got injured in March 1984. He played only six games that April. He then went back to the minor leagues.

Winning a World Series Ring

Gibbons was called back to the Mets in 1986. He played in 8 games and hit very well. But the Mets already had a great catcher, Gary Carter. They also had a good backup catcher. Gibbons worked as the Mets' bullpen catcher during the 1986 postseason. He earned a World Series ring when the Mets won the 1986 World Series.

He played for different minor league teams for four more seasons. He stopped playing baseball after the 1990 season.

Coaching and Managing Career

Starting in the Minor Leagues

Gibbons began his coaching career with the Mets in 1990. He taught catchers in their minor league system. In 1994, he became a hitting coach for the Capital City Bombers.

He started managing minor league teams in 1995. He led the Kingsport Mets to a championship that year. The next season, he led the St. Lucie Mets to another title. He also managed the Binghamton Mets and the Norfolk Tides. He led the Tides to the playoffs in 2001.

First Time with the Toronto Blue Jays (2002–2008)

Gibbons in 2007 with the Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays hired Gibbons in 2002. He started as a bullpen catcher. He then became the first base coach in June 2002.

In 2004, Gibbons became the Blue Jays' manager. The team won 20 games and lost 30 under him that year. He signed a contract to manage for the 2005 season. He led the team to an 80–82 record in his first full season.

In 2006, the Blue Jays got some new star players. They finished the season in second place in their division. This was their best finish since 1993. On June 20, 2008, Gibbons was fired. He had a record of 305 wins and 305 losses.

Time with the Kansas City Royals and San Antonio Missions (2009–2012)

In October 2008, Gibbons became the bench coach for the Kansas City Royals. After the 2011 season, he was hired to manage the San Antonio Missions. This was a Double-A team for the San Diego Padres.

Second Time with Toronto (2013–2018)

Gibbons in 2014

On November 20, 2012, the Blue Jays hired Gibbons again as their manager. He was also part of the 2013 American League All-Star coaching staff. The Blue Jays finished last in their division in 2013.

In 2014, the Blue Jays finished third in their division. On June 22, 2015, Gibbons earned his 500th win as a manager. On September 25, 2015, the Blue Jays made the playoffs. This ended their 22-year playoff drought. Five days later, they won their division.

The Blue Jays won the 2015 American League Division Series against the Texas Rangers. They then played in the 2016 American League Championship Series. They lost to the Kansas City Royals.

In 2016, Gibbons was suspended for three games. This was due to a fight between the Blue Jays and the Texas Rangers. He was ejected from games eight times in 2016. This tied a team record. The Blue Jays made the playoffs again in 2016. They swept the Texas Rangers in the Division Series. They were then eliminated by the Cleveland Indians.

On April 1, 2017, Gibbons signed a two-year contract extension. On September 26, 2018, the Blue Jays announced Gibbons would not return for the 2019 season. Toronto's mayor declared that day "John Gibbons Day." His last game was a loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. He finished his second time with the Blue Jays with 488 wins and 484 losses. Overall, he had 793 wins and 789 losses as Blue Jays manager.

Return to the New York Mets

On November 22, 2023, it was announced that Gibbons would be hired. He became the bench coach for the New York Mets.

Managerial Record

See also

In Spanish: John Gibbons para niños