November 9, 1935 - October 2, 2020
Omaha, Nebraska
Both the Gibson and Hollins families at one time lived in the Logan Fontenelle low income
housing projects in Omaha, Nebraska. Bob occasionally babysat for both my sister and me. I followed his sports exploits at Omaha Tech High, Creighton University, and the St. Louis Cardinal baseball team. The last time I saw Bob was at an autograph signing event in Tyson Corners, Virginia circa 1994 where we reminisced about growing up in Omaha.
He was such a class act and left a wondrous impression as a role model for all of us.
May he rest in peace.
Posted by: Leon Hollins - Potomac, MD - friend
Oct 23, 2021
You were the reason I became
a baseball fan & the reason I first became a St. Louis Cardinal fan
I enjoyed your fierce competitive ways of playing the game & I played with the same type fire in my playing days
You will always be my all time favorite ballplayer !
My GM. #7 pitcher !
There is no other for me bar none !
I will always cherish the opportunity I had to see you play
May you rest in peace
Posted by: Kenny Norris - Other
Jul 10, 2021
Bob was a classmate at Tech High with my best friend, Tom Nigro. I started my Freshman year at Tech High in 1953, the year Bob graduated from Tech High. From my best friend, Tom Nigro, I heard all about Bob and his time at Tech High. I have lived in St. Louis now for 50 years, so have a connection to Bob, in a sense, that goes back to Tech High and now to St. Louis.
Posted by: Thomas Hopkins - St. Louis, MO - classmate
Mar 21, 2021
The greatest pitcher ever. I grew up in the St. Louis area. As a little kid, I remember the accomplishments Bob achieved in baseball. My dad and I were always big fan's. We always admired is demeanor. He always showed racial pride. God bless the family.
Posted by: Darnell Fultz - Centreville, IL - friend
Oct 19, 2020
My deepest condolences to everyone in his immediate universe. I'm Preston Hope a relative a cousin I believe.. In saddened to hear of the loss of halls hero my hero and icon on many levels at home and abroad.... I'm praying that God blesses you all emmensly and provide comfort in such a hard time.
Posted by: Preston Hope - Northplatt, NE - family
Oct 14, 2020
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family of the late Cardinal pitcher, Bob Gibson. He is fondly remembered as, "Gibby" by me and other family members. My dad made me a baseball fan, by listening to and attending baseball games here in St. Louis. He was thrilled by the Gibson's pitching as were so many of his fans now known as Cardinal Nation. We mourn his passing and recognize what a great person he was both on and off the field. My dad passed in 2004, but I will forever remember our shared bond of the St. Louis Cardinal baseball team and our love of the greats like #45 Bob Gibson. May he rest in peace. Blessings to the family and loved ones.
Posted by: Florence Chambers
Oct 14, 2020
As young kids growing up in inner-city Cincinnati, baseball was the dominant sport. I lived two blocks from old Crosley Field. I saw Mr. Gibson pitch brilliantly all thru the 1960's. I was present at the last game he pitched at what was then Riverfront Stadium. Mr. Gibson was an idol for young Black youth in more ways than one. May God bless his wife and children. May his spirit return to God who gave it.
Posted by: Ralph Moon - Cincinnati, OH
Oct 13, 2020
To the family, many, many friends, colleagues and legions of fans of this wonderful man, where he was a flame throwing Hall of Fame pitcher. Bob Gibson was known for his high velocity fastball and wipeout breaking pitches. He had more than 3,000 strikeouts, becoming only the second player in baseball history to do so at the time. That is the legacy Bob Gibson left behind memorable in his baseball career that will not be forgotten. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with loss the of Mr. Bob Gibson. May his legacy keep his memory alive forever.
Posted by: Tony - DC
Oct 12, 2020
Thanks Bob for writing me a letter when I was a 13 year old. I was fortunate to talk to you once at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati. You were an amazing man. You were my all time hero bar none. I will privately cry alone. Love you Uncle Bob. God Bless your soul.
Posted by: Thomas Walker - Las Vegas, NV - acquaintance
Oct 12, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the family. Bob was a great and wonderful man. He invited The Fifth Dimension and myself to his home in Omaha for Thanksgiving dinner in 1968. Long story short; he and I ended up in his rec room around his pool table. Two Scorpios. The challenge. Best two out of three. People around the pool table. Bob and I were relatively quiet the whole time. I lost the first game, but somehow won two straight. Bob was the ultimate gentleman, but I was not about to smile. Then we hugged, and the laughs. Prayers for the family. I will never forget that. Rest in peace Bob. We love you my friend.
Posted by: JIMMY - Hollywood, CA
Oct 11, 2020
once more for me*
(in memory of St. Louis Cardinals Pitcher Bob Gibson)
by Ruth Esther Gilmore
nature spreads out the hammock
of trees and leaves
once more for me
in the one last moment on earth for me
where the light pierces heaven’s tent
a carpet glows golden
and rusty red
just before the one last moment
on earth for me
proving that my departure from this world
close to the one last moment
on earth for me
and also my arrival in the future unknown
will be preserved and protected
with blessings and miracles
from heaven
sent towards the one last moment
on earth for me
*from the book “saving nature” (Geest-Verlag) by Ruth Esther Gilmore
Posted by: Ruth Esther Gilmore
Oct 09, 2020
To the Gibson Family:
Mr. Gibson will always be equated with the pitching greats of baseball. The Cardinals obtained a great player who always seemed to make his team and himself look good.
Another gem who has left "Time for Eternity"! May he rest !
You, dear family, have my sympathy.
Betty Henderson- Detroit
Posted by: A friend
Oct 07, 2020
One of my earliest memories growing up in St. Louis is listening to KMOX with my dad while you were pitching and my dad cheering you on. When we moved to Bellevue in 1997, I was thrilled to think you lived here too. RIP, and thank you for so many happy baseball memories ❤
Posted by: Angie Henderson - Bellevue, NE
Oct 07, 2020
Just seemed like a great man all around, with a great demeanor. that's my assessment as a baseball nut youngster. I am a 63 year old Detroit Tigers fan who, as a 10 year old, was so excited to see our Tigers defeat the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. BUT, WE KNEW THAT MR. BOB GIBSON WAS THE GREATEST PITCHER ALIVE AND WHOM WE FEARED THE MOST. The great Hall of Fame Tiger batters feared him. We recently also lost Al Kaline who feared him, his own words. Al, like Bob, was a humble, friendly man. I hope the 2 face off in Heaven :)
I feel blessed to have Mr. Gibson as a reference point for greatness and an athlete to embody and look up to.
To his family, "always keep the good thoughts thru the sorrowful moments".
Posted by: Robert A. Minasian
Oct 07, 2020
In 1964 I was a sophomore in high school. I took my transistor radio to school for game 5 of the World Series. It was all I could do to keep silent during the 9th inning when Tresh homered, and then the 10th when McCarver untied it. Saw lots of Cardinal games growing up, and a few when Bob was on the mound. A great ballplayer and an even better human being. RIP Bob. Thanks for the memories. My condolences to the family.
Posted by: Allen McCaulley - Moline, IL
Oct 06, 2020
When just a young kid I had the extreme good fortune to be able to go to Cards baseball games at Busch Stadium because our Grandfather "Papa Mac" Malloy Mac McQueen was a baseball lover and had indeed played in the farm club back in the day. Branch Rickey had to say to him, "Mac, you can't hit the high hard ones. Best finish law school and marry Frances". So, as Mac became a corporate lawyer and worked for Laclede Gas Co in Clayton, MO he scored their box seats once in a while and invited our family to join him along with Franny. One of my most cherished memories was getting to watch Bob Gibson pitch. He was poetry in motion. Another was on the very same day...as I held Mac's hand in the elevator we road up to the ball park with Harry Carey who was calling the games in those days. RIP #45
Posted by: Emilee Cline - FALL CITY, WA - friend
Oct 06, 2020
Rest in peace my handsome cousin although I haven t seen you since I was younger and you would come to Houston to play the Astros.I would run home from school to watch the game on T V I was so proud of you because you were my cousin.My family talked about you all the time.I tell my grand children what a great man and sportsman you your legacy and memory will live on you will jot be forgotten.My deepest sympathy to your wife and children.I am praying for the family.Reson on Bob.
Posted by: Vannessa Slaughter - HOUSTON, TX - family
Oct 05, 2020
As a young boy, growing up in rural Johnson County Missouri, I idolized Bob Gibson. My Senior memory book contains newspaper clippings and baseball cards of Bob Gibson's accomplishments. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He truly was one of the greatest Pitchers in the history of MLB. I am now a grandfather of 3. My office wall has two pictures of Bob Gibson, one of which I was lucky enough to have him sign and had the opportunity to shake his hand. There will never be another Bob Gibson. Rest in peace #45.
Posted by: Gregg Carder - Oak Grove, MO - friend
Oct 05, 2020
When I was eight years old, I moved to St Louis , Missouri with my parents.
I was standing in front of a showcase window that had a large toy train display and late Bob Gibson saw me standing there and invited us to a Christmas Party at his church.
Later in Spring of 1959, Mr Gibson had practices at the St Louis Cardinals Stadium as a pitcher and I was invited several times to attend his practice sessions by Mr Gibson.
We had pictures taken together but in time, those pictures were lost. I often wondered if he might have kept those pictures.
We moved back to Omaha and I lost contact with him.
Last year in 2019, I wanted to make contact with him but due to my illness I was unable to.
At this time during his family's bereavement, I would like to send my condolences.
And I would like to add that I am very proud to have been his friend.
Owen Webster
I am a member of the Omaha Nation of Nebraska
Posted by: Owen Webster - Friend
Oct 05, 2020
When I was eight years old, I moved to St Louis , Missouri with my parents.
I was standing in front of a showcase window that had a large toy train display and late Bob Gibson saw me standing there and invited us to a Christmas Party at his church.
Later in Spring of 1959, Mr Gibson had practices at the St Louis Cardinals Stadium as a pitcher and I was invited several times to attend his practice sessions by Mr Gibson.
We had pictures taken together but in time, those pictures were lost. I often wondered if he might have kept those pictures.
We moved back to Omaha and I lost contact with him.
Last year in 2019, I wanted to make contact with him but due to my illness I was unable to.
At this time during his family's bereavement, I would like to send my condolences.
And I would like to add that I am very proud to have been his friend.
Owen Webster
I am a member of the Omaha Nation of Nebraska
Posted by: Owen Webster - Friend
Oct 05, 2020
I was a 3rd generation Cardinals fan . My 2 favorite Cardinals have passed away. Number 20 and Number 45. Istill have my baseball cards with the complete set of 1967 including the World Series .Lou Brock and Bob Gibson were both great baseball players and great ambassadors to future generations.
Posted by: David Vietri - Dover, DE - friend
Oct 05, 2020
At age 10, I only remember seeing, on TV, part Game 1 of WS in '68 before dad changed channel to golf, But my first book I ever owned was "From Ghetto to Glory", and that hooked me into the love of Baseball ( and love of the Cardinals). He was a great person to meet. Still think he is the best World Series Pitcher ever.. Always will remember the years of his All-Star Classic Golf Tournament . Just wished I could of heard him give talks on Baseball or Life etc. cause remember hearing him do the commentating on a ABC Baseball game and loved how he spoke about THE Game.. will be missed.
Posted by: Philip OBrien
Oct 04, 2020
I have so much respect for Bob. What he went through and more importantly what he stood for after going through racism. Loved the two books he wrote. If you read them you will not regret it. They were well done. My great grandfather, Matt Pascale was a part time scout for the Cubs and recommended Gibson to them. They told my grandfather that he did not throw hard enough. Bad decision. I wonder how much better the Cubs record would have been with Gibson on the roster. Rest in Peace Bob.
Posted by: Jerry Pascale
Oct 04, 2020
2020 has taken my two favorite baseball players of all time. My first bus ride to St. Louis to see the cardinals and Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, and the boys were unstoppable. I really appreciated the eye contact while signing my hat acknowledging his moment with me. Thanks also to Mr. Lazar for getting me on that bus. Condolences to all on the loss of this great man.
Posted by: Alan Ault - Canandaigua, NY
Oct 04, 2020
Rest in peace Mr. Bob.
I knew of you through my Dad, a big fan. He thought you were the greatest picthet ever. My Dad was always right.
Hit the ball to heaven, then follow through. Good job!!
RIP Sir. God bless.
I'm sure my Dad will find you.
Like you, a great and gentle man.
Libby
Posted by: A friend
Oct 04, 2020
Please accept my deepest condolences to the Gibson Family, May the God of Tender Mercies take care of you and mend your saddened hearts. May He give you His peace and and support you with his endless love and strength forever. Thank you for Bob’s contribution to the Baseball League.
Posted by: BRY
Oct 04, 2020
Racism ended for me in 1964 when the Cardinals won the World Series and you were on the mound. Tim McCarver ran and jumped into your arms and bear hugged you I thought this is the way it should be. Just two teammates overjoyed about something bigger than them. Thanks to you and Lou for the new uniforms for the Ladies of Mt Carmel Softball team. We will always remember you.
Posted by: Suzanne Gibson - Acquaintance
Oct 04, 2020
My prayers go out to Bob Gibson’s family members and to all who knew him and loved him. My father who was 89 years old and passed away Veterans Day (11/15/2019) has told me many fond memories of playing CYO Baseball in Omaha against him. My Dad said that he was a fierce competitor on the pitching mound, but a gentle giant on and off the baseball diamond. Baseball has always been a sport’s passion in our family. My Uncle Leonard Glica who graduated from Omaha South and also played CYO baseball against Bob. My Uncle was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers and then ultimately drafted to serve in the Army. He was one of the first professional baseball players to get killed in combat while serving as an Infantryman in the Korean War. Bob Gibson was influential in both my Dad’s and Uncle’s life. I am confident that Bob influenced so many others by his superior athleticism, caring attitude and love for others. I pray that God will grant him eternal rest with Him in Heaven! RIP Bob!
Posted by: Jeff Conrad - Omaha, NE
Oct 04, 2020
