Colorado Springs -- The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) is pleased to announce that Hall of Famer Bob Gibson will be honored with the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 19th annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City.
The event, which will take place on Thursday, Nov. 8, at Capitale, recognizes former Major League players for their accomplishments on the diamond coupled with their off-the-field contributions to communities across the nation.
One of the fiercest competitors to ever play Major League Baseball, Hall of Famer Bob Gibson was twice named the National League Cy Young Award winner, earned the 1968 National League MVP honors and went on to be a nine-time National League All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove Award winner during his 17-year career. 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Gibson's stellar 1968 season, in which he pitched 28 complete games, 13 shutouts and posted an ERA of 1.12. Gibson spent his entire career as a St. Louis Cardinal, aiding the team to three league championships and two World Series titles. From 1964 to 1968, Gibson pitched a complete game in each of his nine World Series appearances, winning seven and twice being named MVP of the Fall Classic, in addition to still holding the record of most strikeouts during a World Series game, with 17. By the end of his unbelievable playing career, Gibson had recorded an ERA of 2.91 with 251 wins and 3,117 strikeouts, and in 1999 was selected to Major League Baseball's All-Century team. Gibson went on to be a pitching coach for the Mets and Braves before returning to his original team, the Cardinals. In addition to his incredibly successful baseball career, Gibson earned accolades on the basketball court as well. After attending Creighton University on a basketball scholarship, Gibson joined the Harlem Globetrotters for the 1957 season, in his time off from the Minor Leagues.
Gibson's greatness was not limited to the baseball field, as he has shown a consistent commitment to both his community and the baseball community since his playing career ended. Gibson hosted an annual golf classic in Omaha for 12 years, raising millions of dollars for local and national charities, including the Boys and Girls Clubs of Omaha, the Arthritis Foundation and the Baseball Assistance Team, where he served on the board of directors.
MLBPAA Chief Executive Officer Dan Foster said that he is thrilled to honor Gibson with the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award.
"We are proud to honor Bob with the Lifetime Achievement Award," said Foster. "Bob is one of the finest gentlemen, on and off the field, that the game has ever known."
Other awards presented at the Legends for Youth Dinner include the Heart and Hustle Award and the Brooks Robinson Community Service Award. The Brooks Robinson Community Service Award will be presented to a player who embodies dedication and service to his community. The 14th annual Heart and Hustle Award will also be presented to the active player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game.