Bob Gibson, 1968 World Series
Source: AP Photo/File. I believe this image is in the public domain.
Photo Subject: St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bob Gibson throws to Detroit Tigers' Norm Cash in the ninth inning of the opening game of the World Series in St. Louis. Gibson struck Cash out for the 16th strikeout of the game and set a new World Series record. Looking on are catcher Tim McCarver, home plate umpire Tom Gorman and first base umpire Jim Honochick.
Fun Fact: Game One of the 1968 was Bob Gibson’s sixth World Series win as he erased Sandy Koufax’s record of fifteen strike outs in a World Series game. In the ninth inning, Gibson stuck out the side to finish the game with seventeen strikeouts.
Gibson was considered one of the most intimidating pitcher in baseball. It started with that unnerving glare he used on batters when getting a sign from catcher Tim McCarver; forget that he squinted because he had poor vision. Then he would stake his claim on the inside part of the plate. He had no problem reminding a batter who owned that part of the plate.
When asked if he were pitching during the Chemical Era if he would have used steroids, he replied:
“Absolutely . . . because if I knew somebody else was doing it and appeared to be getting an edge, I think I have would have been tempted.”
Can you image a scarier thought than being a batter facing Bob Gibson on steroids.
Painting Detail: Printed on 13 ” x 19” canvas and painted using Schmincke Mussini and Marshall’s oil paints. Finer details were made using Prismacolor pencils.
Acknowledgement: Bob Calcaterra, “NBC Sports” website