Gibby: Tales of a Baseball Lifer by John Gibbons and Greg Oliver

“Here comes Gibby” and he wrote a book! John Gibbons partnered with sports writer Greg Oliver, who is a veteran sports author with over 17 books. Oliver did a wonderful job of putting Gibby’s baseball journey to print. Gibby is a natural storyteller, and he remembers details far back as his first little league baseball game, which actually happened in Goose Bay, a small town in Labrador. Gibby may not be an official Canadian, but he’s definitely is an honorary one.

John Gibbons is most famously known as the beloved former manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. He enjoyed the team and country so much that he came back twice to manage. I received this advanced copy from the public relations team at ECW. I read this book as soon as it arrived. I honestly couldn’t wait. I’ve always been a Gibby fan as a manager with his no bull sh*t approach. I’ve even had the pleasure of chatting with Gibby a number of times since he joined the social media world and launched his very entertaining podcast.

Gibby is a genuine person and is the definition of a “baseball lifer” as he likes to call himself. His passion for the game as a former player, scout and then manager shines throughout every chapter of his book. I especially enjoyed the “Gibby’s Greats” section and the end of most chapter where he highlights a different person that he has admired or has a strong opinion about. In one of the “Gibby’s Great” sections he talks about Pete Walker and how he helped in acquiring him on waivers, as the head pitching coach for the Jays. Walker has been a huge part of the team’s success in developing pitchers and correcting any problems a pitcher may be faced with and making them successful.

I really do think that Gibby’s baseball story is not over yet. I’d love to see him get the chance to manage again in the Major Leagues. I won’t give away much more about the book, but do yourself a favour a pick up a copy. It will be a great way to unwind and enjoy some baseball stories just as another season is about to get underway. Go Jays!

John Gibbons lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife.

Greg Oliver is the author of 17 books and the producer of SlamWrestling.net. He is the 2020 recipient of the James C. Melby Historian Award for his contributions to pro wrestling history. He lives in Toronto, Ontario, with his wife and son.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ ECW Press (April 4 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1770417109
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1770417106

Shawna Butler

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Shawna is a mother and a retired athlete, coach and fitness professional. She currently works in the Beauty Industry with Drunk Elephant. In her spare time, she enjoy watching baseball, reading anything pertaining to sports, fashion, poetry and biographies. She likes to travel to anywhere warm and sunny. Shawna has a BBA from Mount Saint Vincent University and currently lives in Paradise, Newfoundland. New Instagram account @shawna.j.butler