Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
Every time Bob Gibson stepped onto the mound he dominated. Whether it was throwing complete games, winning two World Series MVPS, or simply brushing hitters off the inside part of the plate – which he believed he owned – Gibson was an intimidating sight.
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His career is full of jaw-dropping stats and memorable moments. So join us for a thrilling ride down memory lane, as we celebrate the best of Bob Gibson’s illustrious career.
MLB Debut in 1959
Bob Gibson made his Major League debut in 1959 at the age of 23. He would appear in 13 games, starting 9 and going 3-5 with a 3.33 ERA, including two complete games and one shutout. It was an impressive start for such a young pitcher and a precursor for the legend he would become.
1964 World Series MVP
Gibson’s Cardinals won the NL pennant in 1964, earning themselves a trip to the World Series against the Yankees. Gibson would start Game One, going 8 innings but taking the loss. He responded in Game Five by going 10 innings and striking out 13 in the Cardinals’ 5-2 win.
But he wasn’t finished. He would start Game Seven, throwing yet another complete game in the Cardinals’ 7-5 victory. All in all, Gibson went 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA and 31 strikeouts during the series, earning himself the MVP honors.
Doing it Again in ’67
Gibson and the Cardinals returned to the World Series in 1967, this time facing off against another AL East team; the Boston Red Sox. And this time, Gibson was even better in another 7 game series win for the Cardinals.
In Game One, he threw a complete game, giving up 1 run while striking out 10. Game Four was even better. He threw a complete game shutout, giving up only 5 hits and a single walk. And in the winner-take-all Game Seven, Gibson delivered yet again. He threw a complete game – what else is new – giving up 2 runs and striking out 10.
His stats that series: 3-0, 3 complete games, one shutout and a 1.00 ERA. Those numbers would earn him his second World Series MVP.
1968 National League MVP and Cy Young Award
1968 is referred to as “The Year of the Pitcher”, and Bob Gibson stood above all the rest. He posted a sparkling 1.12 ERA, 22 wins, an MLB-leading 13 shutouts, and an NL-leading 268 strikeouts. Gibson’s monumental performance earned him the National League MVP and the Cy Young Award, which marked the first time for a Cardinals player to nab both honors in one season.
But because baseball is a cruel sport, Gibson’s Cardinals lost the World Series in 7 to the Detroit Tigers, despite Gibson’s 2-1 record and 1.67 ERA.
Set ‘Em Up and Sit ‘Em Down: 17 Strikeouts in Game One of the ’68 Series
Although they would end up losing the Series in 7, Gibson had the Cardinals off on the right foot in the 1968 World Series. He threw a complete game shutout and made history by striking out 17 Detroit Tigers, breaking Sandy Koufax’s previous record of 15 strikeouts. Gibson’s 17 remain a World Series record.
A No-No Against the Buccos
On August 14, 1971, at Three Rivers Stadium, Gibson no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates for the only no-hitter of his career. He would walk only 3 while striking out 10 in the Cardinals’ 11-0 victory that day.
Entrance Into the Club: 3,000 Career Strikeouts
On July 17, 1974, Bob Gibson joined a club that at the time had only one other member; The 3,000 Strikeout Club. The victim, the Reds Cesar Geronimo, struck out in the top of the second, earning Gibson his place alongside Walter Johnson.
When Gibson’s career was over, he would have 3,117 strikeouts, good for 16th on the all-time list.
Collecting Hardware
Bob Gibson had a knack for collecting awards. In his 17 seasons, Gibson would win 2 Cy Youngs (’68, ’70), 9 Gold Gloves, 9 All-Star appearances, 2 World Series MVPs, an ERA title and an NL MVP.
1975 Retirement and Number 45 Jersey Retirement
Bob Gibson hung up his cleats in 1975, leaving behind an awe-inspiring career. His retirement did not mark the end of his spotlight though; the St. Louis Cardinals recognized his incredible career by retiring his number 45 jersey, ensuring Gibson’s legacy remains as a symbol of greatness for the Cardinals.
A Ticket to Cooperstown
In 1981, the baseball world saw Gibson get his well-deserved spot in the Hall of Fame. Securing the honor on his first year of eligibility, Gibson received a whopping 84% of the vote. When his career was over, Bob Gibson had 251 wins, a 2.91 ERA, 3,117 strikeouts, and a trophy case full of awards.
1999 MLB All-Century Team Selection
Two decades after his retirement, Gibson’s extraordinary career harvested another prestigious honor. In 1999, he was named to the MLB All-Century Team. A fitting end to a legendary career.