Somewhere between being a World Series hero and becoming the surly manager of the D'Backs, Kirk Gibson was a Pirate.Don't remember that? Well, there's good reason for that.
Gibson signed with the Pirates in 1992 as a 35 year old. He was coming off of a mixed season with the Royals, seeing his batting average drop to .236, but retaining decent on base skills and some power. He looked to slot into the Pirates outfield situation and replace at least some of the production that Bobby Bonilla took with him to New York.
Instead, hit a measly .196 across 60 at bats before being released.
And setting the script for 2012 Nate McLouth, Gibson (like so many others) would go on to continue producing upon leaving the Steel City. Gibson signed with the Tigers for the '93 season, and would hit 46 HR's over the next three seasons for Detroit while maintaining a high OBP.
It would be safe to say luck (or perhaps good scouting) has not smiled favorably upon the Bucs in quite some time.
I didn't even know Gibson was a Pirate until recently. That Stadium Club card is great, I have a copy in my collection. I'm still trying to track down his '92 Pinnacle issue.
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