Gibbons Ends Time with Toronto Blue Jays with a Win

The Toronto Blue Jays gave John Gibbons a winning end to his time coaching with the organisation. This was Gibbons wish, and the Jays gave him what he asked for defeating the Houston Astros 3-1 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Tonight’s game against Houston was Gibbons last at the helm of the Toronto Blue Jays, and after eleven seasons, will not be returning as the head coach next season even though he had a year remaining on his contract.

The win ensured that Gibbon’s would not end the season with an under .500 win/loss record. That win came as a result of Randal Grichuk and Reese McGuire both earning homers to give Toronto the win.

Prior to the game, it was announced by Ross Atkins, general manager of the Blue Jays, that Gibbons would not return next season. The news was not unexpected, and after the announcement, Gibbons said,

“I didn’t want to end up below .500 because then they call you a loser. It worked out good, it worked out OK.”

Wednesday’s win also saw Gibbons record improve to 792-787 during his time with the franchise. The Jays will end their season in Tampa with a three-game series after falling to make the playoffs.

One of Toronto’s longest-serving players, Kevin Pillar commented on the announcement stating,

“What I learned from being in that interview room was that he was four games above .500 for his career and if we could get one win he’d finish his tenure here as a winner. You kinda want to come through that line and give your manager a handshake after a win, and it was extra special knowing it was his last one at home.”

TSN

Reese McGuire put the Blue Jays on the scoreboard first in the fifth inning with a homer, his first in the major leagues and a fitting tribute to Gibbons. It was then Grichuk turn as he homered and rough in two runs to give the Jays a 3-1 win.

As Gibbons left the dugout and headed to the batter’s box with the lineup card, the crowds rose with a standing ovation. Gibbons respond with a tip of his hat before returning to the dugout. Gibbons also stopped and said hello to the umpires and joked with reporters that,

“This particular group of umpires, I like them all, so I went out and said hello. Sometimes you’ve got to play the part, like it or not.”

After the game, the team joined together on the field and hugged Gibbon as the video board flashed a message saying “Thank You Gibby”. Then it was about a little fun as Pillar snuck up from behind and doused Gibbons in Gatorade while the rest of the team retreated to the dugout and waited for Gibbons to lead them back to the clubhouse for the last time.

One more time for our Skip. #Gibby 💙 pic.twitter.com/SM7K4YDDTf

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 26, 2018

Commenting on the moment, Pillar said,

“I think everyone just wanted to pay respect to our leader that unfortunately won’t be coming back next year.”

Gibbons managed first managed the Blue Jays from 2004 to 2008 before leaving the organization. He returned in 2012 and led the Jays to back-to-back runs in the post-season and bringing an end to a 22-year post-season drought.

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