I knew John Gibbons was my spirit animal when one of the chapters of his book was called I Love Umpires…And They Love Me!

I live for that brand of sarcasm, especially when the target is as lowly a creature as a baseball umpire.

Blackballed welcomes John Gibbons to the show https://t.co/Op6JhXaC1Z

— James DiFiore (@jamesdifiore) February 1, 2023

Gibby spent an hour on Blackballed recently and was his old self, meaning he laughed, swore a couple times, and called his ex players whiny. It was vintage Gibby.

His new book, Gibby – Tales of a Baseball Lifer, traces Gibby’s life from San Antonio, to Newfoundland, to Puerto Rico, and his first round draft selection before he played in the big leagues. He reflects on family, including his father who was in the military, and his coaches.

A duality of sorts emerges as we discover Gibby was well behaved as a youngster, and waited until he was at the helm of the Blue Jays before being known as a rabble rouser. He was ejected from 53 games as manager of the Jays, and there is one line from the book that captures Gibby’s opinion of baseball umpires.

“I’ve never gone out to argue, just to argue. I’ve always been angry about something.”

We figured, Gibby.

“ Buffalo Mentality “ looking forward to starting up the podcast this spring hope you are too. #bluejays pic.twitter.com/mXrjNbkdqy

— John Gibbons (@johngibbons05) January 24, 2023

As far as professional sports go, Gibby is a class act, and a salt-of-the-earth personality who doesn’t put on fronts. He’s a baseball purist as well, meaning the modern rule changes surrounding safety are not something Gibby supports. Despite being a catcher himself, Gibby feels like crashing into the catch is a part of the game. He also finds the new rule of placing a runner on second base for extra innings is straight outta little league.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of Gibby’s personality is his affinity with Canada. From his Newfoundland beginnings, to his 11 years as Blue Jays manager, Gibby loves this country.

Goodnight, Gibby. pic.twitter.com/0HNrfZS1Fh

— Gibby GIFS (@GibbyGIFS) September 26, 2018

“It was a rough start for me in Toronto. I had to shack up with the pitching coach, but I could walk to the park,” Gibby noted in an excerpt of the book. “Son of a gun, this is not that easy. Quit complaining, I was in the big leagues. After a couple months I realized I really liked the city.

“I hate to insult the Canadians reading this book, but I’m a lot like you in a lot of ways.”

We wouldn’t have it any other way, Gibby.