John Gibbons
MLB & Toronto Blue Jays Manager
John Gibbons is a beloved figure in Toronto Blue Jays history. In two go-rounds with the team (2004-08; 2013-18), he endeared himself to fans with his folksy manner and his frequent fights with umpires: “Here comes Gibby!”
Winning helped too. The jays made the American League Championship Series in 2015, ending a 22-year playoff drought, and again in 2016.Raised in a military family, he played his first competitive baseball in Newfoundland and Labrador, and, with the family now in San Antonio, Texas, Gibby, a catcher, developed into a first-round draft pick for the New York Mets.
Gibby only played 18 major league games. He did, however, get a World Series ring as the 1986 Mets bullpen catcher and knew all the characters from that team: Doc Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Lenny Dykstra, and Gary Carter.
In 1990, Gibby began his journey as a coach and manager. An old teammate, J.P.Riccardi, hired him to work with the Jays, and he moved his way up the ranks and into the hearts of baseball fans.His leadership style was defined by his authentic manner and demonstration to his players that he always had their back.
Speakers Like John Gibbons
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Hazel Mae
Blue Jays Central Broadcaster -
Dan Shulman
TSN and ESPN Broadcaster -
Mike Robbins
Virtual Expert in Teamwork and Power of Authenticity, Former MLB Pitcher
Speaking Topics
Dream Makers: Surround Yourself With the Best to be Your Best
We all have dream makers and dream killers in our lives. Learn how to differentiate between the two and how to surround yourself with the best people possible to make you the best you can be! John takes you through his life story sharing how dream makers and dream killers shaped him into the man he is today.
A popular presentation that will keep your audience captivated as they move from laughter to tears and back again. Inspiration and motivation at its best!
Remember Who You Are
"Remember who you are" teaches audiences about the importance of integrity in all areas of life. John tells personal stories about keeping promises, walking the talk, and what you do when no one is watching you at all...makes you who you are.
“Gibby was one of my favourite managers that I’ve had during my many years in baseball. He grew on me, and he grew on Canada, too, because he was authentic to who he was.” - Josh Donaldson, American League MVP 2015
“For me, the two best managers in the history of the Blue Jays were Cito Gaston and John Gibbons, 1 and 1a. John showed so many qualities that Cito has as well, and they were two special individuals and human beings even before putting on a uniform and becoming outstanding managers and delegators – they has a sixth sense for the game.” - Jerry Howarth, Former Blue Jays Announcer
“One thing about Gibby, there isn’t a selfish bone in his body. He’s going to do things the right way, even if it means him not having success but doing what’s right for the player and the organization. It’s one of the qualities I love about him. He’s very loyal and very conscientious of doing the right thing.” - J.P.Ricciardi, Former Blue Jays GM