Could Bob Gibson, in his prime, have struck out Barry Bonds in three pitches?

Question

Me and my friends are having a debate about this.

Answer 1

Bob Gibson could strike out ANY hitter on 3 pitches. Not every time, but you better believe he could.

So could a lot of pitchers.

Answer 2

Bob Gibson was an amazing pitcher. I once had the opportunity to sit behind home plate in Cincinnati's old Crosley Field, when Gibson was pitching against the Reds. The sound of the ball hitting the catcher's mitt... actually scared me. I don't have any idea of how a batter could get the bat around fast enough to make contact. He was not only a great pitcher, but an amazing competitor and would give 100% at all times.

He could strike out anyone on three pitches. Hitters get lucky. Pitchers get lucky (when a ball is foul by just inches or someone makes a great catch of what could have been a hit). But, I don't think any hitter that ever faced Bob Gibson looked forward to batting against him.

I think Bob Gibson is one of the ten best starting pitchers of all time. I would include Roger Clemons, Sandy Koufax, Warren Spahn, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Bob Feller, Walter Johnson, Dizzy Dean and Randy Johnson on that list. My apologies to Steve Carlton and many other truly great pitchers.

Answer 3

Bob Gibson was a great pitcher and one of the main reasons that they lowered the mound following his great 1968 season when he had an era of 1.12. In the 68 World Series he struck out 17 Detroit Tigers and was truly intimidating and dominating. Bob was a fierce competitor and a pitcher you didn't dig in at the plate against because he would come inside and knock you down if needed. This would have been no different against Bonds as Gibson faced such hitters as Aaron, Mays, Clemente, Mathews, Stargell and many more. His fastball was overpowering and his slider was unhittable. If he got ahead of you which he usually did, you were through! I think he would have done quite well against Bonds and very well may have struck him out from time to time on only three pitches because he was truly a Hall of Fame pitcher.

Answer 4

Plenty of pitchers have struck out Bonds on 3 pitches, including a number of active closers. Gibson could easily strike out Bonds on three pitches- and would usually get the better of the matchup. Nowadays, Bonds vs Gibson in his prime would probably keep Bond's average around 0.250.

Bonds in his prime vs Gibson is another story, because Gibson could still strike him out- but 1 in 5 times Bonds would crush the ball for either a homer or a long fly out.

Answer 5

Of course he could. First of all plenty of pitchers have struck out Barry on 3 pitches, it ain't easy but it's been done. Gibson is simply one of the greatest pitchers of all-time. He pitched against Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle etc. and struck them all out at one time or another. He's in the top 5 greatest pitchers of all time and definately had the skills to strike out the cheating, lying jerk Barry Bonds.

Answer 6

Any pitcher, at any time can strike out Barry Bonds or any batter for that matter on three pitches. You don't have to be Cy Young, Sandy Koufax or in the case Bob Gibson to do it.

Answer 7

Steroid or Meth talk aside regarding Barry, I would think that Bob Gibson can strike out every batter on earth with three pitches, prime or not. Barry Bonds is my favorite player, but he is not perfect by any stretch. There were seasons where he led categories in strike outs and walks.

Answer 8

Bob Gibson changed the game because of his dominant pitching...literally.

In 1968, he posted a 1.12 ERA. In 1969, the league lowered the mound, which caused pitching in general to deflate a little. (He still had a 2.18 ERA in 1969).

With a pitcher that dominant, anybody could go down on three pitches, especially Barry Bonds - who is only a career .299 hitter, which isn't bad, but it is far from the top level of hitter's in baseball history. In fact, that's good enough for 24th on the career ACTIVE list.

Answer 9

Bonds is very disciplined hitter and works the count until he gets a pitch he can handle. Very tough for any pitcher to strike him out on three straight pitches. No knock against Gibson.

Answer 10

Yes, without a doubt. He could strike out God in three pitches. Bob Gibson is the best pitcher to ever live.

Answer 11

Easily because Bonds goes after a lot of pitches. Gibson not only threw high heat but his curve was a sinking curve that put people away. Gibson no doubt was one of the greatest pitchers ever.