Gibbons Returns as Blue Jays Manager
The TORONTO BLUE JAYS have selected JOHN GIBBONS as manager of the team. In doing so he becomes the second person to have two tenures as Blue Jays manager along with Cito Gaston.
GIBBONS, 50, served as Blue Jays manager from August 9, 2004 through to June 20, 2008 posting a record of 305-305 in 610 games and is the 3rd winningest manager in franchise history. The San Antonio, Texas resident most recently managed the San Antonio Missions of the Texas League (AA) in the San Diego Padres organization last season following three seasons as the Kansas City Royals Bench Coach.
A first round pick and the 24th overall selection in the June 1980 draft, GIBBONS spent 11 years playing professional baseball (1980-90), including parts of three seasons as a catcher with the Mets. In 18 games at the Major League level, he batted .220 with one home run and two RBI. In the minors, he posted a career .254 average, with 107 home runs and 514 RBI in 1,178 games.
GIBBONS first joined the Blue Jays coaching staff in 2002 as a bullpen catcher, being promoted midseason to first base coach. He served in that capacity until replacing Carlos Tosca in August of 2004. Prior to joining the Blue Jays, John spent 11 seasons working in the Mets organization, including winning two championships and earning three Manager of the Year awards.