Frank Gibson

Who was Frank Gibson?

Frank Gilbert Gibson was a Major League Baseball catcher. He played all or part of eight seasons in the majors for the Detroit Tigers and Boston Braves.

Gibson began his professional career in 1911 with the Dallas Giants of the Texas League. After two seasons, he was picked up by the Tigers, making his major league debut with them in April 1913. He played in 23 games for the Tigers, batting just .140, with below average fielding. Gibson returned to the minors, playing first in the Southern Association, then returning to the Texas League in 1917 with the Beaumont Oilers and San Antonio Bronchos.

After playing four seasons with the Bronchos, Gibson was purchased from the team by the Boston Braves in August 1920. He made his return to the major leagues in 1921 after eight years away. For the next four seasons, Gibson served as backup for the Braves starting catcher, Mickey O'Neil. In 1925, Gibson was made the club's starting catcher, and he responded by batting .278 and driving in a career-high 50 runs.

Gibson's tenure as a starter would be brief, however, as the Braves acquired veteran catcher Zack Taylor during the next offseason.