That was Bob Gibson's earned run average in 1968. One of those numbers that will endure probably forever in baseball. That year Gibson threw 28 complete games; 13 for shutouts. Another enduring number. He was so dominant in 1968 that MLB lowered the mound starting the '69 season just to give batters a chance.
Gibson had the nastiest slider in baseball. Some pitchers may have thrown one that broke more, but Gibson threw with amazing control. And he wasn't a one inning relief guy. His slider was as effective in the 9th inning as the first. The GIF below is the final out in the first '68 world series game. The pitch is thrown at the batter's hip and breaks for strike three for a World Series record 17 strikeouts.
Gibson's slider had a cost. He threw with a stiff wrist and torqued his elbow to generate spin. According to Kepner's K; The History of Baseball in 10 Pitches, Gibson threw in constant pain which was aleived by a horse balm that the FDA banned for use on humans.
Gibson dominated, was constantly competitive, and was one of the best pitchers in the history of the game. RIP.
Gibson had the nastiest slider in baseball. Some pitchers may have thrown one that broke more, but Gibson threw with amazing control. And he wasn't a one inning relief guy. His slider was as effective in the 9th inning as the first. The GIF below is the final out in the first '68 world series game. The pitch is thrown at the batter's hip and breaks for strike three for a World Series record 17 strikeouts.
Gibson's slider had a cost. He threw with a stiff wrist and torqued his elbow to generate spin. According to Kepner's K; The History of Baseball in 10 Pitches, Gibson threw in constant pain which was aleived by a horse balm that the FDA banned for use on humans.
Gibson dominated, was constantly competitive, and was one of the best pitchers in the history of the game. RIP.