Tim McCarver on the challenge of catching Bob Gibson

Tim McCarver on the incredible break on Bob Gibson's pitches: "I called the pitches, so I knew what was coming, but there was such late break that I could never center when the ball went in the mitt."

[@liz326522]

Die hard Mets fan here. I loved listening to Tim and Ralph Kiner back in the early to mid 80’s when Tim worked for The Mets. I lived near Shea and went early to a game one day with friends trying to get autographs from players during batting practice. Dropped my ball onto the field while trying to get Dave Kingman’s attention when Tim McCarver came along and picked it up for me. I knew who he was and asked him to sign it for me while telling him how much I learn about baseball while listening to him during the games. He said to me, “Young lady, you just made my day. Let’s Go Mets.” I was 14 years old. Never forgot that, the sweetest guy.

[@devrongrant2183]

We share the same love. Tim is so underappreciated. I never had the pleasure of meeting him (what a story). But I too learned SO much watching WWOR and hearing him and Ralph Kiner and Steve Zabriske. I was so disappointed when he went over to call Yankees games. Rest easy, Timmy. You will always be one of the great announcers in any sport.

[@dhornjr1]

I love McCarver. He was a great guy.

[@dombrunelli5082]

Gibson was a supreme pitcher..for all time.

[@swarmack1985]

RIP Gibby. Cardinals Nation loves you, and we will miss you legend. 👼🏿❤️⚾️

[@barbaraallen7382]

RIP

[@averagetexan9930]

He was on of the best pitchers in baseball rip

[@LifeUser]

Growing up he was my favorite pitcher of all time. I listened to every game he pitched on my little transitter radio on KXMO.

[@illustrate100]

Mr. McCarver gives MLB a good reputation. Thank you for many years of great broadcasting Tim.

[@NJGuy1973]

McCarver (coming out to mound): "Hey, Gibby, maybe you should..." Gibson: "Get back behind the plate! All you know about pitching is that it's hard to hit."

[@cindyregan4288]

RIP Tim McCarver, excellent in the booth. Personable, insightful, good story-teller.

[@mfernandez5743]

Henry Aaron supposedly told Dusty Baker not to crowd the plate against Gibson because Gibson would brush back his grandmother if she crowded the plate.

[@djquinn11]

I was just a toddler in ‘68 growing up in Detroit but what a great series! Gibson was an all time great.

[@garyrentschler1023]

I was a 13 yr old HUGE Tiger's fan in Det in 68. I sat in the lower deck in right for game 3 in Det. I remember it all. McCarver and Maris both hit 2 run shots right above me, in the upper deck. Cepada hit a 3 run homer. Kaline and McAuliffe hit 2 run homers. Cards won 7-4. I was NOT happy...lol..That was a memorable series. We got lucky in beating Gibson:) One slip made the difference. That and Brock not sliding in game 5.

[@christophersleight19]

Gary, (until about, oh heck when the game really changed) I WAS a huge Cardinal Fan. That series was heart breaking. I was 12. I didn't realize Gibby had died. Thanks for the memories. I would enjoy sharing what we remember about the sport I enjoyed so much. That's gone now. I am praying for you and your Families and Friends. Greetings from Colorado Springs Colorado. Christopher

[@garyrentschler1023]

@@christophersleight19 Ya, baseball and all sports were different then:) The players were magical thru the eyes of this kid:) My 1st Tiger's game is still to this day, the longest game in Detroit history. It was in June of 62 against the legendary Yankees. It went 22 innings on a Sunday. My 1st in person heartbreak...lol...9-7 NY. I can still see the flight of the go ahead homer. We got there super early, to watch BP. I'm walking up the ramp and get my 1st look at that luscious green outfield. Two guys are standing together nearby in center. It's Maris and Mantle!!! I knew right away, I had entered a child's heaven on earth!!:)))

[@richardpoplis6777]

Tim Mccarver was an outstanding announcer and underrated catcher.. what a great person

[@bigal6442]

Loved him when he announced for the Mets!! RIP Bob Gibson

[@richardpoplis6777]

@@bigal6442 was great doing the world series.. wish he was younger when Dion Sanders threw water at him.. he would have kicked his ass..

[@bigal6442]

YES!! Sanders needed a good ass kicking

[@richardpoplis6777]

@@bigal6442 what he did to McCarver was chicken shit

[@MrJsfingers]

@@richardpoplis6777 great point. Saying he’s a real man meaning, I’m 5xs older than you and you’re pulling that crap.

[@dylanhunter9330]

RIP Tim McCarver, you and Gibby are now reunited in baseball heaven. Cardinal Nation will miss you

[@MikeInPlano]

1968 - Same year Denny McClain (Detroit Tigers) broke the record with 31 wins. Same year Mickey Lolich beat the Cardinals 3 times in the World Series.

[@paulheaphy4228]

Last 30 game winner. Cards fan, but had to respect the Tigers. Great team; great run by the Cards.

[@matthewmiller9526]

Great catcher, great announcer, loved him when he did Met games.

[@tommytube268]

Bob Gibson against the Mets was on first base and the hitter hit a liner that forced Gibson braked so hard he bent his knee awkward and still took the mound, I was home yelling not to pitch because I saw how bad he hurt his knee. He warmed up and his tendons tore and was done. What a competitor.

[@yossarianmnichols9641]

Gibson was one of the greatest athletes in American sports. Might have been a two sport star if the NBA had been more profitable back then.

[@denisceballos9745]

Nothing but respect for that battery of Gibson and McCarver - I hated those Cardinals of the late 60’s and early 70’s - as a Mets fan, but man, they were tough. Good interview.

[@RisingSon011]

Tim was a tough guy . Catching for that long is not easy

[@mfernandez5743]

Steve Carlton demanded McCarver be his catcher.

[@samuelbarrett5648]

Especially when you're catching Gibson

[@normanleach5427]

Elston Howard (former Yankee and '67 Red Sox) use to wedge a Kotex into his mitt for additional padding.

[@joselopezmoya9786]

TIM McCARVER, I LOVED HIM ALONG RALPH KINER IN THE METS' BOITH.

[@horsehide3039]

I loved and now miss Timmy's calls of games. I was not a catcher, but later learned that catchers were the brains and brawn of the game.

[@gwh070156]

McCarver also had a great '64 series. He must have done something right to be Rogers to Carlton's Astaire.

[@stevefowler2112]

What a great story and a great team...my first baseball glove was a Lou Brock Wilson

[@crackerjack9320]

Great interview!

[@f1david]

Tim McCarver always has a story to tell. What a great announcer.

[@marshawnlynch621]

What an absolute legend

[@jondoe8022]

That's how you conduct an interview

[@illustrate100]

Bob Gibson vs Denny McClain (Detroit)

[@lovephillies1]

I know I'm late to the party, but I grew up a Phillies fan, when McCarver was Steve Carlton's (Lefty's) catcher and then was a commentator on Phillies broadcasts. When they let him go and went with Chris Wheeler I was pissed. McCarver added so much to telecasts that even the most ardent fans didn't know. I remember McCarver saying that when Carlton and he died they should be buried 60 feet 6 inches apart. McCarver having caught Carlton in both St. Louis and Philly.

[@bobdelaney3126]

The Mighty Gibson

[@eytonshalomsandiego]

that was an amazing team, those Cards...

[@raymondlowry8564]

Gibson and Koufax on the same team - what a one two punch that would have been!

[@randalllayton7452]

and Drysdale too!

[@soaringvulture]

@@randalllayton7452 Now wait a minute. You can have Gibson on your team and Drysdale on your team but not both of them. That's too many headhunters.

[@rollsroycelife]

R.I.P champion.

[@amberpaigejames9054]

I've always liked Tim McCarver

[@driverdad71]

1.12......................... 'nuff said!

[@andreakarchmer6225]

"Hello again, everybody."

[@edwarddickson7532]

i heard a quote"i know how he won 22games,but how did he lose 9"!

[@712rgbrown]

The Cards were not a big power hitting and scoring team that year. They had pitching, speed and defense mainly so the games he lost were 2-1, 3-2 games. He could have easily been a 30 game winner that year had they had a little more offense.

[@randalllayton7452]

@@712rgbrown Which is why they didnt beat detroit in 68

[@tonyreynolds5112]

I admit my prejudice for the Cards. They were my all time favorites in the late 60s. Especially Gibson. He will always be the best to me. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🥎🥎🥎

[@martinshields5673]

RIP Tim.

[@rayscott4780]

Bob would probably have won at least 35 in this era because teams would have forfeit rather than be in bobs highlight films. And I am a diehard yankee fan

[@carlbaumeister3439]

Gibson and Lefty on the same staff-whew!

[@garyedmondson2998]

Wasn't it like $5,000 that cost the Cardinals all those pennants they should have won?

[@NJGuy1973]

@@garyedmondson2998 Let's not forget that the Cards also traded away Dick Allen, Jose Cruz, Jerry Reuss, Ron Reed, and Bake McBride.

[@carlbaumeister3439]

@Don Schmidt Nowadays $5000 is like one inning - if that!

[@carlbaumeister3439]

@Don Schmidt Could be worse - you could be a Cubs fan like me. Traded reigning batting champion Bill Madlock because Old Man Wrigley wouldn’t give him a raise, told teams anybody could have him who were “stupid enough to pay him.” I guess Pittsburgh wasn’t so stupid after all bc he won two more batting titles with them, was vital to their ‘79 world championship. Wouldn’t give reigning Cy Young winner Greg Maddux a raise during free agency, went on to win several more Cy Youngs with the Braves, and lead them to NL title after NL title, as well as a world title! Oh, and long, long ago, basically gave the Cards Lou Brock!

[@carlbaumeister3439]

@Don Schmidt Indeed!

[@efrajimenez-gq7io]

Legend!! That's my comment.

[@turkwendell6904]

Rest in peace to Tim McCarver is it wrong to say finally he'll be quiet because he sure talked a lot but he was a good guy and everything else on all those other levels and I enjoyed him a lot but my goodness I mean let it breathe. Also good luck to Balley Sports not looking so in business so hopefully that like doesn't mean everyone's like unemployed because that would yeah.

[@miketheyunggod2534]

Tim still has the hair.

[@Brooklyn3955]

McCarver never called for signs. He only made suggestions. Something like that, but you get the meaning.

[@jojobar5877]

Mickey Lolich

[@Justin-ld3bh]

Tim mcCarver was the biggest Yankees hater ever. Hated when he did playoffs

[@LordofDublin4]

Hey Justin .... no doubt about McCarver not being a Yanks fan. But the real hater is Joe Buck. In spite of McCarver's personal dislike for the Yanks I liked his insights, intellect, and passion for the game. And I am a NYC born, Bronx Bomber fan for 60 years now. And as a passionate sports fan for all those years I have heard the best of the best .... Mel Allen, Vin Scully, Curt Gowdy, Pat Summerall, Don Dunphy, Marv Albert, Jack Whitaker, Jim McKay, and McCarver. For my money he made the viewers smarter about the game. And I think that's in part because Catchers have something special to call upon when talking about the game. ⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️

[@daniellinehan63]

Dirty player- ended Randy Hundley's season on a dirty play at homeplate

[@johnny1963ify]

I hate Tim Mccarver.

[@johnny1963ify]

Because he became a popular color guy on TV and he never appreciated the fact he got his start with the Phillies broadcast team of Harry Kallas and Richie Ashburn and never thanked them. That's why.

[@johnny1963ify]

@Don Schmidt I guess so.

[@danacoleman4007]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@johnny1963ify]

@@danacoleman4007 👽👽👽👽👽👽👽👽

[@Caviarhound]

I don't need to watch this to know it was a challenge b/c McCarver has been horrible at every aspect of baseball that he has ever been involved with...

[@williamgill_esq.6487]

RIP Bob Gibson. October 2, 2020.

[@tonyletterel8543]

best righthanded pitcher i ever saw from a Yankee fan

[@LordofDublin4]

Tim McCarver was an outstanding announcer. He loves the game and he was always enthusiastic as s result of his love for the game. R.I.P. Whitey Ford, Lou Brock , Tom Seaver, and Bob Gibson. And now Reds great Joe Morgan. ALL Hall of Famers and fine men who were true professionals. ⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️⚾️

[@stupaul3233]

Yes and don’t forget Al Kaline, who faced the Cardinals in the 1968 World Series! True legends indeed!

[@LordofDublin4]

@@stupaul3233 .... great ballplayer was Kaline. It seemed he always did well against my Yankees. And he was my Irish grandfathers favorite ballplayer.

[@odibaracatibaro1255]

Well said

[@aj402]

Mickey Lolich beat Gibson in game 7 on just 2 days rest. He was number 2 starter behind Denny McClain. I’m a lifetime Cardinal fan and that one hurt but Tigers were a great team also.

[@LordofDublin4]

@@aj402 .... 1968 was a great World Series. Lolich won 3 games for the Tigers. And all were complete games. He even hit a home run if I recall correctly. What I also remember about that Series was the great Lou Brock seemed to steal a base every time he got on base. What a great pick up he was for the Cardinals.

[@ericgrove7755]

Bob Gibson averaged two and half hour games. An announcer once said Gibson pitched like he’s double parked. Very smart pitcher who knew the ins and outs of pitching. A legendary hall of fame career.

[@TheCream14]

Tim McCarver has always been a 1st class guy. Outstanding announcer and true Redbird!

[@christydavidson9259]

Bob Gibson a great pitcher we will all miss him r.i.p

[@margaretwalsh852]

As a lifelong Red Sox fan, we knew in "67 with Bob on the hill my old town team had no chance!

[@jameshoran8]

From 1972 to 1979, Bob Boone was the starting catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. But when Steve Carlton pitched, he insisted Tim McCarver be behind the plate.

[@cherylrichards8951]

I wonder if God is going to lower the pitcher's mound. 😅

[@timwade5157]

1968 was an awesome wold series. Bob and Tim were a great duo together.

[@bobbeckhart1707]

Damn that bastard was mean even threw at batters in the warm up circle. He was good and huge competitor just don't make pitchers like that anymore. And don't tell anyone but I'm a Cubs fan

[@puck30]

Tim was a damn good catcher, not only did he catch the great Gibby but he was also the personal catcher of Steve Carlton in Philadelphia.

[@richardmiller3919]

Tim should be in Hall of Fame cuz he got both of Gibson and Carlton into Hall of Fame. Tim was real mastermind catcher!

[@robertcrist5747]

I briefly met Mr McCarver back in the day when he was announcing for the Mets. He was with Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez in the hotel lobby. He must have forgotten something and went back to the elevator where I was waiting. Having watched him and Gibby as a kid I was at a loss for words. He looked at me once he pushed his floor and said "How are you this evening?" I kept it short, but told him I alway admired his hard play behind the plate and thanked him for the World Series wins he contributed too. One of the highlights of my being a Cardinals fan. I miss these guys and those days because they are all gone now with very few left. God Bless and RIP Mr McCarver 🙏

[@Cuffski]

Peace, I met Mr. Gibson in Chicago at a baseball discussion and he was something special. This was in the early 2000's and he was still fiery, intimidating, at the same time, he was intensely friendly. He was so cool talking about baseball, Omaha, playing basketball, and just the era he grew up in. Yeah he was an original.

[@Thesage50]

The only two other pitchers that had a similar nasty break on their pitches during that era were Koufax and McNally.

[@tonyletterel8543]

camillo pascual

[@soaringvulture]

@@tonyletterel8543 That was a different era. But Pascual had a great curve. I saw him beat the Yankees 1-0 and he hit a home run for the only score. I've been impressed by that forever. It had to be around 1960 and I still remember it.

[@tvtechwonv27]

Timmy Mccarver was a good announcer. Enjoyed him as a Mets fan back in the 80s and 90s along with him calling Fox games.

[@liz326522]

Mets fan here and I loved listening to him when he worked for The Mets back in the 80’s. He and Ralph Kiner in the booth were great together. I lived near Shea and used to go to tons of games in the years before they won in 86’. Went early trying to get autographs from players during batting practice one game, dropped my baseball on the field while leaning over trying to get Kingman’s attention. Tim came over, picked up the ball and gave it back to me. I asked him to sign it telling him how much I learn about baseball listening to him. He said, “Young lady, you just made my day. Let’s Go Mets.” I was 14 years old. Sweetest guy.

[@tvtechwonv27]

@@liz326522 My first memories of watching Mets baseball was in the late 80s with Mccarver and Kiner. Good times~

[@efrain926]

RIP Tim

[@fuqui035]

Pedro Martinez has nothing on Gibson Bob could pitch 40 innings Pedro only 7 before they take him out

[@rayglaze4720]

A Kansan that always loved listening to Tim McCarver, Joe Garagiola, and Tony Kubek. Loved their knowledge of the game.

[@jamesanthony5681]

Bob Gibson, HOF. In the 1968 season he went 22-9, with 13 shutouts and an era of 1.12. Now, tell me which pitcher had a better season than that?

[@djf750]

Sandy Koufax 1963 25-5 1.88 ERA 11 shutouts 20 complete games 306 strike outs Complete game 15 strikeouts in game 1 victory in WS over Yankees Complete Game #4 WS victory sweeping Yankees

[@Joshj1186]

@@djf750 still not as dominant, 17ks in WS gamse will never be beater

[@GretaVanZeppelin1996]

@@djf750 Gibson probably would've won 30 games that year had his offense been better.

[@djf750]

@@GretaVanZeppelin1996 When Koufax pitched his perfect game in 1965, the Cubs pitcher Bob Hendley, only allowed ONE hit and one walk. So Koufax just threw a perfect game instead and won the game 1-0. And if the Dodgers had a better offense back then Koufax could have won 30 games. Koufax is the greatest pitcher of all time

[@GretaVanZeppelin1996]

@R. M. Brumley, Sr USMC That is beyond his control.

[@stantheman9072]

FWIW, in one of Roger Angel’s magnificent books (I think it’s The Summer Game) there’s a section on Gibson that really gets to the soul of the man and the essence of his relentless competitive nature. McCarver shares an episode between them when he had the temerity to call time and walk toward the mound for a conference. Before he could get close enough to say anything Gibson gave him his best scowl and told him to get back behind the plate where he belonged. “The only thing you know about my pitching is you can’t hit it!” And with that McCarver wheeled around and did exactly that. I can’t do justice to Angel’s prose. All his work is well worth your time. It’s been more than 30 years since I read this and that section on Gibson and this story in particular has really stuck.

[@yossarianmnichols9641]

I saw the game of the week on NBC when he struck out 8 Houston players in a row. Every third strike was knee high on the outside corner, fastball. One or two guys fouled a couple pitches but most did not make contact. I was a teenager.

[@njacobdekelaita6198]

Carlton or Gibby. I remember a gotw where Carlton shut out the astros. I think it was 6-0

[@billwillman7687]

One of the best pitchers ever to were a Cardinal uniform. Rest In Peace Bob.

[@misterceo2168]

THEE BEST

[@HumanImpersonator1]

McCarver...he downplayed himself a lot...I mean his knowledge of the game. He was one of the more knowledgeable guys in baseball....with an outstanding memory too. I was always a fan of his....great guy!

[@zyxwut321]

He's kind of like the Art Donovan of baseball when it comes to storytelling.

[@Dansharley51]

All the great players leaving us now. Remember them all. Rest In Peace all of you great ball players

[@sas6561]

McCarver has on his jersey from prior years. Hard to believe the Cardinals changed the lettering on their jerseys. 1) They reduced the size of the front number from 6" like the one McCarver has on, to a puny 4" number nowadays. 2) They reduced the whole birds on the bat, and flattened the bat end instead of rounding it like McCarver's jersey shows. Today, the whole front lettering process is done in tackle twill. Look closely at McCarver's jersey and you will see beautiful Swiss embroidery. No more. Shame on the Cardinals!!! ... oh well .............!

[@wilrobles5392]

Unfortunately, the Cards blew a 3-1 lead to lose in seven.

[@docsmithdc]

Yes.Curt Flood misjudged a fly ball incenter field.

[@wilrobles5392]

docsmithdc 1966 World Series. Willie Davis LA Dodgers. In one game he dropped three fly balls. I can’t remember if it was in the same inning, but he definitely dropped three in a game.

[@docsmithdc]

Don't remember that but thanks for the info.@@wilrobles5392

[@wilrobles5392]

Westside 54 Me too. I wanted the cards to win. There was this kid named Robin. Diehard and obnoxious Tiger fan. Even when his team was done through the one he had faith in his team.

[@timothykelly628]

Great interview

[@chrisoxford4026]

I'm a lifelong Memphian. Tim went to Christian Brothers High School here in Memphis. As a young kid I saw him play at Busch Stadium 2 several times. He's always been my favorite Cards catcher. Well now he and Yadi. All us baseball fans here in Memphis are proud to call him one of our own!😊

[@richardmiller3919]

I’m sure you gonna to see games at Memphis RedBird.. I hope I will be there one day.

[@anniechaloupka8052]

Bob Gibson is my hero....his brother was a coach at Omaha North High school...Johnny Rodgers.....Candy Braxton....all international track/football contenders.....I met Bob a couple of times.....he was skeptical...but we ended laughing over the people we know and miss (RIP)......I may be white and from rural Nebraska...but Bob's family/legacy gave SO MUCH to Nebraska...he will never be valued as he SHOULD be...

[@64yanks]

I’ll always remember McCarvers 3 run homer in game 5. One helluva ballplayer

Tim McCarver was a great ballplayer, a great catcher, was clutch, great behind the plate, a great announcer, and a great human being. Come a big game, you felt good knowing McCarver was in the lineup.

[@kevingartland723]

"Your a real man Dion"

[@stevewinfree1828]

*you're

[@bobdelaney3126]

A Great Team should have won the 68 Series

[@tomsreviews238]

If Bob Gibson pitched the way he did in 1968 today, someone would halve beat the living sh....t out of him.

[@freckwilkinson4009]

They might of tried, and Gibby would of met them halfway!

[@tomsreviews238]

The players are a lot bigger today and they make fortunes They wouldn't put up with him and jeopardize their careers. Gibson would get killed.

[@brucefranklin6295]

@@tomsreviews238 Comparing past players to present players doesn't work. I can tell you that players in Gibson's era were scared to death of him.

[@tomsreviews238]

@@brucefranklin6295 You can't compare, If Gibson threw at someone's head today, both teams would be warned and if he did it again he would be gone.

[@tomsreviews238]

@Don Schmidt I have watched Baseball since the 1960's also. Biggest problem today is the juiced baseball, it's like looking at a golf driving range.