Umpiring career

Gibson has worked nine Division Series (2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015), four National League Championship Series (2005, 2012, 2013, 2014), one World Series (2011), two Wild Card Games (2012, 2013), and the 2008 All-Star Game. He was the home plate umpire for Randy Johnson's perfect game on May 18, 2004, as well as Tim Wakefield's 200th win. Before reaching the major leagues, he umpired in the Appalachian League (1991), Florida Instructional League (1991 and 1994), South Atlantic League (1992), Florida State League (1993), Eastern League (1994-1995) and International League (1996-1999).

Controversy

During the 2005 NLCS, a series of contested calls brought fans and sports writers to wonder again whether instant replay would be a good move for Major League Baseball. For Gibson's part, he didn't see a ball hit off of Mark Grudzielanek's foot while he was still in the box, which would have been a foul ball. Instead, Grudzielanek grounded out to pitcher Roy Oswalt for the first out of the home half of second inning.

In the 2009 ALDS, Gibson was alleged to have ruled incorrectly on a baserunner coming into third base.

In the 12th inning of a game between the Minnesota Twins and the Kansas City Royals on April 24, 2010, Minnesota was leading 9-7 with two outs. Kansas City's Willie Bloomquist came to bat with baserunner Scott Podsednik on first base. Bloomquist hit a ground ball to shortstop J.J. Hardy, who mishandled it before throwing the ball to second base. Podsednik appeared to be safe, but Gibson, the second-base umpire, ruled him out to end the game and give the Twins a 9-7 win. Royals manager Trey Hillman unsuccessfully disputed the call.

Injuries

On August 15, 2012, Gibson left a game between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Cleveland Indians after he was slashed near the left eye by Torii Hunter during a play at the plate. Gibson was not seriously injured. After his departure, minor league fill-in and first base umpire Manny Gonzalez assumed home plate umpiring duties as the crew worked in a three-person alignment for the remainder of the contest.

Notable games

On September 3, 2008, Gibson was the home plate umpire for MLB's first use of instant replay.

Gibson was chosen as one of the umpires for the one-game Wild Card playoff between the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers on October 5, 2012.

On March 31, 2014, Gibson became the first umpire to have a call overturned via a manager's challenge during a regular season game. During the sixth inning, Atlanta Braves skipper Fredi González successfully contested Gibson's ruling that Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun was safe at first base.

On June 18, 2014, Gibson was the home plate umpire when Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw no-hit the Colorado Rockies, 8-0.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]