Q&A with Bob Gibson

District 12 administrator Bob Gibson has presided over Little League in the northern part of Pinellas County for 15 years. Gibson, a member of the Little League International Board of Directors the past three years, is retiring effective Sept. 30. Equal parts jester and dictator, Gibson, 58, a facilities manager in commercial real estate, is constantly on the go. Holding court perched above the fields at the Englebert Complex in Dunedin, he took a few minutes between calls and questions from coaches to talk about memories, ballpark food and the challenges Little League faces moving forward.

By Brandon Wright
Published July 14, 2007

How did you get involved with Little League?

Like most, I got into it when my kids did. I coached T-ball before becoming president at Dunedin Little League for a year. Then Charlie Harper, my predecessor as district administrator, thought I might be a good fit to replace him. Of course, I had to go home and talk about it with my wife, and she told me if I wanted to, then go for it. That was 15 years ago.

Looking back, what will be your fondest memory?

All the good people I've met. Not just hundreds, but thousands of them. The moms, dads, coaches ... people like (assistant district administrators) Steve Gottscho and Buddy Sexton. That's the thing I'll miss most.

Who were the most dominant players to come out of this district?

Two names in baseball: (Cubs farmhand) Ryan Harvey and (Brewers farmhand) Kenny Holmberg. I've watched those two guys at the Little League level put teams on their backs. Softball? (Former Gatorade High School Softball Player of the Year and current LSU pitcher) Dani Hofer. She was untouchable.

What do you prefer to watch, a well-played Little League game or the Rays?

Hands down, Little League. Why? It's pure. I love baseball, and this level is the purest form of it.

Most never get to experience Williamsport (home of the Little League World Series in Pennsylvania). What's it like?

The most amazing place in the world. It's awe-inspiring to see 40,000-plus people there to watch 11- and 12-year-old kids play the game of baseball.

You always struck me as a tough guy, but at your final district meeting for All-Stars, you got choked up while giving your speech. How difficult was that?

(Laughing) With the kids, I'm a piece of cake. I'm only tough when I have to be in terms of running the show with the adults. But saying goodbye was awful tough to do. It hit me, but I knew I'd do a little tearing up.

I love concession-stand food, and I'm sure you've had your share. Any memories stick out?

There was a guy down at West Pinellas Little League who was a commercial fisherman. He would come out and make fresh, I mean right off the boat fresh, grouper sandwiches. Absolutely outstanding.

What are your thoughts on other youth leagues such as AAU?

Little League only gets competitive during all-star season. These other leagues make it so competitive all the time. Winning isn't everything. It's a lot, but not everything.

What challenges does Little League face in the future?

Getting parents reinvolved as volunteers. Too many of them want to be critics on the sidelines but when it comes to volunteering, they're nowhere to be found.

Contact Brandon Wright at bwright@sptimes.com or 727-892-2216.

[Last modified July 13, 2007, 21:37:31]