The Orioles Flashback Friday Player Profile is a series featuring obscure, mediocre and infamous Orioles players from their last "rebuild" era that spanned 14 years. An article will be released every Friday spotlighting a former Orioles from the disappointing days of our past.
This week's player profile will feature former Orioles outfielder and the biggest smug face you've ever seen, Jay Gibbons.
Gibbons came to the Orioles by way of the rule 5 draft (also known as the Orioles' alternative farm system) ahead of the 2000 season. Originally a 14th round pick in the 1998 draft by the Blue Jays, this Jay put together a pretty "meh" career over his seven seasons with the team. His best year came in 2003 where he finished with a .277 batting average, 100 RBI and 23 home runs. Gibbons was a serviceable corner outfield defender for the team and ended his career with a .986 fielding percentage. After seven seasons with the team Gibbons posted a .260 average, 405 RBI and 121 home runs.
Gibbons had a career characterized by up and down stat-lines and injury. Yet, his rise from rule 5 draft pick to starter rallied fan support behind him. However, in 2007 Gibbons was let go from the team following the release of evidence that he was receiving shipments of human growth hormone. Gibbons, who was ironically the team's union rep, struggled to find work in the majors for a few years as he bounced around from the Marlins and Brewers without recording a stat. He eventually signed with the Dodgers in 2010 where he played disappointingly for two seasons.
Gibbons's legacy has been one marked by let downs, injuries and mediocrity. The 42 year old is currently the personal hitting coach for minor league-er and crusader of Christ Tim Tebow...an odd paring I still don't understand. He is also a lasting reminder that a little bit of facial scruff goes a long way.
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