Jim Bibby – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Jim Bibby’s name might not mean much to casual baseball fans, but his 12-year Major League run from 1972 to 1984 had some unforgettable moments that really left a mark on baseball history. He threw one of the hardest fastballs of his time, which led to some wild highlights, including a no-hitter and a World Series title.

Bibby hung up his spikes in 1984 after his last outing with the Texas Rangers on May 26. That ended a career across four teams, with 111 wins, 1,079 strikeouts, and a 3.76 ERA. He started out on a basketball scholarship at Fayetteville State University, then went through military service in Vietnam, and even survived a scary back injury that needed spinal fusion surgery.

After his playing days, Bibby didn’t just fade away. He poured his energy into a long coaching career in the minor leagues, mentoring young pitchers for over 15 years. His story is really about grit and sticking with it at baseball’s top level. And honestly, the Bibby family had sports in their blood—NBA players Henry Bibby and Mike Bibby are his relatives.

Jim Bibby’s Retirement from Professional Baseball in 1984

Jim Bibby finished his 12-year Major League Baseball career in 1984 with the Texas Rangers. He actually returned to the team where he’d played from 1973 to 1975.

His final season was pretty limited, mostly as a relief pitcher after missing all of 1982.

Circumstances Leading to Retirement

Bibby’s road to retirement wasn’t easy. Health issues and a drop in performance in his later years really took a toll.

He missed the entire 1982 season with recurring problems that had haunted him for a while. The veteran tried to come back in 1983 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

But that comeback didn’t last long. He just couldn’t get back to his old form.

By 1984, Bibby signed with the Texas Rangers for what turned out to be his last pro season. At 39, he had to face the fact that his playing days were almost up.

The team used him sparingly, mostly out of the bullpen instead of his usual starting role. The grind and his reduced role pushed him toward retirement.

Final MLB Games and Transition

In 1984, Bibby appeared in just eight relief games for the Texas Rangers. That was a big change from his days as a starter.

His last games were nothing like his prime. The Rangers gave him a shot, but his best days were behind him.

After he retired, Bibby didn’t waste time. He moved to Lynchburg, Virginia and became the pitching coach for the Durham Bulls’ affiliate.

He really made a mark as a coach in the minors. People in Lynchburg respected him—he coached there through at least 1997, and the team even retired his number.

Coaching let him pass on all his knowledge to younger players. With his World Series ring and All-Star experience, he was a mentor that players looked up to.

Major League Career Overview

Jim Bibby played for four teams during his 12-year career from 1972 to 1984. He put together a record of 111 wins and 101 losses in 341 games, and he earned a reputation as a reliable pitcher, even if he struggled with control early on.

Debut with St. Louis Cardinals

Bibby made his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on September 4, 1972, at 27. He came in against Montreal, pitched 6.1 innings, gave up 7 hits and 4 earned runs, and struck out 5.

The Cardinals started him six times that September after calling him up from Triple-A Tulsa. He won his first game but then lost his last three starts.

His time in St. Louis was short and pretty rough. The team didn’t use him much in early 1973—just six outings, and the results weren’t great.

The Cardinals decided he wasn’t quite ready for the big leagues. On June 6, 1973, they traded him to the Texas Rangers for Mike Nagy and John Wockenfuss.

That move turned out to be a good break for Bibby.

Texas Rangers Tenure

Bibby found his stride with the Texas Rangers, thanks in part to manager Whitey Herzog, who pushed for the trade. His time there included some of the franchise’s most memorable moments.

On July 30, 1973, Bibby threw the first no-hitter in Rangers history, shutting down the Oakland Athletics. He struck out 13 and walked six over 148 pitches. “You couldn’t dig in against him because he was wild,” Reggie Jackson said after the game.

In 1974, Bibby broke out. He started 41 games, finished 19-19, but his 4.74 ERA showed he was up and down. His hot and cold streaks were legendary—he had a 2.50 ERA in wins, but a rough 9.23 in losses.

After his no-hitter, owner Bob Short gave Bibby a $5,000 raise. The Rangers finished second in 1974 with Billy Martin at the helm, and Bibby was a key part of the rotation, even if he was unpredictable.

Cleveland Indians Years

The Indians picked up Bibby from Texas and put him in their rotation in the mid-1970s. He got his control under better control, but he still had some wild days.

With Cleveland, Bibby became a more complete pitcher. He started using more than just his fastball, adding other pitches to his mix. That made a huge difference for his career.

The Indians gave him regular starts. Bibby gained valuable experience facing American League hitters, which helped him get ready for his later success.

His years in Cleveland really bridged the gap between his raw Texas days and his best years with Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Pirates Contributions

Bibby hit his peak with the Pittsburgh Pirates, playing a big role on the 1979 World Series champs. The Pirates’ “Fam-a-lee” vibe fit him perfectly.

In 1980, Bibby had his best season at age 35. He put up his top stats and became a steady veteran in the Pirates’ rotation. Younger pitchers learned a lot from his leadership.

“My dad owns his own farm and it’s 150 acres,” Bibby said once, talking about the work ethic that helped him in Pittsburgh. The Pirates loved his strong, farm-bred spirit.

He stayed with Pittsburgh through 1983, giving them solid innings and leadership. Winning a World Series ring felt like the payoff for all those tough early years.

The Pirates let him go in 1984, and he had a short stint back with St. Louis before retiring.

Key Achievements and Milestones

Jim Bibby’s career had some real standout moments that built his legacy in Major League Baseball. His 1973 no-hitter against the Oakland Athletics and his part in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1979 World Series win were the highlights.

World Series Win and All-Star Season

Bibby hit his career high with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1979, he helped them win the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles.

He started three times in the postseason—not picking up a win or loss—but pitched well, with a 2.08 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 17⅓ innings.

His best individual year came in 1980. Bibby went 19-6, leading the National League with a .760 winning percentage. That year, he made his only All-Star team.

During the 1980 All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium, Bibby threw a scoreless seventh inning in relief. He gave up a single to Willie Randolph but got out of the inning when Cecil Cooper grounded into a double play.

No-Hitter for the Texas Rangers

On July 30, 1973, Bibby tossed the first no-hitter in Texas Rangers history. He blanked the defending World Series champ Oakland Athletics 6-0 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.

It wasn’t a perfect game—he walked six and relied mostly on his fastball—but he struck out 13, including Reggie Jackson in the ninth.

Jackson’s reaction became part of baseball lore. “That’s the fastest ball I ever saw,” Jackson said. “Actually I didn’t see it. I just heard it.”

Owner Bob Short gave Bibby a $5,000 raise, bumping his $15,000 salary up by a third.

Notable Trades and Transactions

A few big trades really shaped Bibby’s career. The most important one happened on June 13, 1975, when the Rangers traded him (along with Jackie Brown, Rick Waits, and $100,000) to Cleveland for future Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry.

That deal came from a feud between Perry and Indians manager Frank Robinson. Bibby spent two and a half solid seasons in Cleveland, going 30-29 with a 3.36 ERA.

His move to Pittsburgh started with a contract dispute. The Indians didn’t pay him a $10,000 bonus for making 30 starts in 1977, even though he hit the mark. An arbitrator made him a free agent on March 6, 1978.

Nine days later, Bibby signed with Pittsburgh on March 15, 1978. The team thought he’d replace closer Goose Gossage, but he ended up starting and had his best years with the Pirates.

Early Life and Path to the Majors

James Blair Bibby’s road to Major League Baseball started on a North Carolina tobacco farm. He went through college basketball, military service in Vietnam, and years of fighting control issues in the minors. He didn’t make his MLB debut until he was 27, after plenty of setbacks.

Birthplace and Family Background

James Blair Bibby was born October 29, 1944, in Franklinton, North Carolina. That’s a small town in Franklin County, up in the north-central part of the state.

Jim grew up as one of three brothers. Charlie Bibby and Evelyn Stallings Bibby raised the family on a 150-acre farm, where the boys worked with tobacco, corn, cotton, and livestock.

Family Athletic Legacy:

• Fred Bibby: The older brother, a basketball star at Fayetteville State University
• Henry Bibby: The younger brother, famous as a point guard for John Wooden at UCLA
• Henry’s NBA Career: Won three straight NCAA championships (1970-1972) and an NBA title with the New York Knicks in 1973

Jim described those days: “My dad owns his own farm and it’s 150 acres. The three boys, we all had a lot of work to do with the tobacco, corn, cotton, the animals. There was no need to lift weights. Farm work’s terrible, I hate it, but we were never poor.”

Even with all the work, their dad always encouraged sports. “Whenever it was time to play baseball, my dad would always say, ‘Go ahead,'” Jim remembered.

Fayetteville State University and College Athletics

Jim went to Franklinton High School. The place was so small it didn’t even have a football team. He graduated with just 26 other students in his class.

The school kept all grades, from elementary through high school, in the same building. That must’ve made things interesting.

After graduation, Jim followed his older brother Fred to Fayetteville State University. He landed a basketball scholarship thanks to Fred, who had already become a star player and helped Jim get the opportunity.

Jim stood at 6’5″ and weighed 235 pounds—definitely had the size for basketball, but the skills? Not really. His brother Henry once said, “Jim was a hot dog, the 11th man. He’d get in a game, look up in the stands, score two points and think it was a big deal.”

Jim’s College Stats:

• Sport: Basketball (scholarship recipient)
• Role: Reserve player
• Notable Achievement: First FSU baseball player to reach the majors

In the summer of 1965, Jim tried out for the New York Mets at a camp near his hometown. Rain cut the audition short after just a few pitches. Still, the Mets later called and invited him to join their rookie-league team in Marion, Virginia. He signed on, but didn’t get a bonus.

Military Service and Early Setbacks

The Army drafted Bibby at the end of his first pro baseball season in 1965. He headed off to Vietnam, where he worked as a truck driver for two years.

After returning to Fort Lee, Virginia in 1967, Bibby played basketball on the post team with NBA star Lou Hudson. He got discharged in January 1968 and went back to baseball with the New York Mets’ Carolina League team in Raleigh-Durham.

Early Professional Struggles:

• 1965 Marion: 27 walks in 24 innings, 11.25 ERA
• 1968 Raleigh-Durham: 7-7 record, 74 walks in 131 innings, 2.82 ERA

Bibby’s wildness on the mound was hard to miss, but his potential showed through. He once said, “I just threw one fastball after another and I was always wild. Neither one of us knew a damn thing about baseball. We were both ungodly wild.” He was talking about himself and teammate Nolan Ryan, both struggling with control.

In 1970, Bibby faced another big setback during Mets spring training. His back, weakened by a bone spur he’d had since birth, gave out while he covered first base. He needed spinal fusion surgery and doctors gave him a 50-50 shot at playing again. He missed the entire 1970 season.

Coaching Career and Legacy

Jim Bibby retired from Major League Baseball in 1984 and jumped right into coaching. He spent the next 16 years helping young pitchers in the minors. Lynchburg, Virginia became his second home, where he spent 15 years and earned a special place in the community. The team even retired his number.

Minor League Coaching Roles

Bibby started coaching right after the Cardinals let him go on July 1, 1984. He joined the Durham Bulls as a pitching coach that same year.

In 1985, he moved to Lynchburg, Virginia. Over the next 15 years, he worked with three different organizations. From 1985 to 1987, he coached the Lynchburg Mets.

He spent the next seven seasons with the Lynchburg Red Sox from 1988 to 1994. Many pitchers he mentored during that time went on to professional careers.

Bibby finished his coaching career with the Lynchburg Hillcats from 1995 to 1999. People knew him for helping young pitchers develop control and confidence.

Impact with the Lynchburg Hillcats

Bibby didn’t just coach in Lynchburg—he became a local legend. Folks called him “a foundation for baseball in the Lynchburg area” and “an institution in the Carolina League.”

He focused on helping pitchers beat the same control problems he’d faced as a player. Players often credited his mentorship for their own success.

One former player said he “would have never had the baseball career I had” without Bibby. The same pitcher called him “a true class act, leader, and mentor.”

Bibby blended his professional background with a deep understanding of pitcher development. Sixteen years of coaching made him one of the most respected people in minor league baseball.

Retirement Honors and Number Retirement

The Lynchburg Hillcats retired Bibby’s number 26, making him the only person in Lynchburg baseball history with that honor.

When Bibby passed away in 2010, the Hillcats released a statement that praised his lasting impact. They highlighted how much he meant to both baseball and the community.

People remembered Bibby for more than just baseball. His upbeat personality and commitment to helping young players left a real mark.

The retired number stands as a permanent thank you for his 15 years in Lynchburg and the countless careers he shaped.

Personal Life and Family

Jim Bibby’s life outside baseball was all about family and community. His brother Henry made his mark in basketball, and Jim himself became a fixture in Virginia baseball after his playing days.

Family Connections in Professional Sports

The Bibby family produced some serious athletes. Jim’s younger brother Henry became a basketball star at UCLA under coach John Wooden. Henry played point guard for three straight NCAA championship teams from 1970 to 1972.

Henry then spent nine seasons in the NBA. As a rookie, he helped the New York Knicks win the 1973 NBA championship. After retiring in 1981, Henry turned to coaching.

The next generation kept the legacy going. Henry’s son Mike played in the NBA from 1998 through 2012, so the Bibby name just kept popping up in pro sports.

All three Bibby brothers grew up on a 150-acre farm in Franklinton, North Carolina. Their father Charlie always encouraged their athletic dreams, telling them, “Go ahead,” whenever it was time to play baseball.

Community Involvement and Later Years

After Jim Bibby retired from baseball in 1984, he turned his attention to helping young players and giving back to his community. He coached minor league pitchers for 16 years, spending 15 of those seasons in Lynchburg, Virginia.

People in Lynchburg baseball circles really grew to love Bibby. The team actually retired his number 26, which is still the only retired number in Lynchburg baseball history. The Lynchburg Hillcats even called him “a foundation for baseball in the Lynchburg area,” and honestly, he felt like an institution in the Carolina League.

In 1990, Bibby made a brief return to playing with the Winter Haven Super Sox of the Senior Professional Baseball Association. That ended up being his last experience as a player before he focused completely on coaching.

Jim left behind his wife Jacqueline and two daughters, Tamara and Tanya. He died in February 2010 at 65, and honestly, he left a real legacy in both community service and baseball instruction.