Last week, I hated to hear the news that legendary baseball player Joe Gibbon had passed away, but I’m thrilled that I had a chance to meet him and interview him.
Within my first year of being with the Newton County Appeal, I had a chance to interview him for our Profile 2016 edition. I really didn’t know much about Joe at the time, but it didn’t take long to realize he’s one of the best players in any sport to come out of Newton County.
He’s a person that saw success at all levels. Even when he helped lead Hickory High School to a state championship, no one really knew just how good he could be. I mean, he only averaged 5 points per game and didn’t even get the opportunity to play high school baseball just because Hickory didn’t field a team. The only organized baseball he got to play was in the American Legion team with Newton.
However, one phone call changed his life. Meridian attorney Martin Van Buren Miller knew Joe and he made a phone call to Ole Miss and told them that they had to get Joe to come to Ole Miss. Miller was even willing to pay his tuition if they couldn’t find a scholarship.
That changed his career path from East Central Junior College to playing for four years with Ole Miss. By his senior season, he multiplied his per game average by six to 30 points a game along with 14 rebounds per game, which is still in the history books as one of the greatest seasons of all time for Ole Miss.
Kentucky coach Adolf Rupp complimented Joe on his play against the Wildcats. He was even drafted by Red Auerbach’s Boston Celtics, but baseball was his true love. That was the game he loved from an early age.
Joe, we are going to miss you. You’ve left a lasting legacy on Newton County sports.
Brent can be reached at bmaze@newtoncountyappeal.com.
