"Having passed the turning point of his thirtieth birthday, Jake Gibbs isn't left with much time to make good on the reported $100,000 the Yankees invested in him back in 1961. Originally a third baseman, he was converted into a catcher six years ago. Granted that it's a tough transition to make quickly, Jake seems to settled for less than is expected of him, performing unspectacularly behind the plate. His hitting regressed last year to a career low of .213 and a career high of 67 strikeouts.
Maybe with his predecessor, Elston Howard, back as a coach, Jake will pick up some useful tips."
-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1969
"The Yankees have good reason to feel secure with Jake Gibbs behind the plate and Fernandez ready to spell him. Gibbs is a left-hand hitter, Fernandez a right-hander; this gives the team good balance in doubleheaders. When the opposing team uses a left-hand pitcher, Fernandez is called upon. When they use a right-hander, Gibbs is ready. Last season Jake matured into the fine catcher the Yankees thought he would be.
Jake played in 124 games, hit .213 and drove in some important runs last year. The former All-American quarterback from the University of Mississippi was switched from third baseman to catcher - he had never worked behind the plate - in 1963. He won the top spot among Yankee catchers in 1967.
When the baseball season is over, Jake serves as assistant backfield coach at Mississippi. When the football season is over, he vacations with his two boys, Dean (6) and Monty (3) in Grenada, Mississippi before starting spring training."
-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook
"Jake is considered by many to be the most improved receiver in the American League. He was third in fielding and had only five passed balls. Probably the speediest catcher in the league, he stole nine bases last year, the most by a catcher.
Originally a third baseman, he was signed off the campus of the University of Mississippi in 1961 and received the largest bonus ever given by the Yankees. He was switched to catching in 1963. His progress in the major leagues was hampered when he broke his fingers on four different occasions.
Jake was an All-American in two sports at Ole Miss- baseball in 1960 and 1961 and football in 1960. He was a quarterback and received pro offers. Jake still keeps his hand in football, as he serves as an assistant coach at his alma mater during the off-season."
-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
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