"The Yankees have always been proud of Jake Gibbs, the former All-American quarterback from the University of Mississippi who was switched from third to catcher. Despite broken fingers and discouragement, he taught himself a new trade and became the Yankees' regular backstop in 1967.
During the off-season, Jake works with the quarterbacks as assistant backfield coach at the University of Mississippi. Last year Jake and Ole Miss were mighty pleased with the performance of his protege, All-American quarterback Archie Manning.
As the starting catcher, Gibbs is being challenged by younger Yankees. Jake is a great team man and a tough competitor, and will still see plenty of action and continue to do an outstanding job behind the plate. He is an expert handler of pitchers and calls an excellent game."
-The New York Yankees Official 1970 Yearbook
"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 a catcher in 1963 and has become one of the finest receivers in the league.
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, and aided All-American Archie Manning at Ole Miss last fall."
-1970 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide
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