Gibson's vast community impact yields third Clemente nom

This story was excerpted from Jake Rill’s Orioles Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

CLEVELAND -- When the Orioles signed Kyle Gibson to a one-year, $10 million deal last December -- the largest contract they’ve given a player since Mike Elias became general manager in November 2018 -- they knew they were getting a right-handed pitcher who would log a lot of innings and a 35-year-old veteran who could serve as a clubhouse leader.

Gibson has been much more than that to the city of Baltimore.

Along every stop of his big league career, Gibson has immersed himself in the local community via programs that allow him to give back to people in need. It’s why he was his team’s Roberto Clemente Award nominee twice earlier in his career (2019 with Minnesota and '22 with Philadelphia).

Gibson has received the honor again this season, as he’s the O’s representative on the league-wide Clemente Award ballot.

He and his wife, Elizabeth, don’t participate in community work to try to earn that type of recognition, though. In fact, they prefer to redirect any extra attention back to their associated charitable organizations.

“Honestly, for us, [the goal is to] get more publicity to the organizations that we work with and more eyes on them so other people can maybe have a connection with a cause that they’re passionate about, ” Gibson said. “Maybe find something in Baltimore or internationally or wherever they live that they can feel connected to, [that] is really our goal.”

It wasn’t surprising when Gibson was named the Orioles’ 2023 Roberto Clemente Award nominee. He has spearheaded several initiatives throughout his first season with the club.

There isn’t one particular organization Gibson works with more than others. He’s met with people from S.T.A.N.D. Mentorship (which gives young men educational experiences), Diamonds on the Rise (which helps those living with psychiatric diagnoses who struggle with daily activities) and active-duty military members, whom Gibson often thanks for their service.

Gibson gives private tours of the O’s clubhouse to children battling life-threatening illnesses. He also has a digital fundraising campaign called #ALLWIN that involves him making a donation to the Maryland Food Bank for every strikeout he has recorded this year. Plus, he donates to House of Ruth Maryland -- which provides resources to women escaping domestic violence -- after every Orioles win.

It’s always been especially important to Gibson to help feed people, especially the youth.

“As kids, my wife and I, we were fortunate that we didn’t have to worry about where our next meal was coming from,” Gibson said. “And there’s just millions of kids every day that don’t have that same luxury. They didn’t do anything to pick their home. It’s just kind of how the birth lottery went for them.”

Gibson has also received the assistance of various other Orioles players at community events.

The Swinging for Impact golf tournament at Topgolf was held in Baltimore in August to benefit City of Refuge Baltimore, a faith-based organization that helps individuals and families transition out of crisis. The O’s are also hosting a fantasy football league that features both players and fans, with proceeds going to Help One Now, a nonprofit aiming to end extreme poverty.

The involvement of many members of Baltimore’s roster is why Gibson views his Roberto Clemente Award nomination as a team honor.

“I told these guys whenever I found out, the work that we’ve done this year here in Baltimore couldn’t be done without those guys,” Gibson said. “Elizabeth and I have tried to make a point, each team we’ve been with, to get connected with the community. This is a big community home for us for six months of the year, and we felt like we’ve been put in a spot to be able to help people and that’s what we want to do.”

Gibson will be a free agent at the end of this season, and whether he returns to the Orioles or not, he’ll surely continue to be active in the community where he lives. Even if he leaves Baltimore, his impact will continue to be felt because of all the work he has already done.

“He does amazing work off the field and is incredibly unselfish,” manager Brandon Hyde said. “It doesn’t surprise me at all. He’s just a really good guy that’s unselfish in so many ways and cares about others and wants to give and wants to give back. Just a really special guy.”