Gibson makes effort to appease fans

By Anthony Fenech / MLB.com | 08/08/11

PHOENIX -- Before every game, D-backs manager Kirk Gibson makes a point to sign autographs for the fans.

"Even in the away stadiums, like San Francisco," Gibson said. "Even though they bury me all game."

But he said that he doesn't answer fan mail or return signed cards because he doesn't know who's on the other end.

"I'd prefer they come to me and meet me in the stadium, honestly," Gibson said. "If somebody wants to send me something, this is a long subject, but I'd rather sign an autograph personally for them in the stadium."

To prove his theory, a couple years ago Gibson signed his name a certain way just to see how quickly it went online.

"It didn't take long," he said.

Gibson says nowadays, he doesn't sign at hotels or outside the stadium, only inside.

"That's why every day I go over there," Gibson said. "They all stand on the side of the dugout and I try to accommodate them."