Trey Gibson's Parents Drove 2 Hours, Flew to New York, and Watched Their Son Make Orioles History at Yankee Stadium
JR and Karen Gibson were supposed to be in Florida this weekend watching their daughter finish her college softball career at Florida Gulf Coast University. Then their phone rang around midnight on Friday night, and everything changed.
Their son Trey, a 23-year-old right-hander and Baltimore's No. 3 prospect per MLB Pipeline, had made The Show. Not only that, but he was heading to Yankee Stadium to start for the Orioles against the Yankees on Sunday afternoon. His MLB debut would be on one of the biggest stages in baseball.
🎲 Want to Make Tonight's Game More Interesting?
Kalshi lets you trade on real sports outcomes — not just spreads. It's the only federally regulated prediction market in the US, and it's available right here in Washington state.
New users get a FREE $10 just for signing up — no deposit required to claim it.
👉 Claim Your Free $10 at Kalshi"Our initial emotions were shocked and speechless," JR said.
From Florida Hotel to the Bronx in Less Than 24 Hours
The Gibsons didn't waste time. They stayed at a hotel in Punta Gorda, Florida on Saturday night, then woke up Sunday morning and drove about 2 hours north to Tampa International Airport. From there they flew to LaGuardia in New York before making their way to the Bronx for the biggest day of their son's baseball career.
They arrived still wearing FGCU gear since they'd packed for a college softball tournament. An Orioles employee brought them hats and sweatshirts so they could support Trey and his new teammates in proper fashion.
"We had so much love and support from friends and family, calling, texting, it's been amazing," JR said. "Everyone wishes Trey the best."
From Undrafted to Historic Debut
Trey's rise has been rapid. The Newport News, Virginia native played two seasons at Liberty University before signing with Baltimore as an undrafted free agent in August 2023. He won the Orioles' Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year Award in 2025 and had a solid start to the season at Triple-A Norfolk.
On Sunday, he became the first starting pitcher in Orioles history since 1954 to make his big league debut at Yankee Stadium. He went head-to-head with Yankees left-hander Max Fried.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime day," Karen said. "To start your MLB career at Yankee Stadium."
🐦 What fans are saying on X
See the latest reactions and highlights from Seattle fans about .
View X conversation →DFS Pick'em
⚡ DraftKings Pick 6: Deposit $5, Get $25 in Bonus Instantly + Up to 100% Winning Boost
Use code ONTAP to lock in this offer.
👉 Get your $25 DraftKings Pick 6 bonusSponsored. Must be 18+. Terms apply.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.