Lindenhurst's McGibbon has the tools to make it as a pro

Jon McGibbon calls timeout and walks to the mound. The Lindenhurst first baseman has a few words for Rich Vrana, who is in need of a little reassurance that everything is OK. The meeting is quick and the message is clear.

McGibbon returns to first base and his eyes fixate on the batter. Vrana throws a nasty breaking ball for strike three to end the inning. He turns and waits for McGibbon, jogging off the field, and the two high-five gloves.

"He's the consummate leader," Lindenhurst baseball coach Mike Canobbio said. "He's a take charge player. He calls conferences and settles down our pitchers. He sets the tone out there on the field. He commands respect because he treats the game with such respect. He's always in control."

McGibbon, a four-year starter, and captain of Lindy's first county champion since 1963, is all about his team, which won the state Class AA title Saturday, 15-2, over Guilderland. The Clemson-bound McGibbon is an aggressive, in-your-face, not afraid to show emotion, kind of athlete.

He's a multidimensional talent on the football field and a five-tool player on the baseball diamond. He relishes the competition, whether it's the hard knocks on the gridiron or the strategic complexity of baseball. He is measured by most for his gifted athleticism. But that doesn't completely make the man.

What cannot be measured by any yardstick or stop watch is McGibbon's ability to lead. It is an intangible that college and professional scouts look for. McGibbon, an All-Long Island selection in baseball and football this year, has the makeup of a professional athlete.

That's why McGibbon was drafted by Seattle in the 29th round of the major league baseball amateur draft earlier this week. He was the 882nd overall pick. He runs a 6.8 60-yard dash, hits for power, and plays great defense.

SEE PHOTOSLindenhurst 15, Guilderland 2

"He has an extremely disciplined work ethic," Canobbio said. "He spends hours working on skills. He carries himself like a professional. You just watch him in warm ups and you know he's a player."

Despite a high school experience that had its share of adversity, McGibbon has been able to rise above difficult circumstances and remain focused on his lifelong goals.

In February of his junior year, the McGibbon family home in Lindenhurst was destroyed by fire. Flames erupted through a fireplace and into the walls of the house. The family was forced to live in a trailer on the front lawn for six months.

"My grandparents also lived with us and we had to move into the trailer," McGibbon said. "We didn't lose everything but it was hard. Thankfully, no one was injured."

SEE PHOTOSHigh school sports -- June

From the ashes came an outpouring of support from the Lindenhurst community. The McGibbon's were not alone in their misfortune.

"Everyone came together and helped the family in every way imaginable," Canobbio said. "Our community is phenomenal. They reached out in a time of need and that stays with people forever."

McGibbon's junior year was further derailed when he suffered a severe wrist injury and missed most of his junior season. Potential college offers were impacted by his inability to play at full strength.

"We taught him the right way to play the game but I have to credit his summer team for his Clemson situation," Canobbio said. "The Long Island Titans put him in a position to be seen."

A healthy McGibbon played well for the LI Titans last summer and that ultimately paved the way to Clemson where he was offered a baseball scholarship.

"It was the right decision to play with the Titans," McGibbon said. "Life is about opportunities. Obviously, nothing in life is a guarantee. Circumstances change all the time."

Now, the 6-2, 205-pounder, who hit .404 with six home runs, and 27 RBI, is faced with a life altering decision. Does he go play Division I baseball in the Atlantic Coast Conference with powerhouse Clemson and enjoy a collegiate career? Or does he get started with Seattle and live his lifelong dream of playing professionally?

"I'll make that decision with my parents," McGibbon said. "It's an unbelievable feeling. It reinforces the belief that hard work does pay off. It's an honor for me, my family, all my coaches and my team to have this opportunity."

One thing that hasn't changed for McGibbon is his feel for the game. "The game has always felt right for me," McGibbon said. "The swing, the defense, all of it feels good since the first time I picked up a bat. And there's nothing better than celebrating a championship with all my teammates."

What a difference a year makes.