 On April 17, 2012, while serving as home plate umpire, Gibson made a series of calls in a game between the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins that were not well received by fans, first calling a balk on pitcher Francisco Liriano, then tossing out mild-mannered Denard Span and team manager Ron Gardenhire for showing disapproval of Gibson's "strike" call at the beginning of the Span at-bat.Gibson's demeanor was reported by media as antagonistic as the fray began with Span, then remained aggressive as he tossed Gardenhire with great animation.On August 15, 2012, Gibson left a game between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Cleveland Indians after he was slashed near the left eye by Torii Hunter during a play at the plate.