Kirk Gibson diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease
By Kyle Jacobs
Former Arizona Diamondbacks manager, Kirk Gibson, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement and can even cause tremors. Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox are other notables who have this disease.
"“While this diagnosis poses a new kind challenge for me. I intend to stay true to my beliefs. With the support of my family and friends, I will meet this challenge with the same determination and unwavering intensity that I have displayed in all of my endeavors in life. I look forward to being back at the ballpark as soon as possible.” – Kirk Gibson"
Gibson’s MLB debut came in 1979 but his first season as a full-time player came in 1983 with the Detroit Tigers where he played a major role in helping the Tigers win the 1984 World Series against the Padres where he was responsible for the home run that clinched the title for Detroit.
The Michigan native would play for his home state Tigers until 1987 before eventually signing with the Dodgers and winning the NL MVP in 1988.
The southpaw may be known most notably for his pinch-hit home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series against Dennis Eckersley of the Oakland Athletics.
Gibson approached the plate in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and a runner on first. Gibson would fight his way through the at-bat until the Future Hall of Famer, Eckersley, tossed a slider and the rest is history.
The most memorable part of that instance was seeing Gibson literally limp around the bases and pumping his fist in celebration. Los Angeles would go on to win the series in five games.
In the later stages of his career, Gibson would complete short stints of work with the Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates before making his final pit stop back in Detroit. He ended his career with 255 home runs, 284 stolen bases and a .268 career average.
Following his retirement in 1994, Gibson worked as a TV analyst for Fox Sports Net Detroit from 1998-2002. Gibson made his way from the booth back to the dugout in 2003 as a bench coach for the Tigers.
After a few years of coaching with Detroit, Gibson moved to Arizona as the bench coach starting in 2007 until he was promoted to interim manager in 2010.
He would later be awarded with the permanent duties as manager later in 2010. The Diamondbacks record from 2010-14 was 353-375 with a 2-3 record in the playoffs including being named NL Manager of The Year in 2011 before Gibson was relieved of his managerial duties in September of 2014.
Gibson has made his way back to the broadcast booth with the Tigers on Opening Day of this season but this diagnosis could end his broadcast career.
His impact on the game of baseball has been well-documented. He was best known for being passionate and being a leader. Kirk and his family need support now more than ever. Here’s to hoping once again that Kirk can hit this obstacle out of the ballpark.