Kirk Gibson Announces He Has Parkinson's Disease
By Mike Cardillo
Kirk Gibson, the man who hit one of the most iconic home runs in World Series history, announced today that he has Parkinson’s Disease. Gibson, 58, returned to the Detroit Tigers this year to work select games on Fox Sports Detroit but hadn’t called a game since Opening Day. The former Arizona manager issued a statement through the network, via the Free Press:
"“I have faced many different obstacles in my life, and have always maintained a strong belief that no matter the circumstances, I could overcome those obstacles. While this diagnosis poses a new kind of 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.”"
These tweets from former longtime Tigers beat writer Lynn Henning offer a little detail:
Kirk Gibson's gait was clearly affected. His words were semi-slurred. Knew something had happened, but nothing to corroborate. Until today.
— Lynn G. Henning (@Lynn_Henning) April 28, 2015
Was deeply concerned about Kirk Gibson after seeing him a couple of weeks ago. Suspected some kind of stroke. Tigers announce: Parkinson's.
— Lynn G. Henning (@Lynn_Henning) April 28, 2015
As a lifelong Tigers fan this news is crushing. Gibson is, in a lot of ways, remembered as one of the faces of the 1984 Tigers — the last Detroit team to win a World Series.
His home run off Dennis Eckersly in the ninth inning Game 1 of the 1988 World Series is long-remembered. Gibson limping around the bases and pumping his fist is one of those moments you don’t forget.