Tigers World Series hero Gibson has Parkinson's
Tony Paul, The Detroit News 12:37 p.m. EDT April 28, 2015
Kirk Gibson
Detroit -- Tigers fans have wondered why Kirk Gibson was in the Fox Sports Detroit booth on Opening Day, but not at all since.
FSD and Gibson explained why Tuesday.
The former Tigers great has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
"I have faced many different obstacles in my life, and have always maintained a strong belief that no matter the circumstances, I could overcome these obstacles," Gibson said in a statement. "While the 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 my endeavors in life.
"I look forward to being back at the ballpark as soon as possible."
FSD said it will have Gibson back in the booth as soon as he wants, based on his treatment.
Parkinson's is a disease of the central nervous system, its tell-tale symptom being shaking, or tremors, particularly in the hands.
Actor Michael J. Fox and boxing legend Muhammad Ali are some of the most famous Parkinson's patients. Fox left prime-time television when he was diagnosed, but eventually returned once his treatment got the disorder under some control.
Gibson, 57, returned to the Tigers broadcasting booth this season, after spendingseveral seasons with the Diamondbacks, including the last four-and-a-half as manager.
He appeared on Opening Day with Rod Allen and Mario Impemba, but not since. Some assumed his absence was to watch his son, Cam, play baseball at Michigan State, and then he'd return to doing Tigers ballgames after that season ended.
Gibson was to do 60 games, to Allen's 79 and Jack Morris' 13. With a prolonged Gibson absence, more duties will fall on Allen, the incumbent.
Gibson is a hero in Michigan, from his days playing wide receiver at Michigan State to his clutch performances on the field, particularly Game 5 of the 1984 World Series. He left the Tigers after the 1987 season, to join the Dodgers, and in the 1988 World Series, he hit one of the most famous home runs in baseball history.
He played 17 seasons in the big leagues, finishing his career with the Tigers from 1993-95.
tpaul@detroitnews.com
Tony Paul, The Detroit News 12:37 p.m. EDT April 28, 2015
Kirk Gibson
Detroit -- Tigers fans have wondered why Kirk Gibson was in the Fox Sports Detroit booth on Opening Day, but not at all since.
FSD and Gibson explained why Tuesday.
The former Tigers great has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
"I have faced many different obstacles in my life, and have always maintained a strong belief that no matter the circumstances, I could overcome these obstacles," Gibson said in a statement. "While the 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 my endeavors in life.
"I look forward to being back at the ballpark as soon as possible."
FSD said it will have Gibson back in the booth as soon as he wants, based on his treatment.
Parkinson's is a disease of the central nervous system, its tell-tale symptom being shaking, or tremors, particularly in the hands.
Actor Michael J. Fox and boxing legend Muhammad Ali are some of the most famous Parkinson's patients. Fox left prime-time television when he was diagnosed, but eventually returned once his treatment got the disorder under some control.
Gibson, 57, returned to the Tigers broadcasting booth this season, after spendingseveral seasons with the Diamondbacks, including the last four-and-a-half as manager.
He appeared on Opening Day with Rod Allen and Mario Impemba, but not since. Some assumed his absence was to watch his son, Cam, play baseball at Michigan State, and then he'd return to doing Tigers ballgames after that season ended.
Gibson was to do 60 games, to Allen's 79 and Jack Morris' 13. With a prolonged Gibson absence, more duties will fall on Allen, the incumbent.
Gibson is a hero in Michigan, from his days playing wide receiver at Michigan State to his clutch performances on the field, particularly Game 5 of the 1984 World Series. He left the Tigers after the 1987 season, to join the Dodgers, and in the 1988 World Series, he hit one of the most famous home runs in baseball history.
He played 17 seasons in the big leagues, finishing his career with the Tigers from 1993-95.
tpaul@detroitnews.com
