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Sports

Kirk Gibson diagnosed with Parkinson's disease

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

Detroit, MI (SportsNetwork.com) - Kirk Gibson has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Gibson, a former star with the Detroit Tigers and more recently an analyst with Fox Sports Detroit, released a statement on Tuesday through the network.

"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," Gibson said. "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."

Gibson, who led the Tigers to a World Series title in 1984 and most famously belted a pinch-hit home run against the Oakland Athletics in the 1988 World Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers, had been the manager for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2010-14 before taking a job with Fox Sports Detroit to serve as analyst for Tigers games.

He compiled a record of 353-375 record during his tenure with the D-backs. He took over midway through the 2010 season and led Arizona to a division title in 2011.

During his 17-year playing career with the Tigers, Dodgers, Royals and Pirates, Gibson hit .268 with 255 home runs and 870 RBI. He did most of his damage as a member of the Tigers, hitting .273 with 195 homers and 668 RBI in 12 seasons.

His best season came in 1988 as a member of the Dodgers, hitting .290 with 25 homers and 76 RBI to earn National League MVP honors. It was that postseason, while nursing injuries to both legs, he came off the bench and hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth of Game 1 of the World Series against Oakland to lift the Dodgers to the 4-3 win.

Los Angeles went on to win that World Series.

Gibson had not been in the Fox Sports broadcast booth since opening day. The network said it will welcome Gibson back as his treatment permits.