Legendary Detroit Tigers outfielder Kirk Gibson has announced that he will be stepping away from his seat on the Tigers’ television broadcasts on FanDuel Sports Network. The 67-year-old has been experiencing a very public battle with Parkinson’s disease since being diagnosed in April 2015.
Despite this change, Gibson will remain in his current role as a special assistant to the general manager. However, he announced that he is stepping away from broadcasting in order to continue his battle with the disease.
“Although I may be leaving the booth, my connection with the Tigers remains strong,” Gibson said in a release Monday. “This transition isn’t about me slowing down, it’s about moving forward with my mission to make a difference in the lives of those with Parkinson’s.”
A Michigan native, Gibson played 12 years for the Tigers and was a key member of the 1984 World Series team. Additionally, he has had at least a part-time role on Tigers broadcasts for the past 15 seasons.
“Over the past 25 years, I have been honored to introduce integral parts of the game from my experiences as a player, manager, and coach,” stated Gibson. “I’m incredibly grateful for the support from the Tigers organization, the Ilitch family, and Detroit’s loyal baseball fans.”
Following his coaching stints with the franchise, Gibson joined the Tigers’ front office in 2019 as an adviser. Before that, he also served as the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2010 to 2014.
Recognizing his impact both on and off the field, the Tigers franchise expressed their appreciation for Gibson’s contributions. “Whether on the field or in the community, Gibby is a shining example of what we all embody,” the organization stated in a release. “His grit, tenacity, and dedication to the Olde English ‘D’ are unmatched qualities that have connected him so deeply with generations of Tigers fans.”
Looking ahead, Gibson also noted that he plans to use his newfound time away from the broadcast booth to focus more on his health while continuing to help others.
“On a personal level, I’ll be focusing on my current health while also continuing to support and encourage others battling Parkinson’s,” he said in the statement. “Through my Foundation, we are opening the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness this fall. Developing this Center is a huge endeavor that will be the first of its kind in Michigan, providing those impacted by Parkinson’s with access to a range of activity-based programs, completely free of charge.”
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