Detroit sports legend and college football hall of famer Kirk Gibson has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, Fox Sports Detroit announced on Tuesday. Gibson, who was doing analyst work with the network during Detroit’s spring training, hasn’t been on the FSD airwaves since Opening Day.
Fox Sports Detroit just announced that Kirk Gibson is dealing with Parkinson's disease. Prayers & well wishes go out.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) April 28, 2015
Gibson played for the Tigers in eight seasons from 1979-87, including the 1984 World Series Championship team. He returned for three more seasons in 1993-96, and had stints with the Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates in between. His home run off Dennis Eckersley in the 1998 World Series is widely considered one of baseball’s greatest moments.
Gibson managed the Tigers from 2003-05, and was managing the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010-14 before being hired by Fox Sports.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects your movement. A tremor may be the most well-known sign of Parkinson’s disease, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.
Gibson addressed the diagnosis by releasing the following statement:
“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.”
[Source: Detroit Free Press]
