World Series heroes come together as Dodgers great Kirk Gibson throws out first pitch to Freddie Freeman
World Series heroes come together as Dodgers great Kirk Gibson throws out first pitch to Freddie Freeman
Kirk Gibson and Freddie Freeman will forever be linked after hitting two of the more memorable home runs in Los Angeles Dodgers history.
Prior to Thursday's home opener against the Detroit Tigers, the duo shared a special moment together.
To put a bow on the Dodgers' pregame festivities, Freeman and his family were asked out to the field to relive his walk-off grand slam to beat the New York Yankees in Game 1 of last year's World Series.
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SportsNet L.A. and FOX play-by-play voice Joe Davis then recreated part of his now-iconic call of Freeman's magical World Series home run.
"Let's make this official," Davis belted across the public address system. "Gibby!" he said and paused, as Kirk Gibson walked out to the field to a rousing applause. "Meet Freddie!"
After embracing Freeman and greeting his family, Gibson walked to the mound and delivered a perfect first pitch to the 2024 World Series hero as Dodgers Stadium erupted.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers Kirk Gibson throws out the first pitch ThursdayJayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
"That's awesome! Love seeing legends passing the torch.," one person said on social media.
"Gibby and Freddie--what a legendary duo to kick off Opening Day! A perfect pitch to start the season!" another commented.
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"That's baseball poetry right there-- legends bridging generations." a user said.
Prior to joining the Dodgers in 1988, Gibson played for the Tigers for his first nine seasons in the big leagues. He spent 12 of his 17 seasons with the organization. The 67-year old, who is currently a special assistant with Detroit, spent the last 10 seasons as part of their broadcast team.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Gibson would be stepping away from the broadcast booth, but would remain a special assistant with the Tigers while working with his foundation in the fight against Parkinson's disease.
Gibson was diagnosed with Parkinson's at the age of 57.
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'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.' he told MLB.com.
Related: Orioles Slugger Made (More) History on Thursday
Related: Astros' No. 1 Prospect Moved to Tears After Big Decision on Tuesday
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