Kirk Gibson steps away from Detroit Tigers TV booth
Kirk Gibson steps away from Detroit Tigers TV booth
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Kirk Gibson throws out first pitch at Tigers' ALDS Game 4
Detroit Tigers legend Kirk Gibson throws out the first pitch ahead of Game 4 of the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians on Oct. 10, 2024.
LAKELAND, Fla. — Kirk Gibson, who has waged a public battle against Parkinson's disease, is stepping down as a member of the Tigers broadcasts this season on FanDuel Sports Network to focus on his health.
"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."
Gibson, 67, was listed as a contributing analyst in late February when the Tigers revealed the broadcast talent for 2025.
READ MORE: Where is Johnny Kane? Tigers reveal 2025 broadcast team with new sideline reporter
Gibson will remain a member of the Tigers organization as a special assistant to the general manager.
"Whether on the field or in the community, Gibby is a shining example of what we all embody," the Tigers said 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."
Gibson was a star athlete from Waterford Kettering, an All-America football player at Michigan State, a freak athlete with speed and power and an ornery determination to refuse to lose at anything. He played a critical role on the 1984 world champion Tigers before becoming a manager and broadcaster.
"While today marks the closing of one chapter, his profound influence on the Tigers and city of Detroit will endure and continue to grow in the future," the Tigers said. "All of us will be working closer than ever to support important causes, including with the Kirk Gibson Foundation to expand awareness of Parkinson's and improve the quality of life for people battling the disease."
Gibson announced that he had Parkinson's in 2015. Since then, he has continued to broadcast games, although his involvement has steadily decreased. Earlier this spring, he was spotted at a spring training game in Florida.
Parkinson's is a disease of the brain. The cause is not known.
Gibson formed the Kirk Gibson Foundation in 1996 to provide college scholarships to students – both athletes and non-athletes – at Detroit-area Waterford Kettering and Clarkston High School. After Gibson was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2015, the Foundation's mission expanded to include Parkinson's awareness and improving the quality of life for people battling this degenerative disease, according to the foundation's website.
"On a personal level, I'll be focusing on my current health while also continuing to support and encourage others battling Parkinson's," Gibson said. "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."
Earlier this spring, the Tigers announced their broadcast team. Jason Benetti will handle the play-by-play duties for the second-straight season. He will be paired with analyst Dan Petry and former Tigers outfielder Andy Dirks.
STARTED AT THE BOTTOM: Tigers found prospect at bottom floor; he'll pitch in Sunday's Breakout game
Contact Jeff Seidel: jseidel@freepress.com. Follow him on X @seideljeff
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
4 hours ago
- Washington Post
Sawyer Gipson-Long improves in second outing since returning to the Detroit Tigers
BALTIMORE — One of these days, likely sooner rather than later, Sawyer Gipson-Long will celebrate his first pitching victory since 2023. At this point in his up-and-down career, the right-hander is just happy to be on the mound again. Pitching for Detroit for the second time since returning from Tommy John and hip surgeries, Gipson-Long turned in an impressive performance at Baltimore on Tuesday night. Coming out of the bullpen, he struck out five while allowing one run and three hits over 4 2/3 innings in the Tigers' 5-3 victory .
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sawyer Gipson-Long improves in second outing since returning to the Detroit Tigers
Baltimore Orioles' Jackson Holliday, right, slides into third base past Detroit Tigers third baseman Zach McKinstry, left, after advancing on a wild pitch by relief pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (20) celebrates his team's victory over the Baltimore Orioles after a baseball game, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long (66) stands in the dugout during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long (66) stands in the dugout during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Baltimore Orioles' Jackson Holliday, right, slides into third base past Detroit Tigers third baseman Zach McKinstry, left, after advancing on a wild pitch by relief pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (20) celebrates his team's victory over the Baltimore Orioles after a baseball game, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Sawyer Gipson-Long (66) stands in the dugout during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) BALTIMORE (AP) — One of these days, likely sooner rather than later, Sawyer Gipson-Long will celebrate his first pitching victory since 2023. At this point in his up-and-down career, the right-hander is just happy to be on the mound again. Advertisement Pitching for Detroit for the second time since returning from Tommy John and hip surgeries, Gipson-Long turned in an impressive performance at Baltimore on Tuesday night. Coming out of the bullpen, he struck out five while allowing one run and three hits over 4 2/3 innings in the Tigers' 5-3 victory. The 27-year-old Gipson-Long didn't get the win, but he contributed. And that was plenty good enough. 'The only thing that really matters is that the Tigers win,' Gipson-Long said. 'We all did our job. The stats are nice to see, but I know if I'm competing with each pitch and have conviction with each pitch, those numbers will be good over the course of a season.' The last time Gipson-Long notched a win was on Sept. 10, 2023, against the Chicago White Sox. Advertisement He began the 2024 season on the injured list with a groin strain. After just one rehab start, Gipson-Long underwent elbow surgery that April, followed by left hip surgery in July. He returned to the big leagues last week, allowing three runs in 3 2/3 innings against the White Sox. The second time around, this time against the Orioles, Gipson-Long was more effective and confident. 'It was nice tonight,' he said. 'I felt like I was pitching with a little more conviction. My tempo was up. I wasn't so much worried about just getting my feet under me and being healthy. I felt like I was making better pitches, and the results were good.' Advertisement Catcher Dillon Dingle concurred. 'His stuff was night and day better,' Dingler said. 'I'm not saying that his stuff last time wasn't good, but the strides he made from that last start was incredible. He's got to be happy with that.' And now, it appears the Tigers — who already own the majors' best record at 44-24 — have another weapon in the rotation. Or, out of the bullpen if need be. 'He was excellent,' manager AJ Hinch said. 'He gave us everything that we wanted. I feel like he could have started the game and been just fine. Either way, pounding the strike zone and being pitch efficient makes him pretty good.' ___ AP MLB:
Associated Press
5 hours ago
- Associated Press
Sawyer Gipson-Long improves in second outing since returning to the Detroit Tigers
BALTIMORE (AP) — One of these days, likely sooner rather than later, Sawyer Gipson-Long will celebrate his first pitching victory since 2023. At this point in his up-and-down career, the right-hander is just happy to be on the mound again. Pitching for Detroit for the second time since returning from Tommy John and hip surgeries, Gipson-Long turned in an impressive performance at Baltimore on Tuesday night. Coming out of the bullpen, he struck out five while allowing one run and three hits over 4 2/3 innings in the Tigers' 5-3 victory. The 27-year-old Gipson-Long didn't get the win, but he contributed. And that was plenty good enough. 'The only thing that really matters is that the Tigers win,' Gipson-Long said. 'We all did our job. The stats are nice to see, but I know if I'm competing with each pitch and have conviction with each pitch, those numbers will be good over the course of a season.' The last time Gipson-Long notched a win was on Sept. 10, 2023, against the Chicago White Sox. He began the 2024 season on the injured list with a groin strain. After just one rehab start, Gipson-Long underwent elbow surgery that April, followed by left hip surgery in July. He returned to the big leagues last week, allowing three runs in 3 2/3 innings against the White Sox. The second time around, this time against the Orioles, Gipson-Long was more effective and confident. 'It was nice tonight,' he said. 'I felt like I was pitching with a little more conviction. My tempo was up. I wasn't so much worried about just getting my feet under me and being healthy. I felt like I was making better pitches, and the results were good.' Catcher Dillon Dingle concurred. 'His stuff was night and day better,' Dingler said. 'I'm not saying that his stuff last time wasn't good, but the strides he made from that last start was incredible. He's got to be happy with that.' And now, it appears the Tigers — who already own the majors' best record at 44-24 — have another weapon in the rotation. Or, out of the bullpen if need be. 'He was excellent,' manager AJ Hinch said. 'He gave us everything that we wanted. I feel like he could have started the game and been just fine. Either way, pounding the strike zone and being pitch efficient makes him pretty good.' ___ AP MLB:
