DETROIT – Former Detroit Tigers right fielder Kirk Gibson has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, according to his current employer Fox Sports Detroit.
Gibson released this 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. 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 played mainly right field for the Tigers between 1979 and 1987. He was an integral part of Detroit's 1984 World Series Championship.
Kirk Gibson's 1984 home run off San Diego's Goose Gossage in Game 5 sealed the Tigers fourth World Series championship. (AP File)
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He signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988.
Gibson is a Waterford, Mich. native. He played college football at Michigan State University where he was an All-American wide receiver. He only played one year of collegiate baseball while at Michigan State but it was a stellar year.
The Tigers drafted him in the 1st round in 1979. The NFL's St. Louis Cardinals also drafted him -- in the 7th round. Gibson chose baseball and the rest is history.
Gibson returned to Detroit in the mid 1990s to finish his playing career with the Tigers. After he retired, he stayed local and worked as a TV analyst with FSN Detroit.
In 2010 he was named manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, a position he held until his firing in 2014.
Gibson was slated to return as an analyst in Detroit this season, but has been absent from the booth since Opening Day.
"FOX Sports Detroit will welcome Kirk back as his treatment permits, and we look forward to his return," the station said in a release.
The Tigers released the following statement on Tuesday:
"The Detroit Tigers family wishes the best for Kirk Gibson, and our thoughts are with Kirk and his family. We are all hopeful for Kirk's return to the ballpark soon."
Gibson was manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2010 to 2014. (AP Photo)