LAKELAND, Fla. -- Tigers legend Kirk Gibson will not be returning to the broadcast booth this season, but he will remain a part of the team¡¯s front office as a special assistant while working with his foundation to continue the fight against Parkinson¡¯s disease.
The Tigers made the announcement in conjunction with FanDuel Sports Network Detroit on Monday morning, including a joint statement:
¡°Whether on the field or in the community, Gibby is a shining example of what we all embody. His grit, tenacity, and dedication to the Olde English ¡®D¡¯ are unmatched qualities that have connected him so deeply with generations of Tigers fans.
¡°Those same qualities are also why he¡¯s been a key member of our organization and broadcast team across parts of the last four decades. Moving forward, Gibby will not be part of the broadcast team as a contributing analyst, however, he will maintain his other responsibilities within the organization.
¡°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. 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.¡±
The 67-year-old Gibson visited Spring Training and was around Joker Marchant Stadium last week, but he was not part of any broadcast.
Monday¡¯s announcement also included a statement from Gibson:
¡°Although I may be leaving the booth, my connection with the Tigers remains strong. 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. I¡¯m incredibly grateful for the support from the Tigers organization, the Ilitch family, and Detroit¡¯s loyal baseball fans.
¡°On a personal level, I¡¯ll be focusing on my current health while also continuing to support and encourage others battling Parkinson¡¯s. 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.
¡°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 spent the past 10 years on the Tigers' broadcast team, having jumped back into the booth in 2015 after a lengthy coaching career that included five seasons ('10-14) managing the Arizona Diamondbacks. His insight and ability to connect his playing and coaching experiences with the modern game made him a popular voice. He became a Tigers special assistant in 2019, which became a wide-ranging role that includes skills coaching with Major and Minor Leaguers, involvement in baseball operations meetings and community relations.
Gibson was also an analyst on Tigers games for FSN Detroit from 1998-2002 before joining the coaching staff under manager Alan Trammell from '03-06 as a bench coach and later a hitting coach.
It was all an extension of a playing career that immortalized Gibson as a World Series hero for two franchises, including the Tigers in 1984. His 17-year career included 12 seasons in Detroit, with whom he hit .273 with 195 regular-season home runs and 668 RBIs in 1,177 games.