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.
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.
Contact Jeff Seidel: jseidel@freepress.com. Follow him on X @seideljeff