Kirk Gibson has Parkinson's, vows to 'meet challenge'

Kirk Gibson, the Tigers great and former Michigan State two-sport star, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Gibson, in his first year back as an analyst with Fox Sports Detroit, has been absent from the FSD broadcast booth since the April 6 Opening Day telecast. He explained why in a statement released Tuesday by FSD that also noted he would not grant interviews and requested privacy.

"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," Gibson, 57, said. "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."

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said he saw Gibson, 57, briefly in spring training but was unaware.

"Obviously feel awful for Gibby and his family," Ausmus said. "I've known Gibby about 15 years, 16 years. He's always been great with me. Tremendous person. One of the fiercest competitors I've ever watched.

"I can't see Kirk Gibson folding up shop and crawling into a corner over this. I don't think that's in his DNA."

Justin Verlander agreed.

"I saw what Gibby said about it and no truer words have been spoken from a man like him, he's a fighter through and through," Verlander said. "He said this is a new challenge in his life, and he's going to attack it full on.

"Obviously you never like to see anybody be diagnosed with anything like that. A guy like Gibby, makes it even worse because he's in the Tiger family. Saw him in spring a bunch. Obviously I'm sure it's tough for him and his family. I feel for him."

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects one's movement. Well-known patients include Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox.

Gibson, a native of Waterford, was a key member of the Tigers' 1984 world championship team. He was with the team in 1979-87 and returned in 1993-95. In between, he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a World Series hero for the Dodgers in 1988 and won the NL MVP that season. He hit 255 career home runs with a .268 career average.

"We're all just hoping, praying that things work out," said Alan Trammell, a teammate with Gibson on the 1984 team. "He's a very private person, and I respect that totally."

Trammell served as bench coach when Gibson managed the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2010-14 (353-375 record). Gibson served as Trammell's bench coach when Trammell managed the Tigers in 2003-05.

"I know he's going to fight it, he's going to battle it because that's what he does," said Jack Morris, a teammate on the 1984 Tigers who will be splitting up analyst duties this season with Gibson and Rod Allen when he's not working on Twins broadcasts. "It's a sad day for me because I look at Kirk Gibson as one of the most athletic, strong, determined guys I've ever known. And a huge part of me. We were a lot alike in that regard.

"He's like a brother to me even though I haven't talked to him a lot in the last few years. He's there because of our history. I called him and left him a message, just wishing him all the best. I'm kind of at a loss for words because I'm still a little shocked by it."

Gibson also was a star receiver at MSU before turning pro and has been nominated for the College Football Hall of Fame.

Parkinson's disease develops slowly, and patients can live long, high-quality lives even after diagnosis. Medications and surgery often can control symptoms for years. One treatment involves deep brain stimulation. The procedure is approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration and involves electrodes that are implanted into the brain and connected to a small electrical device that generates pulses.

Still, there is no cure. And over time, the progressive disorder can cause stiffness, slow movement and tremors. Those with Parkinson's often lose expressions in their face. Their speech may be slurred or become soft and low, and their gait might be affected when they walk. Over time, a person with Parkinson's loses the ability to regulate their movements, body and emotions. Simple tasks may become difficult, as well as swallowing and chewing.

Parkinson's, itself, is not deadly, but it increases the risks of falls, pneumonia or other deadly complications. It also can be debilitating over time as the brain slowly stops producing the dopamine, a neurotransmitter that relays messages across nerve cells.

Precisely why the disease takes hold is unclear.

Research suggests traumatic brain injuries boost the odds of developing degenerative brain diseases, including Parkinson's. Certain genetic mutations have also been linked to Parkinson's, part of the mounting evidence that risk may be carried through families. There is also evidence that some environmental toxins might increase risk.

Parkinson's is a common disorder among those over 60 years old. About 50,000 new cases are reported each year.

FSD said Gibson will be welcomed back to the booth when he wants to return, according to FSD. Gibson was supposed to work about 60 Tigers games this season, in addition to taking time to watch his son, Cam, play baseball at Michigan State.

"It's kind of jarring to be honest with you," Mario Impemba, the Tigers' play-by-play announcer for FSD, said of the news. "Kirk is a colleague and a friend. All we can do is hope for the best and know he'll meet this thing head on."

Impemba first worked with Gibson on the Tigers broadcast in 2002 and said it was "somewhat intimidating" at first.

"He takes things head on," Impemba said. "He's a unique personality and I came to learn that over the year that I worked with him. But there's one thing I'll always take away from that season — that was loyalty. He's very loyal to the broadcast, to his teammates in the booth, and I think that's big."

Fellow FSD analyst Rod Allen will work more games in the broadcast booth, rather than the studio, in Gibson's absence.

"My heart goes out to him and his family," Allen said. "I'll pray for him and hope he has a chance to come back to the ballpark and be part of the family as the year started out."

Impemba, Allen and Gibson worked together during the Opening Day broadcast.

Here's Gibson's clinching home run in the 1984 World Series against the Padres:

The 1988 National League MVP had one of the most memorable moments in baseball history with his limping, pinch-hit home run in the ninth inning of Game 1 of the 1988 World Series for the Dodgers.

Robin Erb contributed.