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MLB great and former manager Kirk Gibson diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

By Kyle Franzoni

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Former Arizona Diamondbacks manager and Dodgers legend Kirk Gibson has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease according to reports.

If there was one thing that the anyone who has played with or for him can attest to, it is that Kirk Gibson is one of the toughest men in baseball. Now, Gibson is set to strap on that tough guy demeanor again after announcing that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.

Gibson, who spent the last two seasons as manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks before being relieved of his duties during a management change last September, released a statement through the media announcing his diagnosis and making it known that he will attack it with all the fervor that he’s been known to show on the field.

"“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 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.” (h/t Detroit Free Press)"

Parkinson’s Disease, or as it is also known hypokinetic rigid syndrome (HRS), is a degenerative disease that directly affects the nervous system and is caused when the brain slowly stops producing the necessary amounts of dopamine that the body needs. The withdrawal of dopamine leads to control over standard bodily functions, movements, and emotions according to the National Parkinson’s Foundation. According to the group, it is estimated that 4-6 million people suffer from the disease worldwide with 50-60,000 new cases diagnosed yearly. It is the 14th leading cause of death in the United States.

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That makes it an incredibly uphill battle for Kirk Gibson, or anyone else stricken with the disease, but is not unheard of. Boxing great Muhammed Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1984 and has become the public face that the disease has needed since. Actor Michael J. Fox has been dealing with the disease since a diagnosis in 1991. Like Ali, Fox has become one of the biggest advocates for finding a cure, including helping to champion the cause for stem cell research.

By stating his intention to fight the disease with an “unwavering intensity” is a trait that has best described Kirk Gibson throughout the entirety of his playing and coaching career. The 12th pick of the 1978 draft by the Detroit Tigers, Gibson approached the game with a classic dirt dog manner, leaving it all on the field night in and night out.

A veteran of 17 seasons with the Tigers, Royals, and Dodgers, Gibson finished his career with a .268/.352/.463 batting line with 255 home runs. However, it wasn’t his statline that made him a legend, it was his heart and fire. All of that was shown in one shining moment on the game’s biggest stage, when Kirk Gibson hit one of the most memorable home runs in World Series history (skip to the 5:50 mark).

That kind of determination is what will aid Gibson as he works to overcome Parkinson’s and live a full life. As a member of the baseball community, and a general fan of the game, I wish Mr. Gibson the utmost success in his battle!

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