Kirk Gibson’s New World Series Foe: Parkinson’s Disease
“I may be smaller, slower; but I’m still me.”
– excerpted from the poem “Smaller” by Andy McDowell
For Kirk Gibson, a simple poem helps to explain a disease that is sometimes difficult to put into words. After his 2015 Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, life did slow down for the baseball great. But the same focus and determination that propelled the slugger to two World Series titles, one as MVP, is fueling a new drive to end Parkinson’s disease and help those living with it.

Kirk Gibson as a Detroit Tiger.
A neurodegenerative brain disorder, Parkinson’s disease can present as rigidity, slowness of movement and oftentimes tremors. About one million people in the U.S. have Parkinson’s disease and there’s no known cure although many people with it respond well to dopamine-replenishing drugs.
Taking on the disease is not a mission Gibson is taking on alone. He recently announced that The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s is partnering on a year-long campaign with the Michigan Parkinson Foundation and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to increase awareness of the disease and fund clinical research. These types of collaborations are key when it comes to the massive undertaking required to beat the disease, Gibson explained.
“If you want to win the World Series, whatever that may be in your life, it’s not going to happen by yourself,” he said.
Warning signs
In 2015, Gibson was set to begin a new career chapter as an on-air game analyst for the Detroit Tigers, a place that should have felt like home after two stints with the team as a player. Still, on opening day, he was uneasy going into the broadcast booth.
“I felt anxiety like I’d never felt it and it was not a good feeling,” he said.
He locked up, unable to finish the telecast and he knew he needed to seek help.
“That was my tipping point. ‘There’s something more going on with me’,” he realized.
Gibson had chalked up a series of symptoms – his hand clutching up while shaving, a stiff and painful neck, a left arm that felt glued to his body, even a slight limp – as aftereffects of a long, physical career filled with wear and tear on his body. He even had surgery for what was believed to be a pinched disc.
“It was real subtle at first and then over the next seven years or so, I began to have more and more symptoms,” he said.
Gibson sought the attention of a neurologist and movement specialist in Grand Rapids. Two days after his “tipping point”, he had a diagnosis: Parkinson’s.
“It was crushing,” Gibson said. “I thought I was going to die, I just didn’t know how long it was going to take.”
A new normal with no shame
Gibson is not the type of guy to sit in the corner and sulk. Despite missed opportunities for earlier treatment, now that he knew what was causing his symptoms, he could get to work.
“If you know what you’re up against, you can design a plan of attack,” he explained.
The disease was affecting the right side of his brain more significantly, which was causing the left side of his body to react. Movement and voice therapy helped him adjust to better coordinate his movements.
He wanted to use his star power and celebrity status to be a light for others struggling with Parkinson’s Disease. While a lot of people feel shame or stigma because of the diagnosis, Gibson said he wanted to let people know right away, to spread the message that there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
“I felt that it was a relief to just come clean and let everybody know what I’m dealing with,” he said.
He expanded the mission of his existing foundation to help find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease and to help others through their journey.
“We’re looking for a cure, yet we’re looking to help people be more comfortable and understand their disease before we have the cure,” he said. “It’s not the end of a rewarding life.”
Everybody vs. Parkinson’s
Using his connections and resources, Gibson is committed to getting more people on board to end a disease he faces daily. Life with Parkinson’s is exhausting, he said, but he gets a lot of personal satisfaction by giving back.

Kirk Gibson up to bat when he played for the Detroit Tigers.
It’s a worldview he attributes in large part to Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson, who he worked with as a Tiger. Anderson imparted to a young Gibson that if you’re not doing something the right way, it’s probably not worth doing and that he had a moral imperative to give back – to his fans then and in general to live a good, purposeful life. Anderson’s words sunk in over the years.
“It’s more rewarding to give back than it is to take, in my view,” Gibson said. “If I can help one person, I just feel better doing that.”
A fall fundraiser – the culmination of the partnership between the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation, BCBSM and Gibson’s foundation – is planned for Oct. 19 at the Motor City Casino. Blue Cross CEO and President Dan Loepp, along with his wife Amy, will serve as executive chairs for the gala, titled “Everybody vs. Parkinson’s”. Loepp’s father, Robert, died from complications from Parkinson’s making the mission important to him personally.
“Amy and I are proud to support these two extraordinary foundations and bring awareness to Parkinson’s, a devastating disease that has impacted so many families, including mine,” Loepp said.
Both foundations will benefit from the evening and Gibson is grateful for the collaboration and people working to make the night a success.
“People like Dan and Amy are what inspire me and many others to be great teammates, so we’re honored to have them as our chairs,” Gibson said.
Kirk Gibson joined Tricia Keith, executive vice president, chief of staff and corporate secretary at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, for an informative Facebook Live. Watch here:
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:
- Blue Cross and Foundations Team Up in Fight Against Parkinson’s
- Dissecting a Disease: What to Know About Parkinson’s
- How to Gather Your Family’s Health History
Photos courtesy of The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s
Just know I love you Gibby! Not because you have Parkinson’s, but because you’re trying to find a cure for it. It broke my heart when I heard you have it, but you’ve done so great at broadcasting that it’s hard to remember sometimes. I don’t have a lot of money, but I would surely donate anything I could to make you better. I hope you find a cure for this disease and can get back into your life and be like you want to be.
Parky is not going to keep Gibby down. You gotta do what you gotta do. Sounding good in the booth, Kirk. Keep up the good works!
This means a lot, thank you! I have a sister and brother that have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the last couple years. My brother is doing quite well, considering, but my. sister is not.
We are happy you found this meaningful, Bonny.
Hi Kirk
We met years ago when Rosie was pitching for the Tigers. My brother played ball with Dave and we met you on one of many ‘excursions’ to Dave’s home games.
Please let me know how I can support you and your team. Our family is well-connected on the West side of Michigan. I’d love to help. In Prayer.
Tom Zbikowski / [email protected] / cell: 616-240-7267
I have a deep respect for Kirk Gibson. Great athlete and role model. I enjoy his intelect when he is broadcasting Tiger baseball. Prayers for you and loved ones who are on this journey with you.
God bless you Kirk stay strong you will always be Gibby in our hearts.
Big tiger fan since “68”. Big Gibby fan. Enjoy your broadcasts. I see how hard you work to get past your Parkinson’s. Stay with it!
Justin Eastman,
Beaverton, MI
I can’t get the broadcast, but know I’m with you, Gibby! I know you’ll beat this,just like you have everything else.Love ya, Big Guy!
Hi Sandy, you can find the video here: https://www.facebook.com/BCBSM/videos/2858064581084761/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAlBGuxAz6X7q3Rod-5h-VmNee-bXDKLXhk-rvLlKaHzTz4U5q0vn9d_808yAvzu8p8YJtYB3x3el1rABXxDSJOG9BJfjXdNmw6bSDmaJkcnK1JTSv-1_hnVBCqMVL1LLBxmxRkFIKbBlquWabjgecy7VXAKW50XbEnrXB6-PWJ_hlfqqVVNBS4RqUT2stcpyzCAA0muupPnpoIeRYrKjz6Q13DtZsbcu9UiHPd3BlQu2Sgd-lOgYDb0ma3_YIdqiNvtNiG75F4ycAbE1Vzlk67ZGlQ_ZRv1ZoSQQa7rOuy7dv7VGUbracrC4iu1PgLSSIno0wIhXAoqiC06nFiy4OPW7Wv11Qn1ss&__tn__=-R
Thanks for sharing, Hoot! This was very informative and I agree, teamwork is key to fighting for a cure. I have noticed a lot of the things you talked about with Laurie, as she has Parkinson’s, too. Thanks again!
Thanks Mark, glad you enjoyed it!
My child hood friend Dougie is 67 and was forced to retire as a very good chef when Parkinson’s began it’s effect. Personally, we all see him as the same guy, though he is not. We are all in New York now, Covid 19 and I do believe that Parkinson’s many times gets the best of him and his internal battle becomes negative and he isolates. Especially now. I would be thankful if Mr Gibson could write my friend a few lines of inspiration, to fight the fight of fights as he is so dutifully illustrating. I am sure that Mr. Gibson would agree that this is not the retirement that Dougie anticipated while working so hard the previous 40 years. Thank you for your time.ThomasCoyle
Around age 60 I noticed that my handwriting was getting smaller and I was writing faster. I also noticed a small tremor in my right hand. The doctor went over my different symptoms and he suspected I’d either had a small stroke or the beginnings of Parkinson ‘s disease. After finding a neurologist and some testing I was diagnosed with the beginning stages of Parkinson’s disease. That was 4 years ago. I took Sinimet four times a day to control my symptoms, which include falling, imbalance, gait problems, swallowing difficulties, and slurring of speech, A year ago, I began to do a lot of research and came across Rich Herbal Gardenss (ww w. richherbalgardens. c om) and their Parkinson’s HERBAL TREATMENT. After seeing positive reviews from other patients, I quickly started on the treatment, I experienced significant reduction/decline in major symptoms, including tremors, muscle weakness, speech problems, difficulty swallowing, balance problems, chronic fatigue and others, The truth is you can get off the drugs and help yourself by trying natural methods, i live symptoms free.
I am from Waterford Michigan where are kirk Gibson attended high school I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and on medication. I live in Saint Pete Beach Florida now but my family still lives in Clarkston Michigan A true fan of Kirks and appreciate what he’s doing for the foundation, I’m at a loss right now just within a year of my diagnosis. I’m hopeful but don’t know.
Thank you KIRK for your courage, Todd
Who doesn’t love Kirk Gibson? He created perhaps the most electric moment ever in baseball with that home run against Mr. Eckersley. The thing is — I was rooting for Oakland in that game. When Mr. Gibson did the impossible, I told myself — you are witnessing one of the greatest moments in baseball ever! Thank you Mr. Gibson for playing the game in such wonderful way, with so much passion to match the skill. Loved you as a Tiger, loved you as Dodger, loved you as a coach and manager — but I am sure all of us love you for the amazing human being that you are. Thank you for etching your greatness in our minds and hearts forever!
Sergio,
Thanks for your comment! We agree that Mr. Gibson is indeed an amazing human.
– Julie