https://wikimd.org/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Kirk_GibsonKirk Gibson - Revision history2026-04-27T05:53:49ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.44.2https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=Kirk_Gibson&diff=5793646&oldid=prevPrab: CSV import2024-05-17T01:31:23Z<p>CSV import</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[File:Kirk_Gibson_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg|thumb|Kirk Gibson by Gage Skidmore]] {{Short description|American baseball player and coach}}<br />
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}<br />
{{Infobox baseball biography<br />
| name = Kirk Gibson<br />
| image = <br />
| caption = <br />
| position = Outfielder<br />
| bats = Left<br />
| throws = Left<br />
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1957|5|28}}<br />
| birth_place = [[Pontiac, Michigan]]<br />
| debutleague = MLB<br />
| debutdate = September 8<br />
| debutyear = 1979<br />
| debutteam = [[Detroit Tigers]]<br />
| finalleague = MLB<br />
| finaldate = August 10<br />
| finalyear = 1995<br />
| finalteam = [[Pittsburgh Pirates]]<br />
| statleague = MLB<br />
| stat1label = Batting average<br />
| stat1value = .268<br />
| stat2label = Home runs<br />
| stat2value = 255<br />
| stat3label = Runs batted in<br />
| stat3value = 870<br />
| teams = <br />
* [[Detroit Tigers]] (1979–1987, 1993–1995)<br />
* [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] (1988–1990)<br />
* [[Kansas City Royals]] (1991)<br />
* [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] (1992)<br />
| highlights = <br />
* 2× [[World Series]] champion (1984, 1988)<br />
* [[National League]] MVP (1988)<br />
* [[Silver Slugger Award]] (1988)<br />
* [[Detroit Tigers]] Hall of Fame<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Kirk Harold Gibson''' (born May 28, 1957) is an American former professional [[baseball]] outfielder and manager. He is best known for his time with the [[Detroit Tigers]] and the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]], as well as for his dramatic home run in the 1988 [[World Series]].<br />
<br />
== Early life and education ==<br />
Gibson was born in [[Pontiac, Michigan]], and attended [[Waterford Kettering High School]] in [[Waterford, Michigan]]. He went on to play college football at [[Michigan State University]], where he was an [[All-American]] wide receiver. Despite his success in football, Gibson chose to pursue a career in baseball.<br />
<br />
== Professional career ==<br />
=== Detroit Tigers ===<br />
Gibson made his [[Major League Baseball]] debut with the [[Detroit Tigers]] on September 8, 1979. He quickly became known for his power hitting and speed on the bases. In 1984, Gibson played a key role in leading the Tigers to a [[World Series]] championship, hitting two home runs in the decisive Game 5.<br />
<br />
=== Los Angeles Dodgers ===<br />
In 1988, Gibson signed with the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]]. That year, he won the [[National League]] [[Most Valuable Player]] (MVP) award. His most memorable moment came during Game 1 of the 1988 [[World Series]] against the [[Oakland Athletics]]. Despite being injured, Gibson hit a pinch-hit, walk-off home run off [[Dennis Eckersley]], which is considered one of the greatest moments in baseball history.<br />
<br />
=== Later career ===<br />
Gibson went on to play for the [[Kansas City Royals]] and the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]] before returning to the [[Detroit Tigers]] to finish his playing career. He retired in 1995 with a career batting average of .268, 255 home runs, and 870 runs batted in.<br />
<br />
== Coaching and managerial career ==<br />
After retiring as a player, Gibson transitioned into coaching. He served as a coach for the [[Detroit Tigers]] and later became the manager of the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]] from 2010 to 2014. Under his leadership, the Diamondbacks won the [[National League West]] division title in 2011.<br />
<br />
== Personal life ==<br />
Gibson has been involved in various charitable activities and has worked as a broadcaster for [[Fox Sports Detroit]]. He was diagnosed with [[Parkinson's disease]] in 2015 and has since become an advocate for research and awareness of the disease.<br />
<br />
== Legacy ==<br />
Kirk Gibson is remembered as one of the most clutch performers in baseball history. His dramatic home run in the 1988 [[World Series]] remains a defining moment in the sport. He was inducted into the [[Michigan Sports Hall of Fame]] and the [[Detroit Tigers]] Hall of Fame.<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
* [[List of Major League Baseball career home run leaders]]<br />
* [[List of Major League Baseball players with a home run in their final at-bat]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<br />
{{Arizona Diamondbacks managers}}<br />
{{Detroit Tigers}}<br />
{{Los Angeles Dodgers}}<br />
{{Kansas City Royals}}<br />
{{Pittsburgh Pirates}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:1957 births]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Major League Baseball outfielders]]<br />
[[Category:Detroit Tigers players]]<br />
[[Category:Los Angeles Dodgers players]]<br />
[[Category:Kansas City Royals players]]<br />
[[Category:Pittsburgh Pirates players]]<br />
[[Category:National League Most Valuable Player Award winners]]<br />
[[Category:Major League Baseball broadcasters]]<br />
[[Category:Arizona Diamondbacks managers]]<br />
[[Category:People from Pontiac, Michigan]]<br />
[[Category:Baseball players from Michigan]]<br />
[[Category:Michigan State Spartans football players]]<br />
[[Category:Michigan State Spartans baseball players]]<br />
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