Early Life and Career

Kirk Gibson was born on May 28, 1957, in Pontiac, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University on a football scholarship, but also played baseball for the Spartans. In 1978, he was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the first round of the MLB Draft.

Gibson made his MLB debut in 1979 with the Tigers and quickly became known for his power hitting and aggressive playing style. He helped lead the Tigers to a World Series championship in 1984 and was named the Most Valuable Player of the series.

Major League Career

Gibson went on to play for several teams during his career, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He is perhaps best known for his time with the Dodgers, where he won another World Series championship in 1988 and hit one of the most iconic home runs in baseball history.

In Game 1 of the 1988 World Series against the Oakland Athletics, Gibson came off the bench as a pinch hitter with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning. Despite injuries that made it difficult for him to walk, let alone run, Gibson managed to hit a game-winning home run off Dennis Eckersley to give the Dodgers a victory. The image of Gibson pumping his fist as he rounded the bases has become one of the most enduring moments in baseball lore.

Post-Playing Career

After retiring as a player, Gibson went on to have a successful career as a manager and broadcaster. He managed the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2010 to 2014 and led them to a division title in 2011. He also worked as a color commentator for both the Diamondbacks and Detroit Tigers.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Kirk Gibson's net worth is estimated to be around $15 million. This includes earnings from his playing career, managerial stints, broadcasting work, and various endorsements.

Personal Life

Off the field, Gibson is known for his charitable work and philanthropy. He founded the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson's Disease after being diagnosed with the condition himself in 2015. The foundation raises money for research and provides support for those living with Parkinson's.

At 67 years old, Kirk Gibson remains an influential figure in baseball and beyond. His legacy as a player, manager, and advocate for Parkinson's research continues to inspire fans and players alike.