Kirk Gibson Wiki
Kirk Gibson is a renowned American former baseball manager and outfielder. Currently, he is a color commentator on Bally Sports Detroit for the Detroit Tigers. He also works as a special assistant for the Tigers. Gibson played for the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals, and Pittsburgh Pirates, where he battled and threw left-handed. In 1988, he became the National League MVP.
Moreover, he was named to the All-Star team twice as a reserve, in 1985 and 1988, however, he declined the invitation both times. After he retired, he worked as a television analyst in Detroit for five seasons and became a coach for the Tigers in 2003. He was the Diamondbacks’ manager until September 26, 2014. In addition, Gibson moved back to the broadcast booth in 2015 as a part-time commentator for Tigers TV broadcasts.
| Profession: | former professional baseballer |
| Wife: | JoAnn Sklarski (1985) |
| Age: | 67 ( May 28, 1957) |
| Height: | 6 ft 3 in or 1.9m |
| Net Worth: | $14 Million |
Family
Gibson was born in Pontiac, Michigan, USA to his parents and raised in Waterford. He holds American nationality. He is the son of Barbara Gibson and Bob Gibson. Barbara his mother died in October 2020 at the age of 89. She was a long-time speech teacher and drama director at Clarkston High School. Gibson’s mother loved watching baseball games and was a member of the Clarkston Methodist Church. Gibson grew up with two sisters Jackie and Tina.
Kirk Gibson Wife
Gibson married his wife JoAnn Sklarski on December 22, 1985. JoAnn and Gibson shared a double ceremony as Tiger pitcher Dave Rozema married JoAnn’s sister Sandy. JoAnn and Gibson are parents of four children Colleen, Cam, Kirk, and Kevin. Moreover, he is an avid deer hunter who co-owns a 1,300-acre hunting ranch near Millersburg with former teammate David Wells and former MLB pitcher Jake Peavy. Additionally, it was said that Gibson had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease on April 28, 2015.
Kirk Gibson Daughter
Gibson has one daughter Colleen Gibson.
Kirk Gibson Son
He has three sons Cam, Kirk, and Kevin. Cam joined the Detroit Tigers as he was drafted in the 5th round, 160th overall, in the 2015 Major League Baseball draft. Moreover, Gibson’s other son Kevin is a defenseman for the Fort Wayne Komets in the ECHL.
Education
In 1975, Gibson graduated from Waterford Kettering High School before matriculating at Michigan State University, where he distinguished himself as an All-American wide receiver for the Michigan State Spartans football team. His leadership was instrumental in the team’s contention for the Big Ten Conference title during his tenure. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to college football, Gibson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in January 2017.
Kirk Gibson Baseball
As a baseball player, he was first elected in the first round of the 1978 Major League Baseball draft by the Detroit Tigers. He was selected in seventh position for the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1979 NFL draft. Gibson ended up choosing the Detroit Tigers. Gibson then had his major league debut in 1979 where he played as the regular right fielder for the Tigers from 1983 to 1987. He became a free agent in 1988 and signed a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Furthermore, he played with the team from 1988 to 1990.
Gibson was in the 1988 World Series against the Oakland Athletics. Gibson signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Royals in 1991 and in 1992 he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Neal Heaton. On May 5, 1992, he temporarily retired from baseball after leaving the Pirates Home Runs. He made a return in 1993 and played with the Tigers until 1995.
Statistics
Gibson’s MLB statistics are:
- Batting average .268
- Home runs 255
- Runs batted in 870
- Managerial record 353–375
- Winning % .485
Foundation
Gibson has a foundation for Parkinson’s disease, kirkgibsonfoundation.org. He founded the foundation intending to provide resources that help in finding a cure, but a major gap remains in providing the information, motivation, and programs required for people with Parkinson’s. It also builds greater awareness of the benefits of exercise and movement as part of an overall treatment plan.
Michigan State Football
Gibson went to Michigan State University and was an All-American wide receiver for the Michigan State Spartans football team. While there, he also led the team to a tie for the Big Ten Conference title and starred in the Hula Bowl and Senior Bowl. This led to Gibson being elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in January 2017.
Home Run Tigers
While playing for the Detroit Tigers, Gibson was known to be a speed player in the 1980s who was able to hit home runs as well as steal bases. Gibson had top 10 in home runs 3 times in his career.
Football
After he retired from baseball on May 5, 1992, while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he received an offer to return to Detroit to play football. However, he declined the offer.
1988 Home Run
In 1988, while Gibson was with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he garnered a contentious NL MVP award by achieving a .290 batting average, 25 home runs, 76 RBIs, 106 runs scored, and 31 stolen bases. His notable performance during the 1988 National League Championship Series included a crucial solo home run in the 12th inning, ultimately serving as the decisive hit leading to victory.
Hall Of Fame
Gibson was nominated for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame multiple times before being elected in 2017.
Number
Gibson wore jersey number 23 for the Los Angeles Dodgers as an Outfilder and for Michigan State Spartans Football as a Wide receiver.
Rookie Card
Gibson has a Tigers 1981 Fleer rookie card which is available for sale at eBay.
Bobblehead
Gibson has a small collectible figurine Bobblehead of him when he was playing baseball. The Bobblehead is available for sale at eBay.
Signed Baseball
He has signed baseballs that are available for sale.
Now
Currently, he is working as a color commentator for the Detroit Tigers on Bally Sports Detroit and a special assistant for the Tigers.
Disease
It was said that Gibson had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease on April 28, 2015. This led to him founding the Kirk Gibson Foundation.
Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers marked Gibson’s career kick-off after he was selected in the first round of the 1978 Major League Baseball draft. He then had his major league debut in 1979 and also played as the regular right fielder for the Tigers from 1983 to 1987. While there, he helped the Tigers win the 1984 World Series. In 1985, Gibson was a free agent who was later re-signed with the Tigers in 1987. He played with the team for that game season.
Position
Gibson played as a professional baseball outfielder who batted and threw left-handed.
Height And Weight
Gibson is a man of tall stature standing at 6 ft 3 in or 1.9m and weighs 215 lb or 97kg.
Salary
Gibson earns satisfying pay by working as a color commentator for the Detroit Tigers on Bally Sports Detroit. Gibson’s salary is $1 Million
Net Worth
He has worked as an MLB player, manager, coach, and analyst for over 20 years. This has enabled Gibson to earn a net worth of $14 Million.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Old Is Kirk Gibson?
Gibson is 66 years old born on May 28, 1957, in Pontiac, Michigan, in the USA.
Is Kirk Gibson In The Hall Of Fame?
In 2017, Gibson was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
What Position Did Kirk Gibson Play?
Gibson played as a professional baseball outfielder who batted and threw left-handed.
How Is Kirk Gibson Doing?
He is doing okay providing resources that help in finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease that he was told to have in April 2015.
Is Kirk Gibson In The Baseball Hall Of Fame?
Gibson is not yet in the Baseball Hall Of Fame but in the College Football Hall of Fame.
Who Is Kirk Gibson Married To?
Gibson has been married to JoAnn Sklarski since December 22, 1985.
How Tall Is Kirk Gibson?
Gibson is a man of tall stature standing at 6 ft 3 in or 1.9m.
Who Is Kirk Gibson?
Gibson is a 66-year-old American former professional baseball outfielder and manager. He is currently serving as a color commentator for the Detroit Tigers on Bally Sports Detroit. He also works as a special assistant for the Tigers.
Is Kirk Gibson Still Married?
Gibson is still married to his wife JoAnn Sklarski since December 22, 1985. The two share four children Colleen, Cam, Kirk, and Kevin.
Social Media Account
Twitter – @23KGibby