Kirk Gibson opens up about Parkinson's battle: 'I chose to be vocal about it'

May 4, 2016

The Tigers great and Fox Sports Detroit analyst discussed his Parkinson's disease diagnosis and how he copes with the condition.

Kirk Gibson is getting honest about his ailing health. 

While speaking at the West Michigan Sports Commission luncheon in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, the Tigers great and Fox Sports Detroit analyst opened up about his Parkinson's disease diagnosis last year and how he copes with the condition. 

"I couldn't smile. I was stricken. Parky kicks you in the butt," Gibson said, via MLive.com. "I had a choice to make. Do I get reclusive or do I bring it up front? And I chose to be vocal about it." 

Despite initially being hesitant, Gibson has become comfortable with his decision to disclose his diagnosis and take his battle public. Rather than shy away from the situation, Gibson is embracing his role in the public and using the opportunity to show people a side of himself they haven't seen before.

"I want people to see what's going to happen to me," Gibson said. "People remember me for many of the good things I did on the football field or baseball field and championship games and pressure situations. But I have a new normal now. So it's different and that's why I've chosen to be public about it.

"You don't have to be so polished, I guess is a way to say it, to still be a good teacher," he said. "I can still point out what's going on. I still love the game." 

Gibson was drafted by the Tigers in 1979 and went on to have stints with the Dodgers, Royals and Pirates before concluding his career in Detroit in 1995. The 58-year-old former outfielder, who later coached the Tigers and Diamondbacks, compared his battle with Parkinson's to the game he dedicated his life to. 

"I've probably had this five to seven years," Gibson said. "Since I've been on medication, I feel way better now than I did the previous five years. There's a new World Series we're trying to win and it has to do in the area of Parkinson's disease." 

http://www.sportal.co.nz/article/news/kirk-gibson-opens-up-parkinsons-battle-i-chose-to-be-vocal-about-it-detroit-tigers/1rb89jlx85pc51cws7mwstab2l