Kirk Gibson diagnosed with Parkinson's disease

Former Arizona Diamondbacks manager and two-time World Series champion Kirk Gibson has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Former Arizona Diamondbacks manager and two-time World Series champion Kirk Gibson has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Fox Sports Detroit announced Tuesday.

Gibson, 57, joined the Fox Sports Detroit broadcast rotation as a color commentator for Detroit Tigers games in February, but had been absent from the booth recently. He was previously a Fox Sport Detroit analyst for Tigers games from 1998 to 2002.

A Pontiac, Mich., native, Gibson played for the Tigers from 1979 to 1987 and 1993 to 1995.

"I have faced many different obstacles in my life, and have always maintained a strong belief that no matter the circumstances, I could overcome those obstacles," Gibson said in a statement. "While this diagnosis poses a new kind of challenge for me, I intend to stay true to my beliefs. With the support of my family and friends, I will meet this challenge with the same determination and unwavering intensity that I have displayed in all endeavors in life. I look forward to being back at the ballpark as soon as possible."

'That was a cool feeling': An oral history of Kirk Gibson's iconic 1988 home run

Fox Sports Detroit said it would welcome Gibson back on the air as his treatment permits.

Gibson played 17 seasons in the majors with the Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates.

In the 1988 season, Gibson was named the National League MVP and helped lead the Dodgers to the World Series. Gibson—playing through injuries to both of his legs—hit a pinch-hit, walk-off, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning in Game 1 to give the Dodgers a 5–4 win over the Oakland Athletics. The Dodgers later won the World Series in five games.

Gibson also won a World Series title with the Tigers in 1984.

After coaching stints with the Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks, Gibson was hired as the Diamondbacks' manager in 2010. He posted a 353–375 record over five seasons, leading the Diamondbacks to a 94–68 record in 2011 as NL West champions. They later lost to the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Division Series.

- Mike Fiammetta