Kirk Gibson in 2013,managing the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Kirk Gibson, 57, a popular ex-Detroit Tiger and former Michigan State University football and baseball player, has Parkinson's disease, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Gibson has been absent from the Fox Sports Detroit broadcast booth since the Tigers' Opening Day telecast, the Free Press reports.
Gibson issued a statement:
"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. 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 of my endeavors in life. I look forward to being back at the ballpark as soon as possible."
