Kirk Gibson

Kirk Gibson: Dodgers legend, 1988 NL MVP, and hero of one of baseball's most iconic World Series home runs.

Kirk Harold Gibson (born May 28, 1957) is an American former professional baseball outfielder and manager. Gibson spent most of his career in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Detroit Tigers, but also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He batted and threw left-handed. He is currently a special assistant for the Tigers.

Quick Facts

Position: Outfielder; Manager
Bats: Left
Born: 28 May 1957
Birthplace: Pontiac, Michigan, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: September 8
Debut year: 1979
Debut team: Detroit Tigers

Facts from the source article.

Background

While with the Dodgers, Gibson was named the National League MVP in 1988. During his career, he hit two dramatic home runs in the World Series, each one coming against an eventual Hall of Fame relief pitcher. With the Tigers in 1984, he clinched the title in Game 5 with a three-run homer off Goose Gossage, who had refused to walk him with a base open. With the Dodgers in 1988, Gibson faced closer Dennis Eckersley in the ninth inning of the first game and hit a pinch-hit walk-off home run—often described as one of the most exciting moments in World Series history. He was named to the All-Star team twice as a reserve, in 1985 and 1988, but declined the invitation both times.