Kirk Gibson

Verified Timeline

Lore & 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. 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.

In Their Own Story

The scene in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series remains etched in baseball memory. Mike Davis was on first base with two outs and the Dodgers trailing 4–3 against the Oakland Athletics. Kirk Gibson, hobbled by a pulled left hamstring and a swollen right knee from the NLCS, stood in the dugout unable to run. Manager Tommy Lasorda unexpectedly called his name for a pinch-hitting appearance against Dennis Eckersley. Gibson limped to the plate, his body tense with pain but his mind focused. The count moved to 0–2 quickly, but he laid off two outside pitches that were called balls, then fouled one back to keep it at 2–2. On the seventh pitch of the at-bat, Davis stole second base. Gibson recognized the situation and, using advanced scouting knowledge of what Eckersley would likely throw with that count, waited for the pitch. On a 3–2 count, he took an almost casual swing, using pure upper-body strength to connect with a backdoor slider. The ball soared over the right-field fence. As Gibson began his hobble around the bases, pumping his fist, his teammates erupted from the dugout and swarmed home plate before he even reached first base. The Dodgers won 5–4, and eventually took the series four games to one. In a post-game interview, Eckersley later admitted he should have walked Gibson in the decisive moment of Game 5 of the 1984 World Series, acknowledging the power of Gibson's clutch hitting.

Reader's Guide

Gibson joined the Dodgers in 1988, and immediately brought a winning attitude after a publicized blow-up when pitcher Jesse Orosco put shoe black in his cap during a spring training prank. He became the team's de facto leader, and won a controversial NL MVP award after batting .290 with 25 home runs, 76 RBIs, 106 runs, and 31 stolen bases. In the 1988 National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, Gibson made an improbable catch in left field at a rain-soaked Shea Stadium in Game 3. In Game 4, his solo home run in the top of the 12th proved to be the winning hit. In Game 5, he hit a two-out three-run homer in the fifth. In the 1988 World Series, Gibson is perhaps best known for his one and only plate appearance. Having injured both legs during the NLCS, he was not expected to play at all. In Game 1, with the Dodgers trailing 4–3, Mike Davis on first base, and two out in the ninth inning, manager Tommy Lasorda inserted Gibson as a pinch hitter. Gibson quickly got behind in the count 0–2, but laid off of a pair of outside pitches that were called balls. He then kept the count at 2–2 by fouling off a pitch. On the seventh pitch of his at-bat, a ball, Davis stole second. With an awkward, almost casual swing, Gibson smacked a 3–2 backdoor slider over the right-field fence. The Dodgers won the game, 5–4, and won the World Series, four games to one.

Did You Know?

• Gibson hit only one home run in the 1988 World Series, a walk-off in Game 1.
• Gibson's NLCS Game 4 home run was a solo shot in the top of the 12th inning, not a walk-off.
• The count when Gibson hit his World Series walk-off home run was 3–2, not 2–2.
• Mike Davis stole second base on a 3–2 pitch to Gibson, but the count was 2–2 when the steal occurred.