Detroit Tigers Set to Host Parkinson’s Awareness Day in Honor of Kirk Gibson on April 23

In partnership with Detroit Tigers legend Kirk Gibson and the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s, the Tigers are set to host Parkinson’s Awareness Day at Comerica Park on April 23 as Detroit faces the San Diego Padres at 1:10 p.m.

The game features a special Parkinson’s Awareness ticket package, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Kirk Gibson Foundation, which was founded by Gibson in 1996 and expanded after his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2015.

Gibson spent the first nine years of his legendary 17-year MLB career with the Tigers, guiding Detroit to a World Series championship in 1984 before earning another World Series crown with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1988. He finished his on-field career with the Tigers in 1995 before joining the broadcast booth and later becoming a special assistant for the club in 2019.

The 67-year-old now spends time supporting his mission and vision of spreading awareness for Parkinson’s and providing inspiration and hope to others who are living with Parkinson’s, including opening the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness later this year.  

“Through my Foundation, we are opening the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness this fall,” Gibson said. “Developing this Center is a huge endeavor that will be the first of its kind in Michigan providing those impacted by Parkinson’s with access to a range of activity-based programs, completely free of charge. Having the support of the Detroit Tigers and their loyal fans continues to bring awareness to our mission and make a difference in the lives of those with Parkinson’s.”

The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s will be featured as the Charity of the Game on April 23, serving as the beneficiary for game’s 50/50 Raffle. The Kirk Gibson Foundation will also benefit from a “round up” program throughout the ballpark, in which fans may round up their purchase to an even dollar amount to support the Foundation.

“Kirk Gibson exemplifies the spirt of Detroit, beginning with his remarkable career on the field and continuing with his unwavering commitment to the community through his foundation,” said Ryan Gustafson, President and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “His dedication to the Tigers, the city of Detroit and the Kirk Gibson Foundation highlights why he is a cherished member of our organization for over 35 years. We are proud to recognize and support his mission to raise awareness for Parkinson’s on April 23 at Comerica Park.”

Mary Lynn Foster, CEO from the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness, will get the gameday festivities started by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to Angee Ludwa, Director of Programming for the Center, and the seventh inning stretch will include a motivational message featuring the Foundation’s motto, “Movement Matters.”

Gibson and his son, Cam, are scheduled to attend the game and the Kirk Gibson Foundation will host a meet and greet and activation station with fans near Sections 101 and 124.

Tickets are available for Parkinson’s Awareness Day at Tigers.com/Tickets, and special ticket packages to support the Kirk Gibson Foundation are available at KirkGibsonFoundation.org.

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