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Kirk Gibson diagnosed with Parkinson's disease

Mike Oz
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Kirk Gibson has long been known as one of baseball's tough guys — look no further than the indelible image of Gibson limping around the bases after his pinch-hit, walk-off homer in the 1988 World Series — and now he's facing a new fight: Parkinson's disease.

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Gibson, who recently started working for Fox Sports Detroit, revealed Tuesday that he's been diagnosed with the disease, saying in 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."

Gibson, 57, had done one game for Fox Sports Detroit, providing color commentator for the Detroit Tigers, the team for whom he was a star from 1979-87. Previously, he'd been the manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2010-2014.

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative nervous system disorder that essentially slows a person down dramatically— first, physically and later, in some cases, mentally. There's no cure, but medication can help control the effects. Gibson's baseball friends were quick to wish him the best and mention his resolve:

In sports, Parkinson's disease is most closely associated with Muhammad Ali, who was diagnosed in 1984. Actor Michael J. Fox has brought considerable attention to the disease since his diagnosis in 1991. Both men are examples that Parkinson's can slow a person down, but it doesn't take away their fight.

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Mike Oz is the editor of Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at mikeozstew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!