Tigers’ legend Gibson to be honored with Lifetime Achievement Award tonight
Former Detroit Tiger great Kirk Gibson will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award during tonight’s Tigers-A’s game at Comerica Park.
The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association announced Kirk Gibson as the 2025 recipient of the Fred Valentine Lifetime Achievement Award.
Gibson, a celebrated MLB veteran, World Series champion, and longtime ambassador for the game and his community, will be honored during the MLBPAA’s Alumni Day Reception at Comerica Park in Detroit tonight (June 25).
Now in its third year, the Fred Valentine Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes former Major League players who exemplify the same integrity, passion, and dedication to service that Mr. Valentine, a founding member of the MLBPAA, embodied throughout his life.
The award honors alumni who have used their platform to uplift others, champion causes beyond the diamond, and positively impact their communities.
Gibson is an inspiration for many
“Fred Valentine was more than a great ballplayer, he was a man of character, compassion, and conviction,” said the MLBPAA Board of Directors. “Kirk Gibson represents these values in every way. Whether through his battle with Parkinson’s, his charitable foundation, or his leadership in the game, Kirk continues to inspire on and off the field.”
Kirk Gibson was nominated for this honor by Tim Leary, former MLB veteran, who wrote: “Kirk Gibson has raised enormous amounts of money for Parkinson’s Disease with his Foundation, and it will keep raising money into the future. This assists people that now have Parkinson’s and is working for a cure! Tremendous leadership!”
In a letter to Mr. Gibson from Helena Valentine (widow of Fred Valentine) she stated, “Like my late husband Fred, you have used the platform that baseball has provided to give back to the community in meaningful ways. Your actions serve as an example to us all, showing how we can use our talents and notoriety to bless others. We are deeply grateful for individuals like you, Mr. Gibson, who dedicate themselves to making a difference in the lives of others.”
Unforgettable feats
Gibson’s storied career includes some iconic moments with the Detroit Tigers with a three-run homer to clinch the title during the 1984 World Series and Los Angeles Dodgers, including his unforgettable walk-off home run in the 1988 World Series.
Beyond his playing days, he has remained active in broadcasting, advocacy, and philanthropy, especially through the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s, which funds research and support programs for those impacted by the disease.
The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s was formed by Kirk Gibson, after his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. Gibson now spends his 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.
Parkinson’s Wellness Center on verge of opening
The mission of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s is to improve the quality of life of those living with Parkinson’s through the development and delivery of activity-based programs.
Through fundraising efforts and generous sponsor donations, the foundation has fulfilled their mission of opening a center for those living with Parkinson’s in Michigan.
The Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness will open this fall in Farmington Hills. The wellness center will be the first of its kind in Michigan, a world-class facility where those impacted by Parkinson’s can access a range of activity-based programs, completely free of charge with no insurance required.
