Kirk Gibson turns 52 years old today.
Images of Kirk Gibson’s fist-pumping, leg-limping jog around the bases during Game 1 of the World Series is undoubtedly the first thing that baseball fans remember when Gibson’s name is mentioned. That night turned Gibson from a very good everyday player into a baseball legend!! Very few people remember that this was Gibson’s lone appearance in that ’88 title match-up. It’s amazing how with 1 swing of the bat, Gibson etched his place in baseball history and created a moment that none of us will soon forget!!!
Few recall that just 4 years prior as a member of the Detroit Tigers Gibson won his first championship. In that ’84 series, Gibson hit .333 in 6 games while collecting 6 hits, 2 home runs, 7 RBI, and 3 stolen bases. Some players just have a knack for making their presence felt during the most necessary times, and Gibson is certainly that player.
For his birthday, I would like to give ‘Gibby’ perfect health. Perfect health for the 4 games of that 1988 World Series. Heck, if he was able to create one of baseball’s grandest highlights with just 1 at-bat, imagine what he could have done with 16-20 of them… I only ask for 1 thing in return – keep the limp. It really adds to the dramatic flare!!
Happy Birthday Mr. Gibson!!!
I grew up as a fan of the Giants and of whatever team Pete Rose played on. Therefore I was a Dodger-hater. But in 1988 I liked the A’s even less. It was great to see Kirk hit that one off of Eck. It set the tone for the whole series.
I like that Gibson Goudey card. I’m going to have to get a few of those.
moe.
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