Lynn Henning on Kirk Gibson's Departure: 'Parkinson's Had Robbed His Voice of Energy'

Kirk Gibson

Detroit News sports writer Lynn Henning weighed in Monday on the news that Tigers broadcaster Kirk Gibson, a member of the Tigers' broadcasting team for 15 years, will not be part of the broadcast for the 2025 season.

"Kirk Gibson will be missed deeply in that Tigers broadcast booth," Henning wrote on X. "Parkinson's had robbed his voice of the energy that is much needed behind a mic, but his insights were, typical of Gibson, unmatched. He has battled Parkinson's nobly. The man is beyond inspiring."

Gibson, 67, and FanDuel Sports Network Detroit issued a joint announcement about his departure.

"Although I may be leaving the booth, my connection with the Tigers remains strong," Gibson said in a statement. "Over the past 25 years, I have been honored to introduce integral parts of the game from my experiences as a player, manager, and coach. I’m incredibly grateful for the support from the Tigers organization, the Ilitch family, and Detroit’s loyal baseball fans."

"On a personal level, I’ll be focusing on my health while also continuing to support and encourage others battling Parkinson’s," Gibson added. "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."

Matt Shepard, a former play-by-play Tigers announcer who was fired from the job in 2023, suggested on X that it was not Gibson's decision to leave. 

"This was not his decision," he writes. "Gibby is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had in broadcasting. He loves the team and city and prepares better than any analyst I’ve ever worked with."

In On April  2015, it was revealed that Gibson, married and the father of four, had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Gibson, who attended Michigan State University, played for the Tigers from 1979–87 and returned as a player from 1993–95.

While his style in the broadcasting booth was not the most exciting, he approached the job with good humor and provided great insights into the game.