Ex-Tiger Kirk Gibson continues going to bat for Parkinson's community

Kirk Gibson, the former Detroit Tiger outfielder, remains actively involved in supporting the Parkinson's disease community. On Monday, Gibson and his organization, the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson's, hosted their 10th annual charity golf tournament at Wyndgate Country Club in Rochester Hills. The event attracted a roster of 228 golfers, including sports figures like Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, Lions legend Calvin Johnson, and former World Series champions Alan Trammell, Lance Parrish, and Dave Rozema.

Mia Hutchinson, sister of Lions star Aidan Hutchinson, opened the event by performing the national anthem. "I feel guilty when people keep talking about the center (Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson's Wellness) and my contributions, because my teammates have always been the most important thing. Forever," Gibson stated. He emphasized that the funds raised will be used for meaningful causes, promising to make those who supported him proud.

The charity golf tournament is the primary fundraiser for the foundation, which opened the Parkinson's center in Farmington Hills in 2025. This center is the first of its kind in Michigan, offering free programs for individuals living with Parkinson's disease. The center recently unveiled a new, 2,700-square-foot gymnasium. Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting speech and movement, impacts over 1 million Americans with no known cure.