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The 1988 World Series will always be remembered in the minds of Los Angeles Dodgers fans, not just because of the championship, but for the circumstances that led to it, highlighted by Kirk Gibson’s dramatic home run in Game 1.
Trailing by one in the ninth inning with two outs, the injured Gibson pinch hit and blasted a walk-off home run into right field off Oakland Athletics closer Dennis Eckersley. As Gibson gingerly jogged around the bases, he pumped his fist, which is one of the most iconic images in baseball history.
That moment was depicted for a mural in Atwater Village set up by the Kirk Gibson Foundation and painted by artist Corie Mattie, also known as L.A. Hope Dealer.
Gibson now works as an analyst and special assistant to the general manager with the Detroit Tigers, so he got to see the mural for the first time in person and sign it with the team playing at Dodger Stadium this week, via Matt Shepard of Bally Sports Detroit:
Gibby seeing his mural in LA for the first time. So cool. He’s with me for the @tigers and dodgers on @BallySportsDET tonight pic.twitter.com/Wo1MuxVNfP
— Matt Shepard (@ShepMatt) September 18, 2023
Gibby signs the mural in LA. The story behind it and the game on @BallySportsDET tonight. pic.twitter.com/ZjKKBLPL6F
— Matt Shepard (@ShepMatt) September 18, 2023
Gibson, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, launched his foundation to help find a cure and to act as a resource for others in their journey.
Gibson’s mural, which was unveiled on July 25, 2023, was created to raise awareness of Parkinson’s Disease. It features a QR code that creates direct access for viewers to donate.
“I am determined to bring awareness to the Parkinson’s community and hope this mural encourages everyone to keep up the momentum in this fight,” Gibson said of the mural in a statement.
The mural is painted with vibrant shades of Dodgers red, white, and blue and captures the essence of Gibson’s triumphant home run hit and his enduring baseball legacy.
It is located at 3150 Glendale Blvd., in L.A. at the site of Bill’s Liquor with the space donated by the shop owner, Mike Khalil.
Gibson is among the Legends of Dodger Baseball, which recognizes players for their impact both on and off the field. Each inductee received a personalized plaque with one being put on display on the top deck at Dodger Stadium
About the Kirk Gibson Foundation
The Kirk Gibson Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness for people to recognize symptoms and identify this disease, helping them find treatment options, therapy, proper medicine, and to rally institutions and organizations who are searching for a cure.
Gibson’s No. 23 is the inspiration for the formation of “Team23” within his foundation. Team23 is the grassroots fundraising and volunteer team for the Foundation, which is highlighted within the mural.
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