The 2018 season marks the 60th anniversary of the Los Angeles Dodgers relocating from Brooklyn, and the 30th anniversary of the club’s last World Series championship. Many festivities will take place at Dodger Stadium this year to honor both of those milestones.
When referring to the 1988 World Series, Dodgers fans immediately think back to pinch-hit, walk-off home run Kirk Gibson delivered in Game 1 against Oakland Athletics closer Dennis Eckersley, which set the tone for the rest of the series.
Prior to Clayton Kershaw taking the mound for his franchise record eighth consecutive Opening Day start, Gibson returned to his old stomping grounds and threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
The Dodgers assembled an A-list cast and had a pre-tapped message from retired broadcaster Vin Scully as part of their honoring of the 1988 World Series hero. Just like he did that October night, Gibson emerged from the tunnel and dugout with a bat, the bat, in his hands.
After some direction provided by former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, Gibson ditched the bat for a baseball and threw the ceremonial first pitch to Orel Hershiser, via the Dodgers’ Facebook page:
On Wednesday, Gibson autographed the seat in the right field pavilion where his home run landed. Earlier in the week, it was painted blue to commemorate the special moment in Dodgers history.
Fans that were fortunate enough to secure a ticket package for that seat will receive a special t-shirt that makes note of sitting there. All proceeds were donated to Kirk Gibson’s Foundation, which focuses on Parkinson’s research.
Gibson will further be honored on Friday, when a bobblehead of his likeness will be distributed to the first 40,000 fans in attendance.
