Give Kirk Gibson a Statue at Comerica Park

The row of monuments in Comerica Park's outfield memorializes some of the greatest to ever wear the Olde English "D". All-time greats like Cobb, Kaline and Gehringer are proudly displayed at the park, but there is one legendary Tiger that is very conspicuously missing: Kirk Gibson, hero of an entire generation of Tigers faithful. Yes, the official word is that these monuments are designated for Tigers who have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. But Willie Horton was given a statue without achieving that honor, and I feel that Kirk Gibson's career resume has enough parallel to merit the same treatment.
Just like Horton, Gibson is a native Michigander who went on to star with his hometown ballclub. In fact, when it was time to decide between a career in pro football or baseball, Gibby's desire to be a Detroit Tiger was so intense that he schemed to be drafted by them. He deceptively told other baseball teams that he had opted to play football so they would not pick him, but secretly told the Tigers of his true intentions to play baseball, specifically for them. That's loyalty.
Just like Horton, Gibson made significant contributions in bringing a World Series Championship to Detroit. Who could forget Gibby's epic homer off of San Diego's Goose Gossage in the unforgettable 1984 Series?
And where Gibson makes an even stronger case than Horton in deserving a statue at Comerica Park is with his continued association with the Tigers organization. After playing several seasons elsewhere because of a rift with then-owner Tom Monaghan, Gibby once again proved his allegiance to the Tigers by resigning with them shortly after new ownership took over. And now, a decade after his playing days ended, Gibson is still very visible in the community and with the team. He is a dynamic presence on Fox's Tigers broadcasts, as well as on local talk radio.
Kirk Gibson might not have been one of the most purely talented Detroit Tigers ever, but that is part of what makes him perhaps the athlete that best mirrors the city that he played for. He wasn't as flashy as most, but driven by grit and determination, he always got the job done. Just like our great city of Detroit, don't you think?

Come on Detroiters. Let's rally together to give Kirk Gibson an enduring "thank you" for everything he's done for the team and the community.

Let's get Gibby a statue at Comerica Park!! Go Tigers!!