The Dodgers and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) will partner with the Kirk Gibson Foundation during the opening week of the 2018 season to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s Disease, the team announced today. Gibson will be on hand for the fundraising efforts, which include the donation of the proceeds of the Opening Day LADF 50-50 raffle and a silent auction, in addition to throwing the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day presented by Bank of America (Thursday, March 29 at 4:08 p.m. vs. the San Francisco Giants) as the Dodgers recognize the 30th anniversary of the 1988 championship team as part of their celebration of 60 years in Los Angeles.  The celebration of the 30th anniversary of Gibson’s dramatic walk-off home run in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series will continue during the second game of the season, when the Dodgers will give away a Kirk Gibson Special Edition bobblehead to the first 40,000 ticketed fans in attendance presented by Bank of America, a surprise addition to the promotional schedule.

Gibson’s dramatic home run in Game-1 of the 1988 World Series is still considered one of the greatest home runs in baseball history. (Photo credit – Rusty Kennedy)

The Kirk Gibson Foundation (more information: KirkGibsonFoundation.org) is committed to raising money and awareness for Parkinson’s Research by promoting collaboration, cooperation and teamwork, and on Opening Day, the Dodgers and LADF will support that mission by donating the proceeds from the LADF 50-50 Raffle. LADF will also hold an online auction from April 9-30 for 88 limited-edition, Gibson-autographed bobbleheads and the Dodgers’ game-worn jerseys from the Friday, March 30 game with proceeds benefiting the Kirk Gibson Foundation. Gibson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2015.

“I’d like to thank the Dodger organization, the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Dodger fans for their support of the Kirk Gibson Foundation and Parkinson’s Disease research. We’re going to be able to help a lot of people through the money raised during Opening week,” said Gibson. “I’m honored to help kick off the Dodgers’ 60th anniversary celebration, and am looking forward to re-living many magical moments at Dodger Stadium on Opening Day and on my bobblehead night.”

Opening Day presented by Bank of America is sold out, but limited tickets are still available through the purchase of mini plans at Dodgers.com/miniplans. Single-game tickets are still available for Friday’s game at Dodgers.com/promotions, which will also feature Friday Night Fireworks presented by Denny’s, as well as the rest of the Dodgers’ season-opening series vs. San Francisco. Single-game game tickets, mini-plans, group tickets and suites are all available now at Dodgers.com/tickets.

(Article courtesy of LA Dodgers)