Gibby, meet Freddie.

Detroit Tigers legend Kirk Gibson — wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers jersey — threw a surprise ceremonial first pitch to Dodgers superstar Freddie Freeman ahead of Thursday’s Opening Day game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Gibson and Freeman hugged after the first pitch.

Both players hit legendary walk-off home runs over the right-field wall at Dodger Stadium in Game 1 of the World Series for the Dodgers, separated by 36 years — Gibson in 1988 and Freeman in 2024. Both homers led to the Dodgers winning the World Series.

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In 1988, Gibson — suffering from a leg injuries — hit a walk-off two-run home run against Oakland Athletics pitcher Dennis Eckersley for a 5-4 win in the ninth inning. In 2024, Freeman — suffering from an ankle injury — hit a walk-off grand slam off New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes for a 6-3 win in the 10th inning.

Fox Sports broadcaster Joe Davis referenced Gibson during his play-by-play call of Freeman’s home run.

“She is gone!” Davis said. “Gibby, meet Freddie!”

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Gibson also won the World Series with the Tigers in 1984.

Gibson, who has Parkinson’s disease, spent the past 10 years on the Tigers’ broadcast team, but he isn’t returning to the booth in the 2025 season. Still, he remains a part of the Tigers’ front office as a special assistant while focusing on his health.

Contact Evan Petzold at [email protected] or follow him @EvanPetzold.

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