FOCO released new Los Angeles Dodgers bobbleheads of Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda and Kirk Gibson to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the team’s dramatic 1988 World Series title.
Gibson and Lasorda are in a celebratory pose and individually set atop a base that includes a World Series trophy in front.
The Dodgers winning the World Series that season has been etched into franchise lore, both because of Gibson’s heroics and their underdog nature of the matchup against the Oakland Athletics.
Gibson was out of the Dodgers lineup for Game 1 of the 1988 World Series due to knee and hamstring injuries. As the legend goes, Gibson was inspired by the broadcast suggesting he wasn’t available.
Gibson triumphantly rose to the occasion as a pinch-hitter in the bottom half of the ninth inning. After working a full count against Athletics closer Dennis Eckersley, Gibson delivered a two-out, two-run walk-off home run to propel the Dodgers to a 5-4 victory and 1-0 series lead in the Fall Classic.
The game-winning homer set the tone for as Los Angeles as they went on to defeat Oakland in five games to capture their sixth World Series championship in franchise history.
Gibson, Justin Turner (2017 National League Championship Series) and Chris Taylor (2021 Wild Card Game) have hit the only walk-off home runs in Dodgers postseason history.
That was the last World Series the Dodgers won under Lasorda. The franchise also did not capture another until the 2020 season.
Lasorda spent 21 seasons as Dodgers manager, beginning in 1976. He was skipper for four National League pennants and two World Series titles with the franchise.
Lasorda remained a fixture in the Dodgers organization after retiring and until passing away in January 2021. The Dodgers retired No. 2 for Lasorda on August 15, 1997.
Kirk Gibson mural
When the Dodgers welcomed the Detroit Tigers to Dodger Stadium during their final homestand of the 2023 regular season, it provided Gibson with an opportunity to visit a mural of his iconic fist-pump celebration from the walk-off home run in the World Series.
The mural in Atwater Village was set up by the Kirk Gibson Foundation and painted by artist Corie Mattie, also known as L.A. Hope Dealer.
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.
Fans can visit the Gibson mural at Bill’s Liquor on 3150 Glendale Blvd., in Los Angeles.
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