Why was Kirk even called into action? Seems he could barely stand and swing a bat. Weren’t there other options available than an old crippled guy?
Things miraculously worked out, but why did Lasorda take such a gamble?
Gibson’s injuries get exaggerated with every re-telling. There’s no doubt that he was hurting, but it’s worth remembering that he had just started all seven games in the LCS and went on to play another seven seasons.
The only other players remaining on the bench for LaSorda were Rick Dempsey and Dave Anderson, who were .233 and .242 career hitters respectively. Both were right-handed and Oakland pitcher Dennis Eckersley was tough on right-handers. (He was tough on everybody, but even more so on right-handers.)
It was the percentage bet. LaSorda was kinda stuck. Gibson was hitting .290 that year. A slightly better choice. Besides, he wasn’t so hurt that he couldn’t make it around the bases. He just wasn’t going to be sprinting to first.
Even so, he was only batting 154 in the previous series and had 4 hits (although 2 HR’s).
With a guy on first, wouldn’t it have been more prudent to try to advance him for the tie rather than go for broke?
Evidently not. 
There were 2 out when Gibson went to bat so advancing the runner wouldn’t be prudent. Cite