One day, just a few years ago, I found myself sitting on a bench during one of my baseball games in a semi-pro league in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. It was just the second game of the season and already I was designated to sitting on the bench, waiting for my turn to bat. It was then that I began making excuses for myself after finally realizing I would never play professionally.
“I am too short, not strong enough, started playing too late”. Those were just a few of the excuses I made. A few innings later I was brought in for an at-bat, popped out, and was thrown in to Right Field. Just ten minutes later my rotator cuff failed me during outfield toss. It was the last time I ever played baseball.
The truth is, I had absolutely no excuses. Simply put, I didn’t have the desire others had. For God sakes, Jim Abbott, a former pitcher and stand-out college ball player found success despite being born without his entire right hand. Jim Abbott was a great baseball player who made no excuses despite probably having to deal with more than anyone in his position could ever imagine.
At just 21 years of age, Abbott made it to the Big Leagues for the California Angels and won 12 games. He reached double digits in wins four times in the next seven years including 18 wins in 1991. By 1993, the Angels dispatched Abbott to the New York Yankees and he answered the call by pitching a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians. It would be Abbott’s defining moment in the Majors.
In the next five seasons, Abbott reached double digits in wins just once and in 1998 led the league in losses (18), while giving up 7.18 runs per game. Clearly, his best days were behind him and by next season, at just 31 years of age, Jim Abbott walked away from the game.
Jim threw out the first pitch for a game in mid-2008. You can see a recent photo by clicking HERE. As far as the two autographs in the image below, both are currently on eBay, selling for under $30 dollars a piece. In fact, there are many certified autographs and game-used cards of Abbott selling for mighty cheap for those looking for a new player collection.
Jim Abbott [Mark Langston and Chuck Finley] – California Angels’ ace pitchers through the early 1990s – were at the last playoff game at Angel Stadium a week or so ago. Finley left on his own, but Langston and Abbott came out together.
Only a couple of people [myself included] asked Langston to sign, but Abbott was stopped and signed for everybody. I’m sure he has signed at least 100,000 autographs, but I was still amazed at how adept he was at grabbing a baseball and signing it.
Abbott was awesome. And pitched a no hitter. I couldn’t pitch a no hitter if I had 4 hands.
There was an article a couple of months ago in Sports Illustrated about Jim Abbott, it mentioned his Olympic Glory among other things but focused mainly on how he is currently an inspirational speaker, and actually returns letters to disabled individuals who write him thanking him for being so inspiring. It was great to hear that even though he’s no longer pitching, Jim Abbott is still inspiring people.
Jim Abbott is one of my all-time favorites. Great post!
The National Baseball HOF has an educational program they offer via interactive video regarding players with ’special abilities.’ Abbott is one of the featured players. I had a group of about 15 or so teachers participate – traveling from Arkansas to Cooperstown without leaving the building! It was very interesting to learn about Abbot and his life!
Jim Abbott was my childhood idol! I always liked the 89 UD card with the multiple exposures.
I’m just now finding the time to read through your old posts, and I must say, I’m really enjoying it! Jim Abbott was one of my favorites growing up; I used to mock (in a good way, believe me) the way he swiftly put the glove on his good hand after releasing the ball. And back before I really understood the game, I just assumed he was the reason for the DH rule being American League only!