Jim Abbott
From BR Bullpen
James Anthony Abbott
- Bats Left, Throws Left
- Height 6' 3", Weight 210 lb.
- School University of Michigan
- Debut April 8, 1989
- Final Game July 21, 1999
- Born September 19, 1967 in Flint, MI USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Despite being born with no right hand, pitcher Jim Abbott went on to a successful big league career, winning 87 games in a decade in the majors.
In high school, Abbott was the starting quarterback on his school's football team, and after graduation, he was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1985 amateur draft but instead chose to attend the University of Michigan. During his time there, he won the 1987 Golden Spikes Award and the 1987 Sullivan Award at the nation's top amateur athlete, the only baseball player ever to be so honored. He also led the U.S. in several major international competitions. He carried the flag in the opening ceremonies for the 1987 Pan American Games and then went on to strike out 15 in 13 innings while allowing 6 hits and no earned runs. He won two games for the Americans, who finished second to Cuba. In the 1988 Baseball World Cup, Abbott was named as one of the two All-Star pitchers, joining Takehiro Ishii. He was 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA in the tournament and was beating the Cuban national team 3-1 in the finale when a controversial call went against him in the bottom of the 9th to put a runner on. He then allowed a game-tying home run to Lourdes Gourriel before being replaced by Andy Benes. That summer Abbott was also a member of the Olympic team. He once again was chosen to carry the U.S. flag in the opening ceremonies, and on the field, he led the squad to a gold medal.
After finishing his college career, Abbott was selected by the California Angels in the first round of the 1988 amateur draft with the eighth overall pick. The Angels brought him straight to the majors, and he won 12 games as a rookie in 1989, earning a spot on the Topps All-Star Rookie Team. He had his best season two years later, when he won 18 games, posted a 2.77 ERA, and finished third in voting for the Cy Young Award. After one more season in California, he was traded to the New York Yankees for top prospect J.T. Snow and two other players.
Abbott played two seasons with the Yankees, with the highlight being a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians on September 4, 1993. After a brief stint with the Chicago White Sox, he was traded back to the Angels in 1995. He struggled immensely with the team in 1996, posting a 2-18 record and a 7.48 ERA, and he was released the following spring.
After a year away from baseball, Abbott was signed by the White Sox again in 1997. He worked his way back up through the minors, winning 6 games in 18 starts. That earned him a September call-up with the Sox, and he won all five of his late season starts. He signed with the Milwaukee Brewers as a free agent following the season. In 1999, his only season in the National League, Abbott was able to collect two hits and three RBI in 21 plate appearances. However, he struggled on the mound, going 2-8 with a 6.91 ERA, and was released in July.
Abbott wore number 25 during his big league career except for his second stint with the Angels, when he wore 52.
Since retiring, Abbott has become a motivational speaker. He has also become a member of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and the College Baseball Hall of Fame.
