Jim Abbott

“I worked very hard. I felt I could play the game. The only thing that could stop me was myself.” Jim Abbott was born with only one arm, but that did not stop him from following his dream to be a professional baseball pitcher. He pitched for Major League baseball teams such as the Yankees, Angels, Brewers, and White Sox. Jim was born September 19, 1967 in Flint, Michigan.

In 1989 Jim was in the starting rotation for the Angels. Abbott won 12 games with a 3.82 ERA in his rookie season. ERA stands for Earned Run Average.

In 1991 his ERA was 2.89. He won 18 games for the Angels. Jim also made the United States Olympic team. Jim had to beat out everyone with two hands to pitch. Jim had a big disadvantage!

Jim wasn’t an amazing hitter, but he was a great pitcher! While he was playing for the Yankees in December of 1992, he pitched a no-hitter. Jim only had two hits out of his 23 at bats. Everyone was shocked he even got two hits.

Jim Abbott is a great role model for me because he teaches me to always try my best and never let anyone discourage me. He teaches me to never look passed people with disabilities and always play them as hard as I would play someone without a disability.

Last year I wanted to be a pitcher for my softball team, but I wasn’t sure if I should. I was thinking of Jim and I thought if he could do it with one arm then I might as well try it. It was a lot of fun and I’m very happy I tried it. Whenever you don’t know what to do always follow your heart. Jim Abbott followed his dreams and in my eyes that is what a hero is!