Jim Abbott

Jim Abbott on the mound (www.motivational-keynote-speakers.com)

There were two outs, three balls, two strikes, bases loaded, and the Yankees were up by one. If they could get this out, they would win the ballgame and forever be heroes in the hearts of the young fans that came to watch. As Jim slowly took his place on the mound, he looked around at all the fans cheering and yelling his name. He took a deep breath and wiped the sweat pouring off his face like a waterfall. This was it.

Jim was born in Lowell, Massachusetts in 1967. He is still alive today. As a young child, Abbott spent hours bouncing a ball off of a wall to practice fielding and throwing. His dedication to baseball was a story by itself. In high school, he was the starting quarterback of his football team. He chose to attend the University of Michigan on a baseball scholarship instead of being drafted with the Toronto Blue Jays. He later signed with various Major League teams.

Abbott taking a break (flintjournal.com)

The pitching style of Jim Abbott was incredible. He wore a right-handed fielder's glove on the stump of his right arm. After his delivery of the pitch, he would rapidly switch his glove to his left hand so that he could defend himself from balls. Most people thought the move of Abbott into the Major Leagues was a publicity stunt, but were proved wrong as Abbott won twelve games for the Los Angeles Angels with an ERA of 3.92 in his rookie season.

Abbott up to bat (www.pub.umich.edu)

Abbott won a numerous amount of awards and recognitions ranging from the Sullivan Award to the Male Athlete of the Year Award, and was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. The best awards though, came from the inside. His courage and belief led him to a life of fame. He has donated $100,000 to charity and is now a professional motivational speaker who speaks with young children with disabilities and others as well. He is also the current pitching instructor for the Los Angeles Angels.

This story is inspiring and should show people of all ages that it's possible to overcome obstacles in life and live like everyone else. I think that Jim Abbott was brave, courageous, and I respect him because he didn't give up. We should be blessed with what we have. We should also know that we can make our dreams come true as long as we believe.

"People tell you that I overcome obstacles....maybe. But the truth is I was incredibly blessed with my life. More was given than was ever taken away." -Jim Abbott