Jim Abbott: A Brief Biography

“Find something you love, and go after it, with all of your heart.” These are inspiring words that Jim Abbott once said. Jim Abbott has accomplished many things, dealt with many struggles, and has a great support group.

Jim had a very interesting and unique life as a child. Abbott was born in Michigan on September 19, 1967, without a right hand. At school, he was picked on and called “the kid with a deformity.” As a kid, he didn't like his “hand.” He had a love for baseball, so he would practice switching hands with his glove over and over again in his room. People at his school would ask him questions about it. Growing up, he went to high school at Central High School in Flint, Michigan. After 3 years of college, he graduated with a 3.03 ERA. Jim went to college at the University of Michigan.

Abbott had to deal with many struggles throughout his life. People thought that his baseball career was a public stunt for his manager. Overcoming adversity and anecdotes, these things made him stronger as a person. Even though he got discouraged at some points in his life, he proved people wrong.
Jim Abbott did many positive things after his Major League Baseball career. Because of his inspirational story, he appealed to many audiences when he became a keynote speaker. He was a philanthropist and he donated over $100,000 to Amigos de Los Ninos. The organization is a program that aids children in California. He also helps out with the Los Angeles Angels spring training. Being the pitcher he is, he helped by being their pitching instructor.
Starting in high school, he has had many accomplishments throughout his journey.

The Toronto Blue Jays drafted and selected him as their 36th pick. Wanting to go to college, he did not sign with the Blue Jays. He led the Wolverines to Big Ten titles. Abbott was the 1st pitcher to beat a Cuban team in 25 years. He was an Olympic pitcher for Team USA and led them to victory in 1988. Jim spent 10 years in the MLB. Versus the Cleveland Indians, he pitched a 4-0 no hitter. In 1987, he earned the Sullivan Award. In 1989, he won the most games as a rookie. He has earned the Jesse Owens Award, Male Athlete of The Year Award, and the 15th player to make an astonishing professional debut in the MLB.

The inspirational Jim Abbott had a great support group throughout tough times. Dana Abbott, his wife, loves and supports him. Madeleine and Ella, his daughters, are inspired by him. His mom and dad, Kathy and Mike Abbott, are the people who have helped him through all of his struggles. He also has a cute dog named Billie, who will always love Jim. Kids with disabilities keep him going when he struggles because he doesn't want to let those kids

down.
The struggles discouraged him, but he continued to stay strong and accomplish many things with the help of his support group. Giving up isn't an option for him and he has shown everyone that. Jim has inspired many people in the past and present and he will continue to inspire people in the future.