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In
this Section:
Other
Sections:
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Famous
Amputees: Jim Abbott
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Introduction | Early Life
| Amateur Years | MLB | Conclusion
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Introduction
Jim Abbott was born on September 19, 1967 in Flint, Michigan without a
right hand. This didn’t stop him from always doing his best. He
worked hard and overcame every obstacle in his path. From playing in the
Olympics to playing in in major league baseball, Jim Abbott never gave
up. Through hard work and perseverance, he was able to live just like
everyone else and do what many people never get the opportunity to do.
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Early
Life
Jim Abbott started his sports career in high school. He was a pitcher
on his school’s baseball team and a quarterback on the school’s
football team. In order to play baseball, Jim would balance the glove
on his right arm. He would then pitch with his left hand. As part of his
follow-through, Jim would slide the glove onto his left arm, enabling
him to field any balls that came back. This method would be used by Jim
Abbott throughout his career. After high school, Jim was drafted by the
Toronto Blue Jays. Instead of taking this offer, he decided to go to the
University of Michigan on a full baseball scholarship. From there he would
go on to be a fabulous pitcher with a record of 26-8.
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Amateur
Years
After three years at the University of Michigan, Jim Abbott joined the
USA baseball team. In 1987, he became the first American pitcher to beat
the Cuban team in Cuba. As a result, the United States team got a silver
medal at the Pan-American Games. The following year, Jim Abbott was able
to go to the 1988 Olympics as an amateur baseball player. Jim pitched
a complete, game seven against Japan with a final score of 5-3. By winning
this game, Jim Abbott led the USA Team to earn their first gold medal
in Olympic Baseball history. Jim Abbott was quite the amateur baseball
player.
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MLB
Years
Following
the 1999 Olympics, Jim Abbott signed with the California Angels. Abbott
continued to play baseball for ten years. Over the course of the years
Jim was a teammate with the California Angels, New York Yankees, Chicago
White Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers. Jim achieved many accomplishments as
a major league pitcher. In 1993, for example, he pitched a no-hitter at
Yankee Stadium while wearing pinstripes. This was the first time any pitcher
had pitched a no-hitter in Yankee Stadium for the last ten years. In another
game, Jim Abbott had a thirteen strike-out game! He accomplished much
as a major league pitcher.
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Conclusion
Jim Abbott
is currently a motivational speaker. He encourages people to do their
best and perservere despite hardships and disabilites. Looking back at
Jim’s past, it is obvious that he needed perseverance and dedication
to make it into the major league. Jim beat the odds and became an inspiration
baseball player. Jim Abbott can teach everyone a lesson. Despite differences
and challenges, anything is possible. Never give up on your dream because
it can come true, just as Jim Abbott’s did.
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