History of Jim Abbott in Timeline

Jim Abbott is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played from 1989 to 1999. Born without a right hand, Abbott achieved significant success pitching for teams including the California Angels, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, and Milwaukee Brewers. His career is notable for demonstrating exceptional skill and determination in overcoming a physical challenge to compete at the highest level of professional baseball.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

September 19, 1967: James Anthony Abbott Born

On September 19, 1967, James Anthony Abbott was born. He later became a professional baseball pitcher despite being born without a right hand.

1985: College baseball for Michigan Wolverines

In 1985, Jim Abbott started playing college baseball for the Michigan Wolverines.

1985: Drafted by Toronto Blue Jays

In 1985, Jim Abbott was drafted out of high school by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 36th round of the MLB draft, but he did not sign and decided to attend college instead.

1987: Won the James E. Sullivan Award

In 1987, Jim Abbott won the James E. Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete in the United States, becoming the first baseball player to win the award.

1988: Won an unofficial gold medal

In 1988, Jim Abbott pitched the final game in the Summer Olympics, winning an unofficial gold medal for the United States, where baseball was a demonstration sport.

1988: Drafted by the California Angels

In 1988, Jim Abbott was selected by the California Angels in the first round, with the eighth overall selection, of the Major League Baseball draft.

1988: Won Gold Medal at Summer Olympics

In 1988, Jim Abbott won a gold medal in the demonstration event at the Summer Olympics while representing the United States.

1989: Joined the Angels' starting rotation

In 1989, Jim Abbott joined the California Angels' starting rotation as a rookie without playing in Minor League Baseball and posted a 12-12 win-loss record.

1991: Tripled in a spring training game

In 1991, Jim Abbott tripled in a spring training game off Rick Reuschel.

1991: Went 18-11 for the Angels

In 1991, Jim Abbott went 18-11 for the Angels and posted the fourth-lowest ERA in the AL, finishing third in the AL Cy Young Award voting.

1992: Won the Tony Conigliaro Award

In 1992, Jim Abbott won the Tony Conigliaro Award and posted a 2.77 ERA for the Angels.

September 4, 1993: Pitched a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians

On September 4, 1993, Jim Abbott pitched a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians as a member of the New York Yankees.

1993: Threw a no-hitter

In 1993, as a member of the New York Yankees, Jim Abbott threw a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians.

1994: Yankees led the AL East

In 1994, Jim Abbott's Yankees led the AL East, but the season was halted and the playoffs were canceled, due to a players strike on August 12.

April 1995: Signed with the Chicago White Sox

In April 1995, Jim Abbott signed with the Chicago White Sox after being a free agent.

July 27, 1995: Traded to the Angels

On July 27, 1995, the White Sox traded Jim Abbott to the Angels.

1996: Struggled with the Angels

In the 1996 season, Jim Abbott struggled with the Angels, posting a 2-18 record and 7.48 ERA.

1997: Released and Retired

Before the Opening Day of the 1997 season, Jim Abbott was released by the Angels and subsequently retired.

1998: Returned to the White Sox

In 1998, Jim Abbott returned to the White Sox, starting five games and winning all five.

1999: Two hits in 21 at-bats

In 1999, when Jim Abbott joined the National League's Milwaukee Brewers, he had two hits in 21 at-bats, both off Jon Lieber.

1999: Retired after the 1999 season

Jim Abbott retired after the 1999 season with a career record of 87-108 and a 4.25 ERA.

2005: Hall of Fame ballot appearance

In 2005, Jim Abbott became eligible for the National Baseball Hall of Fame but did not receive enough votes to remain on the ballot.

2007: Elected to the College Baseball Hall of Fame

In 2007, Jim Abbott was elected to the College Baseball Hall of Fame for his career at Michigan.

April 18, 2009: Jersey Retired

On April 18, 2009, Jim Abbott's University of Michigan #31 jersey was retired at the Wolverines' home game against Michigan State University.

April 2012: Autobiography Published

In April 2012, Jim Abbott's autobiography, "Imperfect: An Improbable Life" co-written with Tim Brown, was published by Ballantine Books.

Imperfect: An Improbable Life

Check it on Amazon

Mentioned in this timeline

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