Jim Abbott was a famed one handed major league baseball player, who overcame a birth defect of only one hand became an amazing pro pitcher and ball player. Through stories, anecdotes, jokes, some self deprecation, and even failure and pain, Jim Abbott shows that people can overcome perceived limitations, and reach their dreams.

Southpaw Jim Abbott was born without a right hand. He spent hours as a youngster bouncing a ball off a wall to practice fielding as well as throwing. Instead of looking at what he did not have, Abbott's father helped him finds ways to win. Abbott was the starting quarterback on his high school football team, which went to the finals of the Michigan state championship. He showed enough promise as a pitcher to be drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays shortly after graduation, but he went to University of Michigan instead on a baseball scholarship. He had a career record of 26 wins and 8 losses at the school.

Today Jim Abbott is a professional motivational speaker. He has been featured in USA Today, Newsweek, Time, Sports Illustrated, Parade Magazine, People, and Baseball America. He has been featured during Olympic coverage, and has appeared on ESPN, Good Morning America, CNN, Larry King, Phil Donahue, George Michael Sports Machine, NBC Nightly News, ABC News Person of the Week, Late Night with David Letterman, and the ABC television series Boy Meets World.

As a philanthropist, Jim Abbott donated $100,000 dollars to Amigos de los Ninos, an organization that aids groups that care for children in California. He is an inspiration to all that meet him or have followed his career. More than his no-hitter, his 13 strike out game, a seven game winning streak, overcoming an eleven game losing streak, Jim Abbott became a great baseball player and a great person. He learned to overcome adversity and be an inspiration to those around him.

 

 

"There are no words to describe the impact Jim had on my business, he was nothing short of phenomenal. Jim spoke for breakfast, lunch and dinner seminars. His story touched everyone in the room with standing room only in some instances.  Many of the advisors expressed to me that Jim was the best speaker they have ever seen, some admitted to shedding a tear or two.  People laughed as they enjoyed every story Jim told and you could tell most people didn't want it to end. Jim was gracious enough to sign and personalize baseballs and have conversations with the attendees until everyone was satisfied. I am still getting phone calls telling me how inspiring Jim was. I have seen Jim speak now 4 times and the story only gets better. I hope to have Jim back again in the future as well as my company is looking to use Jim at future venues. Also, several advisors approached me to ask if they could get Jim to speak at their engagements. As for me and my colleagues, Jim made it nothing short of a special day that none of us will ever forget."
Prudential

"Jim Abbott is awesome. You could hear a pin drop during his speech. Frankly, I am not a baseball fan, don't really know that much about it, but it really didn't make any difference. His speech - to me - had little to do with baseball although the stories he wrapped around his words did. We laughed, and many of us (me especially) cried as he wove his touching story of his life and experiences overcoming his handicap. He is charming, very receptive to our guests, and he was willing to take the time to go to our luncheon, pose for pictures, and answer questions from anyone who asked. I now know more about human behavior since I've met and heard Jim Abbott. It was a great experience."
TOSHIBA

"Jim was definitely the star of our annual supplier event. People were charmed by his demeanor and presentation style and they were truly moved by his message. The feedback we got from attendees about how Jim's message affected them was phenomenal. We try to top ourselves every year in terms of our programming for this event - but I really don't know how we are going to be able to top Jim. We may just have to bring him back!"
Lucent Technologies

"Jim Abbott was a great speaker with a fantastic, fascinating and inspirational story to tell. He was funny, engaging and an inspiration, and he kept the group's attention through the entire presentation and question-and-answer session. Many in our group enjoyed Jim as much as our presentation by John Wooden. Thank you for making our convention one that we will remember for a long time."
Fosters Freeze

"Jim, I've been producing events like these for over 20 years. In that period of time I have NEVER experienced the deafening silence in a crowd that large, all of whom had their minds, hearts and souls transfixed on your speech. You touched the hearts of each and every person on the Civic Center, and your message of adaptability, determination and trust is now embossed on the spirits of hundreds of community leaders. The e-mails and voicemails filled with kudos and praise have been unending since the meeting this morning. You’re going to be a VERY tough act to follow."
United Way

"It is a pleasure to work with such a famous athlete who delivers such a relevant and motivational message. Jim Abbott represents the kind of role model we would like to see in all of our professional athletes."
EPICOR Software

"Jim was one of our best speakers. His message was upbeat and well delivered. We enjoyed him very much. We would have him back!"
Johnson & Wales University