Latest news with #JimAbbott
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jim Abbott, MLB pitcher born with one hand who threw no-hitter, still resonates today
Jim Abbott is 57 years old now, and hasn't thrown a pitch in a quarter-century, but on this day his voice slightly quivers, realizing the impact he has made in not only baseball, but this world. Once Abbott's documentary "Southpaw: The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott" hits the airwaves at 9 p.m., Sunday July 13 on ESPN, there will be kids and young adults learning about him for the first time, the spiring tale of the man born without a right hand who once pitched a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium and had a 10-year major-league career. Advertisement 'I've been the subject of very kind pieces for awhile," Abbott tells USA TODAY Sports, 'but I was touched when ESPN Films wanted to do this, and dig deeply as they did. Having the impact of being different, growing up with one hand, and how some people connected with that who were like me, and others who weren't like me, has been incredibly rewarding." The documentary is powerful with Abbott sitting at his kitchen table in Southern California listening to former Los Angeles Angels public relations director Tim Mead, and later the Hall of Fame president, reading handwritten letters from children inspired by him. The film also features interviews with some of those same kids who are now adults, thanking Abbott for making a difference in their lives. Jim Abbott celebrates his no-hitter in 1993 'I couldn't believe it"' Abbott says. 'There were some of the personal experiences that I had back in my playing days, at the ballpark, that weren't always publicized, and now to see some of those same kids and families interviewed now, my jaw dropped. Advertisement One of those letters was from a little girl, 8-year-old Tracey Holgate, from Windsor, Ontario, whose letter was read by Mead. She is now a 44-year-old teacher, married with four children. "Dear Jim, My name is Tracey Holgate. I am age 8. I have one hand too. My grandpa gave me a picture of you today. I saw you on TV. I don't know anyone with one hand. How do you feel about having one hand? Sometimes I feel sad and sometimes I feel okay about it. Most of the time I feel happy. I hope to see you play in Detroit and maybe meet you. Could you please send me a picture of you in uniform? Could you write back please? Here is a picture of me. Love, Tracey." 'It really gives you pause, to be honest," Abbott says. 'You know when you're playing, you're competing, and it's such a fight, it can be a little insulating and you protect yourself. 'This film really helped me to see how many people are watching, and how many people are connected to it that you've never even seen. It's just amazing. It's very, very heartwarming." Advertisement There is Shaquem Griffin, who became the first NFL player with one hand, thanking Abbott. There is Nick Newell, an MMA fighter, thanking Abbott. There is Nick Newell, 39, the veteran MMA, born without a left arm, thanking Abbott. There is Carson Pickett, born without most of her left arm and playing for the U.S. women's national soccer team, thanking Abbott. They all let Abbott know how much they were inspired by him, knowing that they, too, can overcome all odds. 'They saw something in me that related to their own experiences,'' Abbott said, 'with kids and families looking for hope.'' Abbott, born in Flint, Michigan and attended the University of Michigan, spends much of his summer in the state, watching baseball, and rooting for his childhood team, the Detroit Tigers. He's like every other Tigers fan, hoping this could finally be the year, the year they win their first World Series title since 1984. 'I just love when the Tigers are doing well," Abbott says, 'because the whole state just goes crazy. Hats are out, and my friends are excited and talking about the Tigers again. I would love to see the Tigers keep it up. They're incredible." While living most of the time in Southern California, he too has been caught up in the exploits of Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw's brilliant career. Advertisement 'It was really cool to see Clayton Kershaw get that 3,000th strikeout the other night,'' Abbott says. 'He's been such a classy presence in Southern California for so long. And God, how many people are ever going to do that again. It's one of those, you know, immortal accomplishments. 'And, of course, I love Shohei, just like everybody else. I just marvel at what he's doing. Having struggled to be a starting pitcher, and knowing how important routine and structure is, the fact that he does both is just unreal. It's incomprehensible." The film ends with Abbott speaking in front of a crowd, telling them of the time his daughter had a question for him in a classroom, asking, 'Dad, do you like your little hand?" 'I have to tell you,'' Abbott said, 'I do. I like my little hand. I haven't always liked it. Times I hated it, but that's who I am, and it's taken me to places I never would have gone without it. Advertisement 'It's taught me important lessons. It's taught me that life's not always easy, and it's not always fair. My hand has taught me that you know you can do things a little bit differently, but you can still do them just as well as anybody else. 'I hope we always believe that." The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jim Abbott documentary on ESPN shows MLB legend's legacy lives on
USA Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Jim Abbott, MLB pitcher born with one hand who threw no-hitter, still resonates today
Jim Abbott is 57 years old now, and hasn't thrown a pitch in a quarter-century, but on this day his voice slightly quivers, realizing the impact he has made in not only baseball, but this world. Once Abbott's documentary "Southpaw: The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott" hits the airwaves at 9 p.m., Sunday July 13 on ESPN, there will be kids and young adults learning about him for the first time, the spiring tale of the man born without a right hand who once pitched a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium and had a 10-year major-league career. 'I've been the subject of very kind pieces for awhile," Abbott tells USA TODAY Sports, 'but I was touched when ESPN Films wanted to do this, and dig deeply as they did. Having the impact of being different, growing up with one hand, and how some people connected with that who were like me, and others who weren't like me, has been incredibly rewarding." The documentary is powerful with Abbott sitting at his kitchen table in Southern California listening to former Los Angeles Angels public relations director Tim Mead, and later the Hall of Fame president, reading handwritten letters from children inspired by him. The film also features interviews with some of those same kids who are now adults, thanking Abbott for making a difference in their lives. 'I couldn't believe it"' Abbott says. 'There were some of the personal experiences that I had back in my playing days, at the ballpark, that weren't always publicized, and now to see some of those same kids and families interviewed now, my jaw dropped. One of those letters was from a little girl, 8-year-old Tracey Holgate, from Windsor, Ontario, whose letter was read by Mead. She is now a 44-year-old teacher, married with four children. "Dear Jim, My name is Tracey Holgate. I am age 8. I have one hand too. My grandpa gave me a picture of you today. I saw you on TV. I don't know anyone with one hand. How do you feel about having one hand? Sometimes I feel sad and sometimes I feel okay about it. Most of the time I feel happy. I hope to see you play in Detroit and maybe meet you. Could you please send me a picture of you in uniform? Could you write back please? Here is a picture of me. Love, Tracey." 'It really gives you pause, to be honest," Abbott says. 'You know when you're playing, you're competing, and it's such a fight, it can be a little insulating and you protect yourself. 'This film really helped me to see how many people are watching, and how many people are connected to it that you've never even seen. It's just amazing. It's very, very heartwarming." There is Shaquem Griffin, who became the first NFL player with one hand, thanking Abbott. There is Nick Newell, an MMA fighter, thanking Abbott. There is Nick Newell, 39, the veteran MMA, born without a left arm, thanking Abbott. There is Carson Pickett, born without most of her left arm and playing for the U.S. women's national soccer team, thanking Abbott. They all let Abbott know how much they were inspired by him, knowing that they, too, can overcome all odds. 'They saw something in me that related to their own experiences,'' Abbott said, 'with kids and families looking for hope.'' Abbott, born in Flint, Michigan and attended the University of Michigan, spends much of his summer in the state, watching baseball, and rooting for his childhood team, the Detroit Tigers. He's like every other Tigers fan, hoping this could finally be the year, the year they win their first World Series title since 1984. 'I just love when the Tigers are doing well," Abbott says, 'because the whole state just goes crazy. Hats are out, and my friends are excited and talking about the Tigers again. I would love to see the Tigers keep it up. They're incredible." While living most of the time in Southern California, he too has been caught up in the exploits of Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani and Clayton Kershaw's brilliant career. 'It was really cool to see Clayton Kershaw get that 3,000th strikeout the other night,'' Abbott says. 'He's been such a classy presence in Southern California for so long. And God, how many people are ever going to do that again. It's one of those, you know, immortal accomplishments. 'And, of course, I love Shohei, just like everybody else. I just marvel at what he's doing. Having struggled to be a starting pitcher, and knowing how important routine and structure is, the fact that he does both is just unreal. It's incomprehensible." The film ends with Abbott speaking in front of a crowd, telling them of the time his daughter had a question for him in a classroom, asking, 'Dad, do you like your little hand?" 'I have to tell you,'' Abbott said, 'I do. I like my little hand. I haven't always liked it. Times I hated it, but that's who I am, and it's taken me to places I never would have gone without it. 'It's taught me important lessons. It's taught me that life's not always easy, and it's not always fair. My hand has taught me that you know you can do things a little bit differently, but you can still do them just as well as anybody else. 'I hope we always believe that." The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
New York Post
09-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Jim Abbott's Yankees turmoil, inspirational no-hitter highlight new ESPN documentary: ‘I felt overwhelmed'
Access the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees. Try it free In his first season with the Yankees, a heated Jim Abbott confronted then-New York Times reporter Jack Curry over an article that labeled the pitcher as something he'd never been called before. Underachiever. The tense exchange — revisited in ESPN's new E60 documentary 'Southpaw: The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott' — served as one of several moments Abbott reflected on during a screening of the film Monday night at the Tribeca Screening Room in Manhattan. The film, which chronicles the highs and lows of Abbott's remarkable career, was followed by a panel discussion featuring Abbott, Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay, ESPN's Jeremy Schaap and E60 senior producer and director Mike Farrell. 'My time with the Yankees, Mike, I have to say, painfully, you captured it pretty well — to hear some of the evaluations and things going on at the time,' Abbott said with a chuckle. 5 Jim Abbott threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Yankees' Tuesday night game against the Seattle Mariners. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post The pitcher, born without a right hand, defied expectations to be drafted in the first round by the Angels, reach the majors without ever playing in the minor leagues and finish third in Cy Young voting in 1991. Entering the final month of the 1993 season, Abbott's first year in pinstripes was marked by inconsistency. He carried a 9–11 record with a 4.31 ERA and candidly admitted in the film he had not delivered on expectations. On Aug. 29, Abbott allowed seven earned runs in just 3 1/3 innings against Cleveland and was on the verge of being pulled from the rotation, Kay revealed during the panel. 'It was pretty ugly,' Abbott said. 'I left the stadium, I went for a run and I remember [Buck] Showalter not being too happy about that. I felt overwhelmed.' Abbott received another start the following weekend — also against Cleveland — and delivered one of the most noteworthy performances in baseball history. 5 Yankees announcer Michael Kay (far left) moderated a panel on Monday night with Abbott (second from left), ESPN reporter Jeremy Schaap and E60 senior producer and director Mike Farrell (far right). Mark Suleymanov In front of 27,125 fans at Yankee Stadium, Abbott no-hit a loaded lineup that included Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, Albert Belle, Kenny Lofton and Carlos Baerga in a 4–0 win. 'There was no internet, there was no social media,' said Schaap, who interviewed Abbott throughout the documentary, including in the stands at Yankee Stadium, as they rewatched his legendary performance on the big screen. 'It's one of those things, when you talk about things that would've broken the internet, the no-hitter would've been one of them. But Jim's whole story, right? It's the moments, the arc of the story. 'It's a remarkable privilege for me to be part of this project. To reintroduce this story to people who never knew it and to remind people who have forgotten, because it is one of the great stories in sports.' 5 In front of 27,125 fans at Yankee Stadium on September 4, 1993, Abbott no-hit a loaded Indians lineup that included Jim Thome, Manny Ramirez, Albert Belle, Kenny Lofton, and Carlos Baerga in a 4–0 win. ASSOCIATED PRESS The documentary uses the no-hitter as a narrative thread, weaving through Abbott's childhood in Flint, Mich., his amateur career, the 1988 Olympics and ultimately his rise to Major League Baseball — a journey that made him an icon to millions with disabilities. Abbott discussed his apprehension about being put on a pedestal — and how, for much of his career, he wrestled with the pressure of living up to what others expected him to represent. 5 'Southpaw' is set to debut July 13, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN and features interviews with Abbott's former Yankees teammates, including Wade Boggs, Don Mattingly and Matt Nokes, and Hall of Famers Jim Thome and Cal Ripken Jr. ESPN 'When you talk about somebody being an inspiration, I think the average person would be like, 'I wish I was an inspiration to millions of people, it sounds like an awesome thing.' But it's more nuanced and complicated with Jim,' Farrell said. 'This sort of journey of identity and fighting back against the one-handed pitcher label for most of his young life and most of his career. 'But then, eventually understanding the power that can come with embracing that is a fascinating and complicated inner journey.' Abbott endured constant media attention during his career, from accusations he was drafted as a publicity stunt to the emotional weight of meeting thousands of children with disabilities — a role he came to see as a 'responsibility.' 'I didn't think I'd be crying today,' Kay said as the panel began, noting the emotional stories of Abbott meeting with children highlighted throughout the film. 5 Abbott spent two years with the Yankees before leaving in free agency after 1994. He struggled in 1996, leading the AL with 18 losses before he was designated for assignment. He briefly retired before returning for two more seasons. 5.17.96 That sense of responsibility extended to how Abbott dealt with failure — particularly in his disastrous 1996 season with the Angels. Abbott went 2–18 with a 7.48 ERA in 27 games, was designated for assignment in Augus and accepted a demotion to the minor leagues. 'It was an incredibly rough year,' Abbott said. 'I put it right there with the Jack Curry interview, coming to terms with who you are. I had placed all my eggs in one basket. I felt like who I was was who I was a pitcher. 'To have that taken away from you shakes you to the core. To be in the minor leagues and watch your friends on TV, see the game on without you, is an incredibly difficult thing.' Abbott briefly retired after that disastrous season but returned to pitch two more years in 1998 and 1999. 'It took a lot of self-introspection to realize that what you do in your job, what you do on a baseball field, is not who you are,' he said. 'There's so much else in the world that's important. Losing 18 games was one of the hardest things I went through. I knew I wasn't who I wanted to be as a person. But I feel like I came out of it a better person.' 'Southpaw' is set to debut Sunday, July 13, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. The documentary features several interviews with those closest to Abbott, including his mother, Kathy, and brother, Chad, as well as Yankees teammates Wade Boggs, Don Mattingly, and Matt Nokes — who caught his no-hitter. But if Abbott's career is defined by one outing, he hopes it continues to inspire. 'The no-hitter…in some crazy way, I never wanted to just participate,' Abbott said. 'I never wanted to just be on the team. I wanted to be good. If there was a message to kids who were different, it's that you can be good.' This story was originally published on The 41st Man Substack
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
At Welcome to Rockville, Shinedown celebrates Florida homecoming
Editor's note: The Welcome to Rockville music fest returns to Daytona Beach May 15-18. News-Journal reporter Jim Abbott chatted with several of the acts scheduled to play. With Jacksonville roots, Shinedown is no stranger to Welcome to Rockville, appearing as a featured act at the 2012 edition in that city's Metropolitan Park as well as numerous times at Planetfest, a radio station festival with a 10-year run that pre-dated Rockville's arrival. 'When it was Planetfest, it was sponsored by Planet Radio (107.3 FM) and we played that for many years,' said drummer and original Shinedown member Barry Kerch, who still lives in Jacksonville. 'We were the opening band after it first became first Rockville in 2012 and it was awesome.' At this year's Welcome to Rockville, Shinedown's opening-night main stage headlining set on Thursday, May 15, will be part of a lineup of more than 150 bands on five stages over four days at Daytona International Speedway, a lineup that includes additional headliners Green Day, Linkin Park and Korn. For Shinedown, it'll be an opportunity to make a full-fledged Rockville debut during its Speedway era after the band's 2022 set was cut short after four songs as series of thunderstorms pummeled the Speedway's infield. Over two days that year, the threatening weather caused the cancellation of performances by two headliners, Guns N' Roses and Korn, among numerous others. 'We played in 2022, but we only did a few songs before the skies opened up and they stopped the show,' Kerch said. 'We did four songs and then the fire marshals shut it down. It was frustrating for us, but you can't control mother nature. She always wins.' After more than two decades, Shinedown — Kerch, lead singer Brent Smith, guitarist Zach Myers and bassist Eric Bass — has established itself as a rock band with an unconsciously consistent knack for reaching the top of the charts. The band's newly released single, 'Dance, Kid, Dance,' marked the record-setting 20th time that the band has landed a song atop Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. It's a stretch of hits that began with 'Save Me' in 2005. More: Daytona Welcome to Rockville 2025. Full band lineup for mammoth heavy-metal festival For Kerch, the milestone is a meaningful statement about the band's worth ethic. 'It's very much a mirror of the hard work we put into the band over the years,' he said. 'It's our legacy. We've never rested on our laurels. It's never good enough. It's always, 'We did that, it's wonderful. Now what's next?' 'How can make the shows better? How can we make this album better than the last one? We've been blessed to have wonderful fans that have stuck with us. I was 20 when this band started. There's not a day that I don't wake up, pinch myself and look in mirror because I was a smalltown kid from Florida and now I'm doing this.' When Kerch met Smith, at the suggestion of a radio executive in Jacksonville, he had just graduated from the University of Central Florida in Orlando with a degree in anthropology. Hs career plan revolved around pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Arizona. 'I had moved up to Jacksonville after college and I was working for a company called Lake Doctors, cleaning lakes. I knew just enough chemistry to do that. 'I heard a demo from the Brent Smith Project and they were looking for a drummer. I loved his voice, so I went and auditioned on two songs.' One of those songs, '45,' ended up on the band's 2003 'Leave a Whisper' album. 'The version of '45' that you hear on the record was literally my audition. That's what you hear. That was in 2001.' The band's lineup has remained unchanged for nearly 20 years, a testament to the ability of its members to talk out issues, Kerch said. 'It's a marriage,' he said. 'When things are getting weird, we're like, 'Let's get in a room and hash it out.' We ride on same bus together, each meals together, we treat it as something special. That's not to say we don't have in-fighting, but we respect each other enough to say I'm sorry. And we move on.' Looking ahead, 'Dance, Kid, Dance' and another new single, 'Three Six Five,' offer a tease to the band's next album, which is still coming together, Kerch said. 'I'd say we're 80-90% there. I'd say it'll probably be ready by the first quarter of next year. but we still need other songs.' Until then, the band will be out on the road, a lifestyle that never grows old, Kerch said. 'It's the best gig on the planet. I like it as much now as I did in the beginning. I wouldn't trade this for the world.' This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Welcome to Rockville headliner Shinedown makes Florida homecoming
