Jim Abbott has battled the odds his entire life. Jim was born on September 19, 1967 in Flint, Michigan without a right hand. Despite being born with only one hand he was a stunning pitcher in the Major Leagues. While attending the University of Michigan, Abbott led the Wolverines to Big Ten titles in his freshmen and junior years and won the prestigious Golden Spikes Award. He had a career record of 26 wins and 8 losses at the school. As a member of Team USA in 1987, he became the first American pitcher in 25 years to beat a Cuban team on Cuban soil. The team won a silver medal at the Pan-American Games and Abbott won the U.S. Baseball Federation's Golden Spikes. In the 1988 Summer Olympic Games, Jim Abbott's pitching of a complete game, seven hitter, lead the United States to the Gold Medal in a 5-3 victory over Japan. This was the United States' first ever, gold medal in Olympic Baseball competition. After the Olympics, he joined the California Angels, beginning a tremendous career. Many considered his professional debut a publicity stunt by manager Doug Rader. However, after struggling early in the season, Abbott proved his doubters wrong by winning 12 games with a 3.92 ERA in his rookie year and winning more games than any other player without Major League experience. On the mound, Abbott wore a right-hander's fielder's glove at the end of his right arm. While completing his follow-through after delivering a pitch, he rapidly switched the glove to his left hand so he could handle any balls hit back to him. Jim Abbott even threw a 4-0 no-hitter for NY Yankees vs. Cleveland (Sept. 4, 1993), a feat admired by all big league pitchers. Jim played for 10 seasons on 4 different teams and ended his big league playing career in 1999. His achievements include the Sullivan Award (best amateur athlete in the United States), male athlete of the year for the 1988 Olympic Games, and many awards at Michigan including the Jesse Owens Athlete of the year. The Former Michigan star and major league pitcher has been inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame. Titles ADAPT: Adjustability - Determination - Accountability - Perseverance - Trust Overcoming Perceived Obstacles Living Your Dreams Topics Sports, ADA, Motivation, Success, Celebrity Click topic above to see more speakers on that topic Speaker's Asking Fee Range $10,000 - $14,999 Click on fee range to see more speakers. This is the starting keynote fee range - other programs may be higher. State CA Click on state above to see more speakers from that state. Fees The fee range quoted means the speaker's fee starts somewhere within that range. Note that speaker's fees are subject to change and some speakers may have special fee quotes.