On this day 23 years ago, New York Yankees’ pitcher Jim Abbott completed one of the most prominent single-game accomplishments a pitcher can achieve.
Jim Abbott, or the pitcher born with one hand, was having a dismal year for the New York Yankees in 1993.
Entering play on September 4, the lefty (by force) had a record of 9-11 with a mediocre ERA of 4.31 and had to face a Cleveland Indians squad that lit him up for seven runs in his last outing.
Abbott remarkably blanked the powerful lineup that previously had his number despite the fact that he walked five while only striking out three becoming the third lefty to throw a no-hitter in Yankees’ history.
He generated 15-ground ball outs while some tremendous plays were made behind him but just because his no-hitter wasn’t as dominant as we’re used to seeing, it was just another accomplishment to add to an against-all-odds journey.
Winner of a Golden Spikes Award, Olympic Gold Medalist, and a no-hitter in front of a Bronx crowd. All with just one hand. It should shock no one that he now works as a motivational speaker.
