In 1996, former wolverine Pitcher Jim Abbott '89 had the worst year of his life as an athlete. Whatever he'd used to get big hitters out since his first start as a rookie with the Anaheim in 1989 had deserted him. He ended the year with a record of 2 wins and 18 losses, including an 11-game losing streak. This was the low point in what had been until then an extraordinary life on and off the field.

Abbott's story is inspiring. This Flint, Michigan, native, born without a right hand had a phenomenal amateur career from his football quarterbacking and baseball stardom in high school, on to his three years at Michigan from 1986-88, when he led the team to regular-season Big Ten championships each year.

In 1987 he led Team USA to the silver medal in the Pan American games after carrying the US flag for the opening ceremonies in lndianapolis. At the 1988 Seoul Olympics, he pitched the gold medal-winning game against Japan.

Abbott's accomplishments won him the 1988 Golden Spikes Award as the nation's top amateur baseball player and the Sullivan Award, given each year to the nation's top amateur athlete–the first baseball player ever so honored–and many other awards.

In 1989 he became a professional. As a starting pitcher who could throw a fastball 90 mph, spin a sharp-breaking curve ball and a brutal slider, Abbott spent four solid seasons with the Anaheim Angels, two with the New York Yankees–where he threw his first no-hitter–and part of the 1995 season with the Chicago White Sox.

The Sox traded Abbott back to the Angels during the '95 season. He pitched well and looked forward to the approaching season, but in '96 his confidence and strong left arm failed him. He was sent to the bullpen as a reliever late in the season and then, briefly, to a minor league team--each a first for Abbott as a pro. Although he returned for spring training with the Angels in 1997, the team released him before opening day.

Following a year out of baseball–during which his wife, Dana, had a baby giri–Jim contacted the White Sox, who would give him a chance to come back in '98 only if he proved himself in the minors first. He agreed and was eventually called up to "the show" last September, when he proceeded to win all five of his starts for the Sox.

[An interview with Abbott]