BACKYARD SPORTS

First Issue: Canada $4.99 - November 2002 - Page 4

Drop in with Tony Hawk

Go Deep with Deion Sanders

Toss the Ball with Troy Aikman

First Down with Brett Favre

Strikeout with Jim Abbott

Two - Not Always Better

Jim Abbott was born in Flint, Michigan on September 19, 1967.

Unfortunately, Jim was born without a right hand. Jim's parents encouraged their son to play sports, hoping that he would play soccer, a game in which players are not allowed to use their hands. But the boy loved baseball.

So, Jim had to learn how to play baseball with one hand and Jim's Dad taught him how to play. While throwing the ball with his left hand, Abbott balances his glove on his right wrist, just above the point where the arm ends.

On his follow-through, he slips his hand into the glove and is ready to field the ball and when he grabs the ball he tucks the glove under his right arm, the ball rolls down his left arm to his hand, and makes the throw.

Jim practiced by throwing a ball against the wall. Every day he got closer to the wall to parasite switching his glove.

At age five, Jim's parents fitted him with an artificial limb that had clamping metal hooks that he could use as fingers. But when Jim went to school, kids would make fun of him. Jim had to adapt to using one hand and to this day he has never worn an artificial hand.

Career

When Jim entered Flint Central High School, he was one of the city's best athletes. Jim was not only into baseball, he also played on the football team as their starting quarterback.

Jim graduated in the same month the Toronto Blue jays chose him for the draft. Her turned down the offer and instead, took a scholarship to Michigan State.

Off the Field

Off of the diamond, Jim has a Mom named Kathy and a Dad named Mike. Four years after Jim was born, Jim's parents had another boy named Chad who later played soccer for Michigan State University.

Jim now has a wife named Dana. Jim spends a great deal of time working with physically challenged children and he helps raise money for people affected by a variety of challenges. Jim talks to kids who have disabilities and works with Little League Baseball's Challenger Division.

Jim also tries to answer all the letters he receives. He always tells kids, "Don't let anything stop you from trying." Although Abbott does not consider himself a hero, many other people believe he is.

Jim donated $100,000 to Amigos de Las Ninos, an organization in California that helps charities care for needy kids, including those with disabilities.

Opinions

I think Jim Abbott is a hero because even though he is a superstar, he helps disabled children by donating money and spending a lot of time with them,

It is very difficult to grow up with one hand, let alone learn how to play baseball and make it to the major leagues with this disability.

So, two are not always better than one.