The "Motivational Book You Won't Want To Miss" Story

It was an ordinary day. Just read about the new book that Jim Abbott has written about his littlest fans - the disabled kids who reminded him what life is all about. Book is titled "Imperfect: An Improbable Life." Jim was a baseball player, but before you dismiss reading the book because of that, you should know that Jim was born with the stub of a pinky finger at the end of his right arm. He was a star pitcher and quarterback for Flint Central High School, was drafted in the 36th round by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1885 Major League Baseball Draft but didn't sign, was an All-American pitcher at the University of Michigan, won the Sullivan Award in 1987 which is the award for the best amateur athlete in the United States, pitched for the Gold Medal Olympic Team in the 1988 Summer Olympics and was the 1988 Big Ten Athlete of the Year in 1988. All of this with one no right hand! And it continues ...... he was drafted inthe first round of the 1988 Major League Draft by the California Angels with the 8th overall pick. He was in thestarting rotation as a rookie in 1989 without playing a single minor league game and finished fifth in the year's American League Rookie of the Year Award. In 1991 he finished third in the American League Cy Young Award voting which is the award for the best pitcher in the American League. On September 4, 1993, Jim Abbott achieved something that few professional pitchers ever have: He pitched a no-hitter while pitching for the New York Yankees. And, did I mention that he did it with just one hand! But, he claims that what he remembers most about his 10-year career in professional baseball were the disabled children who came to watch him play. The article that I just finished reading is an excerpt from his new book that tells of the many letters he gets, the lines of children who try to see him in the doorways of clubhouses all over the US, and the families that would wait for him in the dugout with their own story to tell him. He talked about his parents and how they would make him feel special, but yet treat him like every other kid. The book is about courage and believing in yourself. For year's Jim has worked with The Department of labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy on several initiatives encouraging businesses to hire people with disabilities as well as being a motivational speaker. Being a huge baseball fan, I have followed Jim's career throughout his playing days. Hever got to see him pitch in person, but I watched as many of his games on TV that I could. He has not only been an inspiration to all who have disabilities, but to many, such as me, who appreciate what he has accomplished in his life. After reading the excerpts, and wiping the tears away, I told my wife that I just have to buy his new book. Google the book, "Imperfect: An Improbable Life," by Jim Abbott and Tim Brown and see if you should read it. I'm sure you will be inspired by Jim as much as I have been. It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - photos from the top are: Jinm as he pitches for the Angels, Jim while pitching his no-hitter for the Yankees, and how he appears today. Check out the Youtube video that was made to promote the book.