By: HISTORY.com Editors

1989

Pitcher Jim Abbott, born without right hand, makes MLB debut

Published: August 26, 2021Last Updated: May 27, 2025

On April 8, 1989, California Angels rookie pitcher Jim Abbott, who was born without a right hand, makes his Major League Baseball debut in a 7-0 loss to the Seattle Mariners. His debut generates a buzz throughout the sports world. "Maybe I was unnerved by all the attention," Abbott tells reporters afterward.

The Chicago Tribune wrote that the excitement generated by Abbott's debut "ranked right behind Jackie Robinson's breaking the color barrier." Abbott pitched 4 2/3 innings, giving up six hits and three earned runs against Seattle.

A native of Flint, Michigan, Abbott played well enough at Flint Central High School to be selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 1985 MLB draft. Choosing to go to college instead, Abbott attended the University of Michigan, where he led Wolverines to two  Big Ten championships. In 1988, the Angels selected Abbott with the eighth overall pick of the draft.

Abbott started 1989 with the Angels, becoming one of the rare players to make it to the major leagues without playing in the minor leagues. He had a respectable rookie season, finishing with a 12-12 won-loss record and a 3.92 ERA.

By the end of 1991, Abbott was one of MLB's better starting pitchers. His career high point occurred September 4, 1993, when he pitched a no-hitter for the New York Yankees against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium.

Abbott, who pitched for four teams over 10 years, retired after the 1999 season.

Who Invented Baseball?

A Civil War hero named Abner Doubleday is often credited with developing the game in 1839, but the real history is older.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Roger Clemens is shown in his wind up and pitch during the 1st inning of the Detroit-Boston game in this multiple exposure.

A Civil War hero named Abner Doubleday is often credited with developing the game in 1839, but the real history is older.

By: History Staff

Timeline

Also on This Day in History

Discover more of the major events, famous births, notable deaths and everything else history-making that happened on April 8th

Related Articles

1980s MAN FISHING IN...

Artificial flies were first mentioned in 200 A.D., but the sport really took off in the 1800s.

Sandy Koufax's Winning Form

Was it born from baseball or the boxing ring?

Competitors in the Annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, based on the route taken in 1925 when serum was distributed during an outbreak of diptheria. The race lasts for over one week, and is fraught with hazards.

Look back at the 1925 life-or-death mission that inspired the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

About the author

HISTORY.com Editors

HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen, Christian Zapata and Cristiana Lombardo.

Fact Check

We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

Citation Information

Article title
Pitcher Jim Abbott, born without right hand, makes MLB debut
Website Name
History
Date Accessed
August 22, 2025
Publisher
A&E Television Networks
Last Updated
May 27, 2025
Original Published Date
August 26, 2021

History Every Day

Sign Up for This Day in History

Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.More details: Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us