Jim Abbott

Jim Abbott Timeline

1985

Drafted, selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 36th round of the 1985 free-agent draft; did not sign, instead went to college at University of Michigan.

Posted a 26-8 mark with a 3.03 ERA in three years at Michigan.

1987

Named the Golden Spikes Award winner by USA Baseball.

Became the first baseball player to win the AAU's Sullivan Award as the top amateur athlete of the year. The Sullivan, known as the "Oscar" of sports awards, and older than The Heisman, the AAU Sullivan Award honors the outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. It has been presented annually by the AAU since 1930.

In August Jim carried the United States flag during the opening ceremonies at the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, Indiana.

July 18, Jim was the first American pitcher to defeat Cuba in Cuba in 25 years.

1987 and 1988

Received the Geoff Zahn Award as Michigan's Most Valuable Pitcher.

1988

Voted to be the left-handed pitcher on The Sporting News college All-America team.

Member of the U.S. Olympic baseball team. Abbott pitched a complete game leading the United States to a gold medal victory over Japan, in Seoul, Korea.

The first baseball player to win the Jesse Owens Award as Big Ten Male Athlete of the Year.

Named Big Ten Baseball Player of the Year.

Drafted by the California Angels in the 1st round (8th pick) of the 1988 amateur draft. Jim Abbott was one of only three pitchers during the 1980's to win his first professional game at the major league level.

1991

Victory Award recipient at the Kennedy Center Washington D.C.

1992

Traded by the California Angels to the New York Yankees for J.T. Snow, Jerry Nielsen, and Russ Springer.

1993

As pitcher for the Yankees, Jim Abbott no-hit the Tribe, 4-0, in a game at Yankee Stadium. Abbott was the first Yankees pitcher to throw a no-hitter in a decade.

1995

Signed as a Free Agent with the Chicago White Sox. In the same year he was traded by the Chicago White Sox with Tim Fortugno to the California Angels for McKay Christensen, John Snyder, Andrew Lorraine, and Bill Simas.

1996

Signed as a Free Agent with the California Angels.

1998

Signed as a Free Agent with the Chicago White Sox.

1999

Signed as a Free Agent with the Milwaukee Brewers.

2000

Began professional motivational speaking.

2004

Inducted to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.

2007

Elected to the College Baseball Hall of Fame.