One of the most inspirational players in all of sports, former MLB pitcher Jim Abbott will be honored with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2026 ESPY Awards, USA TODAY Sports confirms.
The pitcher will receive the award for being an incredible symbol of resilience. Abbott had a 10-year professional baseball career despite being born without a right hand, and accomplished one of the best moments a pitcher can have by throwing a no-hitter.
Advertisement
From Michigan, Abbott has defied the odds throughout his entire life. With just his left hand, he would pitch by putting his glove on his right forearm, then quickly putting his hand in the glove after throwing. If he fielded a ball, he’d again put the glove against his right forearm so he could grab the ball with his hand and throw it around the diamond.
Abbott caught national attention, as he was a star player at the University of Michigan and then a first round pick by the California Angels in the 1988 MLB Draft.
He immediately jumped to the MLB level without playing in the minors and had a solid rookie season in 1989, finishing fifth in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. His best season came in 1991, when his 2.89 ERA was the fourth-lowest in the AL and he finished third in Cy Young voting.
Abbott’s defining moment came as a member of the New York Yankees on Sept. 4, 1993, when he threw a monumental no-hitter. He threw 119 pitches and struck out three batters in what became an iconic moment in baseball history.
Advertisement
More: Shane Gillis roasts Shedeur Sanders over Colorado jersey number retirement during 2025 ESPYS
Abbott’s remarkable achievements and longevity paved the way for future athletes with limb differences to succeed in professional sports, including football player Shaquem Griffin, U.S. women’s soccer national team member Carson Pickett and MMA fighter Nick Newell.
Earlier in June, an ESPN documentary about Abbott, “Southpaw – The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott” received a Peabody Award.
“Overcoming obstacles and pushing past traditional limitations on the mound was my way of showing what is possible when you refuse to give up,” Abbott said in a statement. “To have my journey and my career recognized with an award that bears Coach Jim Valvano’s name is a truly humbling milestone. Receiving the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance is an incredible honor, and I hope it serves as a reminder to the next generation of athletes that our perceived limits do not define our potential.”
Advertisement
Abbott will be presented the award at the 2026 ESPY Awards ceremony on Wednesday, July 15 at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: One-handed MLB pitcher Jim Abbott will receive Jimmy V Award at ESPYS
Read the full article here
