ESPN chronicles one-handed Yankees pitcher Jim Abbott’s unthinkable baseball journey

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NEW YORK — ESPN’s acclaimed E60 series will spotlight former New York Yankees pitcher Jim Abbott, an inspiring figure who overcame the absence of his right hand to throw a no-hitter in 1993. The 90-minute profile, “Southpaw: The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott,” premieres Sunday, July 13, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN, followed by streaming availability on ESPN+.

The E60 special chronicles how the left-handed pitcher who defied expectations throughout his career and delivered one of the most memorable performances in New York Yankees history. It features unprecedented access as Abbott returns to the current Yankee Stadium for special filming, where he was interviewed on the field and watched his historic performance on the stadium’s big screen with Schaap.

A night to remember: No-hitter at Yankee Stadium

The documentary revisits Abbott’s unforgettable feat on Sept. 4, 1993, when he shut down the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium. Filmed on-site, the Yankees great returns to the mound, offering reflections as the original broadcast plays on the big screen. The program uses the no-hitter as its narrative centerpiece, weaving past and present.

Abbott’s no-hitter came just six days after he was shelled by the same Cleveland team, giving up seven runs and 10 hits in 3⅔ innings. The dramatic turnaround embodied his resilience throughout his career.

“I had some pretty serious anxiety about that game,” Abbott recalled in a 2013 interview. “I was pitching against the Cleveland Indians. I had pitched against them five days before that in Cleveland and had gotten absolutely shelled.”

From flint to the field: Abbott’s remarkable baseball journey

Born in Flint, Michigan, on September 19, 1967, without a right hand, Abbott defied expectations from a young age.

Born without a right hand in Flint, Michigan, in 1967, Abbott developed a unique pitching style that allowed him to field his position effectively. After releasing the ball, he would quickly slip his left hand into his glove to field any balls hit back to him, then secure the glove and remove the ball for throws to first base.

Despite being ignored by 70% of professional scouts’ draft lists due to his physical condition, Abbott possessed a 93 mph fastball and undeniable natural ability. California Angels scouts Steve Gruwell and George Bradley notably didn’t even mention Abbott’s missing hand in their scouting reports, focusing entirely on his baseball skills.

Former Angels scout Nick Kamzic praised Abbott for his “well-proportioned, strong pitcher’s body,” demonstrating how some evaluators looked past his disability to see pure talent.

Abbott starred at the University of Michigan, winning the James E. Sullivan Award in 1987 as the nation’s top amateur athlete – the first baseball player to receive the honor. He carried the United States flag during the 1987 Pan American Games opening ceremonies in Indianapolis.

In 1988, Abbott pitched the United States to an unofficial gold medal in baseball’s demonstration event at the Summer Olympics, defeating Cuba. He became the first American pitcher to defeat Cuba in Cuba in 25 years, establishing his credentials on the international stage. This set the stage for his first-round selection by the California Angels.

Baseball historian Tim Kurkjian noted Abbott’s unique place in sports history. “What Jim accomplished went beyond baseball statistics,” Kurkjian said. “He showed that perceived limitations don’t have to define what’s possible.”

A mid-career trade brought Abbott to the Yankees, where he solidified his place in baseball history with that signature no-hitter.

Yankees years produced career-defining moment

Abbott joined the Yankees in December 1992 via trade from the California Angels, where the team sent top prospect J.T. Snow and pitchers Russ Springer and Jerry Nielsen. The trade aimed to pair him with fellow southpaw Jimmy Key to create a devastating left-handed rotation duo.

On September 4, 1993, facing 27,225 fans at Yankee Stadium, Abbott delivered his masterpiece against Cleveland’s formidable lineup featuring Kenny Lofton, Carlos Baerga, Albert Belle, Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome.

Abbott walked five batters but induced 17 ground ball outs in the complete-game shutout. Wade Boggs made a spectacular diving play in the seventh inning, snagging a hard Albert Belle grounder and firing to first base to preserve the no-hitter.

“I felt a little tired in the seventh inning, but in the eighth and ninth, with the crowd, I didn’t feel it at all,” Abbott said after the game.

Behind the legend: Hall of Famers join the story

Through the archive and interviews, Southpaw explores Abbott’s struggle with sky-high expectations and occasional exhaustion from being labeled “inspirational.” Co-reported by veteran journalist Jeremy Schaap, the film examines Abbott’s resistance to being held up as a symbol, balanced with his tacit acceptance of his impact on the disabled community.

Abbott’s story ESPN E60 story features contributions from over 40 people, including Hall of Famers and former teammates: Cal Ripken Jr., George Brett, Bert Blyleven, Wade Boggs, Don Mattingly, and catcher Matt Nokes. Their insights both celebrate the pitcher’s athletic prowess and attest to the respect he earned in the clubhouse. His mom, wife, and Yankees greats will also share their experiences about the pitcher.

Co-author Tim Brown, who wrote “Imperfect: An Improbable Life” with Abbott, and disability historian Kim Nielsen provide additional context for his impact beyond baseball. The documentary explores how the pitcher navigated the pressures of being both an elite athlete and an inspirational figure for disabled and limb-different children worldwide.

Lasting impact on baseball and society

Abbott retired with an 87-108 record and 4.25 ERA over 11 seasons with four teams. While his statistics were solid rather than spectacular, his impact transcended numbers.

New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera claimed to have witnessed Abbott hitting home runs during batting practice, testament to his overall athletic ability. His adaptability extended beyond pitching, as he managed two hits in 21 at-bats when he joined the National League’s Milwaukee Brewers in 1999.

Sports sociologist Dr. Richard Lapchick emphasized the pitcher’s broader significance. “Jim Abbott proved that excellence isn’t limited by physical differences,” Lapchick said. “His story continues inspiring athletes and non-athletes alike more than 30 years later.”

Documentary’s modern relevance

Even three decades after his playing career, Abbott’s influence endures, making the documentary a powerful narrative about resilience and embracing differences. The timing coincides with increased awareness and accommodation for athletes with disabilities across all sports levels.

The pitcher now works as a motivational speaker, sharing his story with corporate audiences and youth groups. His message centers on overcoming perceived limitations and finding strength through adversity.

“As a kid I really wanted to fit in,” Abbott reflects on his website. “Sports became a way for me to gain acceptance. I think this fueled my desire to succeed. I truly believe that difficult times and disappointments can push us to find abilities and strengths we wouldn’t know existed without the experience of struggle.”

Viewing information and legacy

“Southpaw – The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott” premieres Sunday, July 13, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN, following live coverage of the 2025 MLB Draft. The documentary will also be available for streaming on ESPN+.

The special represents E60’s continued commitment to telling stories that transcend sports, examining how individual determination can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. Abbott’s no-hitter remains the only one thrown by a pitcher born without a right hand in Major League Baseball’s official record books.

For Yankees fans, the documentary offers a nostalgic look at one of the franchise’s most unlikely heroes during a pivotal period in team history. For sports fans generally, it serves as a reminder that greatness comes in many forms.

Jim Abbott’s no-hitter stands tall in Yankees history. But Southpaw shows his life is more than that singular night. It’s the story of how a one-armed pitcher reshaped what’s possible—on the mound and beyond. His journey continues to resonate, reminding audiences across the sporting world that true greatness is measured by more than stats.

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