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Q: A generation of children with handicaps has used you as a role model. When you were learning the game, was there anyone you followed or did you kind of figure things out on your own?

A: I think that's one of the amazing things about my playing -- there wasn't a paradigm for it. There were just so many people who took the time. My growing up was learning to do things a little bit differently. There were so many people that helped me -- coaches, my parents and teachers. My second-grade teacher taught me how to tie my shoes. I imagine him with a clenched fist trying to figure out those laces. It was that kind of generosity that I had surrounding me. I'm so thankful for that the people that took the time to take time out of their schedules and say, "All right, let's figure this out. I see potential in this guy."

I really was the beneficiary of that spirit.

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Q. Your list of accomplishments is amazing: you've earned the Golden Spikes Award and the Sullivan Award; you carried the American Flag at the Pan-American Games, pitched a complete game to defeat Japan for the gold medal in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, and pitched a no-hitter (as a Yankee, no less). There's no question that you were a great athlete and a great pitcher, but you transcended that by doing not just what most people cannot do, but what most professional athletes cannot do. You’re an inspiration to many. What do you attribute that to?

First and foremost I benefited from tremendous encouragement as a kid. So many people reached out to me, helped me, and believed in me even when I didn't always believe in myself. I also believe that challenges can push us beyond what we might otherwise be able to accomplish.

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Q. What advice would you give to children with a disability?

Never allow the circumstances of your life to become an excuse. People will allow you to do it. But I believe we have a personal obligation to make the most of the abilities we have. The focus has to remain on what has been given, not what has been taken away. It is the only choice.

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Q: Former Packers quarterback Brett Favre visited with a lot of kids from the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Green Bay and he has talked about how it was rewarding but also emotionally draining. You visited a lot of kids at home and on the road during your time with the Brewers. Did you ever feel that way?

A: I certainly can sympathize with Brett Favre. It might be the first time and only time that Brett Favre and I are put in the same category. I understand that sentiment. Everywhere I went it did seem there were a lot of families that came and kids facing every type of challenge imaginable. A lot of them were missing hands.

Playing baseball, for me, was my way of gaining acceptance and feeling like I wasn't different. Being in the clubhouse with the guys playing cards and sitting down and talking and then to get that tap on the shoulder, "Hey, there is somebody by the dugout" or "There is somebody outside by the clubhouse door." It would take you away from that feeling (of not being different). It was like, "OK, that's who I am."

I might get up off the couch slowly, but once I got out there and saw those kids and more often than not played a little catch with them and watched them switch the glove on and off their hands, it just made it all worthwhile.

Those meetings, and I still have a lot of talks with kids and exchange e-mails with them, I realize that those meetings probably have more importance than any game I ever pitched.

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Q. How were you treated growing up? by family? friends? other school kids?

I received an incredible amount of support and encouragement in my life. There was teasing of course but I was very fortunate to be surrounded by people who looked at the possibilities in life.

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Q. Did you ever deal with taunting when you were younger? Did it continue as you got older and

even into Major League Baseball?

Yes there were kids and opponents who would taunt and tease. From very early on the playground you get used to hearing these comments and it makes you want to succeed all the more. I believe my desire to "fit in", motivated me. I think you face the awkward moments and second glances you whole life, on the field and off.

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Q. What was the most important factor in your youth that helped you overcome challenges?

I think the most important factor in my childhood was the incredibly positive environment that I had around me. From my parents on down people always encouraged me to get in the game. The attitude was "why not"? That is the best gift you can receive. My parents optimistic attitude about the possibilities of life still inspires me today.

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Q. When did you decide that you wouldn't allow your birth defect effect you?

I think it will always "affect" me, but at some point, you try to make the most of what you have been given, and move past the limitations that you face.

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Q. Do you like being referred to as being a great "one-handed" pitcher? Or would you prefer being called, simply, a great pitcher?

I guess being called great at anything is a good thing. My goal as a player was to be the best baseball player I could be. That's how I would like to be remembered. I think being constantly put into a certain category can be frustrating. However I am very proud to serve as an idea that you can rise above categorizations, and expectations of others.

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Q Did your disability inspire you to greater heights and make you work harder?....

Yes I believe that my disability pushed me to work harder. As a kid I really wanted to fit in, 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. Doesn't make these experiences any easier though.

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Q. I play baseball with one hand too. But I am not doing very well right now. I am thinking of getting out the game.

We all go through tough times. Did you know, one year when I was 13, I didn't get a hit the whole year! Not one. The important thing to remember is that you can never quit. If you really believe you can be a great baseball player then stick with it. There will other opportunities. Take a little break keep working hard and I know things will get better. Always believe that good things are going to happen to you

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Q. What is your advice for children who have a physical defect and want to play competitively?

Always believe in yourself. Never let someone else's opinion of what you can do, define how you feel about yourself. If you can find your own way of doing things, work hard, and believe in yourself anything is possible.

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Q. About prosthetic devices, any observations?

The key is finding your own way. Speaking personally I never liked using a prosthesis. Remember though, this was a long time ago and I think they have made great strides in helping people with limited mobility and function. When I was younger the prosthesis' that were available were cumbersome and attracted attention. I honestly found it easier to do things without the aid of one. I also felt much less different than everyone else when I didn't use it. If my child were in the same position I would encourage her to reach as far as possible without the help of a prosthesis, but I would try to keep an open mind.

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Q. Are there things you have difficulty doing today? or things you can't do?

I am surprised to find even today that I try to do too many things at one time. I find my arms full and have to slow down and put something down. I love golf and probably encounter the same frustrations as everyone else

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Q. Were there people doubting you could become a professional baseball pitcher? What did you say to them?

I think there were, but all I ever wanted was a fair opportunity. I used the negativity for inspiration, but it was a quiet inspiration.

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Q. When people ask why you're missing a hand, what do you say? Does it ever get "old" or annoying having to explain?

Usually only children ask, and I tell them that I was born this way, and try to explain how everybody is born in a different way. It is something that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember so I take it as being normal now. There are times when it would be nice not to feel different.

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Q. What advice would you give to parents of children who are born with arm/hand differences?

Love and support. Treat your kids as normally as possible. Encourage participation. My parents always made me feel as though my hand was a responsibility, if that makes sense. And they made me feel as though I was up to the challenge. They made me feel "special" without treating me special.

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Q. My son was born with a ulna deficiency of both hands. I was wondering how Jim talks about his missing hand to others. How he dealt with the teasing and staring. Did his parents have a big impact on how he dealt with strangers. I am asking because I would like to give my son the best advice there is.

I would just like to pass on a few things about my parents. If there was ever any courage in anything I ever did, it came from my parents. Their determination to allow me to experience all that life has to offer, surely caused them some worry. But, I can't think of a greater gift. They never shielded me from anything I ever wanted to do. It may not have been the most logical or the most obvious activity but that didn't matter. They supported me and encouraged me all along. Never over doing it, just treating me like any other kid. I got the same spankings my brother did! But I love them with all my heart for seeing the world for the possibilities it held. I can also tell you that I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet so many parents who have faced these same challenges. You wouldn't believe all of the incredible accomplishments their kids are out there doing. Please believe me when I say that with your guidance and love there is very little your son will not be able to experience. Yes there are difficult times, kids can be cruel, but these times pass. One thing I felt was important growing up, was the fact that we lived in the same place for my entire childhood. In this way I was able to get past the awkwardness and come to be accepted by my friends, many of whom are my best friends to this day. There are so many great things your son will do. Just believe in him and let him know that you love him. These were the greatest gifts that my parents gave to me.

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Q. I read how your parents treated you like any other kid ("got the same spankings my brother got" I believe is how you expressed it) but how did you, personally, handle the kids that weren't as understanding?

Kids can be cruel and it was very hard to not always be accepted. Sports helped me to fit in, by participating I felt like a I could help a team and in turn feel like I belonged. Also they provided an outlet for some of the frustration I would feel. They were a chance to vent a little bit of that "I'll show you attitude".

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Q. Do you think you paved the way for others who play with a disability?

I was very fortunate to be surrounded by incredibly generous people my entire life. They took the time to teach and encourage me. If I can help pass along this spirit I would be very proud.

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