FAQ to Jim Abbott: School Days, Why Baseball, How Jim Abbott Got Started, and Misc. Personal Information

Q. When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A baseball player or somebody who was involved in pro sports in some capacity.

Why Baseball?

Q. How and why did you choose to play baseball?

I could always throw things well, so baseball called to me. I loved the Detroit Tigers as a kid, and dreamed of playing someday in Tiger Stadium. To be honest though it was just the sport I was best at.

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Q. When did you get the idea you could pitch? Is there a story behind it?

I could always throw well, and my first little league coach thought it might be a good fit.

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Q. What was the best part about playing baseball?

Being a part of a team. Focusing all of our energies towards a common goal.

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Q. What is your favorite memory from your baseball experience?

Winning an Olympic Gold Medal and pitching a no hitter for the New York Yankees

Schooling

Q. Did you ever need special adaptive schooling?

I just took normal classes.

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Q. You got your degree from the University of Michigan. Could you comment on that? What was the longest paper you ever typed in college?

I am sorry to say that I have not finished my degree. This might be the most I have typed!

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Q What is your fondest memory about your days at the University of Michigan?....

Playing baseball for UM is one of my proudest accomplishments. My greatest memory could be the day I walked into the locker room and saw my jersey hanging in my locker.... Maybe also the snowball fights between South and West Quad!

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Q. Besides baseball skills, what else did you learn from the University?....

Coming from Flint Mich., UM really expanded my view of the world. There were so many kids with so many different backgrounds and skills. It was very intimidating and exciting. I learned that there was a whole different world out there beyond my athletic experiences. I wish I had taken more advantage of all that was available.

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Q. Did you feel like your coaching at the University prepared you for the professionals?.

Yes. My coach Bud Middaugh allowed me to pitch in very important games very quickly in my college career. This helped. I knew what it was like to pitch when you are in new territory. Again remembering your strengths is so important. The exposure to baseball at the Big Ten level and traveling nationally was a great way to prepare for the demands of professional baseball.

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Q. What is your favorite color?

Blue as in Michigan Wolverines!

Misc.

Q. What is your favorite food?

Thai, Mexican and Steak

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Q. Do you have a pet? What is it’s name?

Yes, a great dog, Billie.

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Q. You played quarterback in high school?

Yes, I loved playing. I had no aspirations of moving on personally it was only about winning as a team. We had a very good lineup, but unfortunately we lost in the state semi-finals when I tossed 6 interceptions. Nothing like Friday night football.