One-Handed Pitcher Jim Abbott Takes On the Odds - Drunk History

Being born without a right hand didn’t stop Jim Abbott from becoming a great American baseball player.
About Drunk History:
Based on the popular web series, Drunk History is the liquored-up narration of our nation's history. Host Derek Waters, along with an ever-changing cast of actors and comedians, travels across the country to present the rich tales that every city in this land has to offer. Booze helps bring out the truth. It's just that sometimes the truth is a little incoherent.
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[@dVector13]

"God knew I was too powerful so he had to nerf me." -Jim Abbott, probably

[@MaxSnowDude]

dForce13 true

[@Fandangtastic]

Awesome.

[@samdilworth1989]

"Nerf or Nothing" Probably, Jim Abbott.

[@lizasimpkins6033]

puts on the list of possible senior quotes

[@Cramer123]

"I'm not a f****** European" If that's not the most American statement ever, I don't know what is.

[@eleSDSU]

Depends who you ask, the same way you guys pool all Europeans in the same sack is how some people see you and Europeans, for example in Chile the term Gringo is used for any really "white people" from Yanks to Swedes because you are regarded as the same thing.

[@alexanderfooy723]

jim glass I don’t think that it has to do with knowing which continent is which.

[@claytonbrown7120]

Trumptard

[@Handlesaredumb69]

Homophobic slur

[@jeffreyvences5746]

@@jimglass4979 Just like America is also full of shitbags that originated in Europe? Same difference no? 😂

[@uncle1886]

Paralyzed left arm. Played varsity tennis 7th-12th grade. I was told about this guy when I was younger. Anything’s possible!

[@lanceuppercut6168]

Wait, he's real?? Well shit on me and call me John...

[@lucrativelyrics8131]

(i think we all know how you really paralayzed that left arm; & it's spelled F-A-P

[@darkegreen]

Your's was a publicity stunt though.

[@claytonbrown7120]

I looked up Rotch, no mention of tennis

[@mike28caveman28]

Brachial plexus injury Mike Rotch?

[@haggis6163]

“Everyone has disabilities, mine are just more visible.”

[@SKtube0]

Jim Abbott was my neighbor in Yorba Linda when he played for the Angels. He had the most amazing backyard complete with a mini waterslide and would give out king sized candy bars along with his baseball card during Halloween. Also had a player from the Ducks move in next door for a couple of years. This was back when they were the newest expansion team and were terrible, but it was cool having pro athletes in our neighborhood. He did the same thing as well come Halloween...king sized candy bars and playing cards.

[@AmethystEyes]

S K that sounds amazing!!!

[@SKtube0]

@@AmethystEyes It was fun to be a kid in my neighborhood during the 90's. I forgot to mention that Jim Abbott and Bob Corkum (Ducks player) were super nice as well. i can recall playing street hockey with BC and his kids and JA giving us kids pointers in baseball. Don't think many pro athletes would be so jovial and cool these days. A different time...

[@titooregano7416]

@@SKtube0 What a cool dude :)

[@joepuhel2428]

Everything tastes better with a silver spoon!!

[@SKtube0]

@@joepuhel2428 LOL Are you implying I grew up rich? Far from it. Don't be a hater...

[@dabeastfromdaweast9788]

>Fidel Castro like, walked down to the field, shook his hand and was, like, "Nice." Idk why but that fucking killed me

[@grobertson9]

That 'Jim Abbott and Costello' joke didn't get enough appreciation.

[@emorydaniel9084]

That joke went right past him... shame

[@davedanger9839]

I clapped for it

[@JosephOber]

I’m gonna pitch in the 90’s... in the 1980’s. (He probably did pitch in the 80’s in the 90’s too)

[@katelynrushe9025]

I was waiting the whole video for a "Who's on first?" joke.

[@rosydonut]

Love the way this guy talks to his dog. “Lay down you fat banana”.

[@JM-yv3mh]

1:09 guys in background on their knees, pretending to be kids lolol

[@bigsmokiee55]

“No! I’m not a European. I’m an American” Jim Abbot is the man

[@francoviollaz5586]

*fucking European

[@momon969]

I'd never play a sport which other nations play as well, I might lose against them!

[@tedwards1025]

@@momon969 I think you'll find a great many nations play baseball and basketball

[@gejnormcswipe8435]

@@tedwards1025 Basketball, sure. Baseball? *crickets chirp*

[@tedwards1025]

@@gejnormcswipe8435 Japan and most countries in Latin America would disagree

[@raymondhall8691]

He threw a no hitter when he played for the Yankees. Used to love watching him pitch

[@rons1470]

Raymond Hall he’s a legend

[@Jtmurph222]

I watched to see if they would mention it. I think it’s a big part of the story that was left out.

[@hennylo68]

I don't get why that didn't get mentioned here. I was waiting to see that.

[@adriansalsahot7367]

It's mentioned @ 5:52

[@easilyconfuseddinosaur901]

Ron S not at all he’s pretty average and would even go to the lengths and say not a good pitcher at all at least for the mlb

[@radconserv68]

I love the lip syncing, "Even though you can't do any...everything." So funny.

[@timesmash]

That Jim Abbott and Costello comment was super clever considering the way the words were getting mixed up (like the who's on first sketch) and considering it was on a baseball field (like the who's on first sketch).

[@dankan9448]

Come on badger. I thought you were gonna get sober.

[@voteZDLR]

"I'm on like Step... 11 I think"

[@Kosm2599]

This made me fucking wheeze

[@liloiax22]

Badger, you BETTER get Jesse involved in your next story

[@msia7201]

@@liloiax22 next time on drunk history: fucking... heisenburg man

[@godofdreamzzz]

😂

[@TheDeceptiveGaming]

0:49 The actors/actresses in these are always beyond amazing.

[@DavidKohout]

Yeah this was especially awesome 😃

[@auspiciousautonomous2403]

At the 3 minute mark, The Abbott and Costello joke is "Accidental drunken BRILLIANCE!!!" (Love it)

[@3p1cand3rs0n]

4:49 is my face when I realize this man gets paid to get people drunk on camera and then reenact it. My dream job!

[@deborahskillman3003]

ElyssaAnderson . I know that my father would never say that to his son when he cannot do that's sick he can do anything he wants his dream is doesn't matter what his handicap is you can do anything you want son that's what I was saying believe in yourself yes I can do it play baseball ⚾⚾⚾⚾⚾

[@teslagirl1]

He created this and you can do the same. Except maybe with cooking. Although there have been shows where the chef drank while cooking, there hasn't been one where they got completely sloshed.

[@mikemiken1963]

@@teslagirl1 Yes, sharp knives and alcohol... what could go wrong?!

[@frankunderwood8641]

4:56 "He was like 'Oh that's nice that you're cuban, I don't give a shit'!"

[@onizuka1833]

" I throw 90s in the 1980s" DEAD

[@kianaporr9476]

My 6th grade teacher made us watch this and she didn't watch it before she put it on, worse thing is that she trusted it and left the room With it on😂

[@radconserv68]

That had me laughing out loud!

[@eddi3darko73]

I was like oh my gosh !

[@wartoad551]

This is too grown for you. Just pay attention in school and stop trying to be older than you are stay 13 forever and fucking focus on your classes

[@jeffheller4180]

In case your teacher was wondering, I had the same HS pitching coach as Jim Abbot and I will attest to the accuracy of this, that he in fact was an @$$hole.

[@captainsix5640]

@@wartoad551 okay, that's weird

[@samdilworth1989]

In 3rd grade I did a project and presentation about Jim Abbott. I even made a home made baseball uniform with my grandmothers help and wore it to school haha. Im 31 years old now so that was way back in the 90's.

[@mcesarey]

Feel so lucky...when I was 12 we had tickets to Detroit vs. Angels back in 1990...and Abbott pitched! Amazing to watch...

[@lobitome]

I got to see Jim play in person, what a great athlete

[@anthonyguajardo4962]

Man I love this story....... Jim abbot is my favorite Angel player and it's a bout time someone told his story and this this was the best way to tell his story...... hand down.........lol

[@SammyGkickz]

Anthony Guajardo I see what you did there😂

[@spensert4933]

In the 90s in the 80s haha oh 80s in the 90s miles per hour 3:00

[@nancybogart3899]

Spenser T you too HANDSOME

[@nancybogart3899]

Spenser T ps. Love YOUR CHANNEL for OLDER STUFF!!! Can you please upload a James Cagney movie called angels with dirty faces please please please I love you forever

[@danboyle116]

What true baseball fan doesn't just love and respect Jim Abbott? He's just amazing.

[@IzzySoDope]

THANK U THANK U THANK U...for showing the whole segment. I'll share and hope u find new fans!!! Thx

[@Raven_Enforcer]

This is golden. One of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game. He guided America to a gold medal in the Seoul Olympics, back in 1988.

[@Brian-js6me]

You don’t have to exaggerate because it’s an inspirational story. He is most definitely not one of the greatest pitchers to ever play the game.

[@colossalbreacker]

I love how at the end he goes to pour more wine and asks what else he wants to talk about 😂 what a bro.

[@lewycrabtree8259]

Pitched a nine inning game in little league? Hardcore youngster

[@wittay]

My short time as a kid living in L.A. coincided with Abbott's short time with the Angels. Me and my buddies used to try the glove switch during little league practice just to see if we could do it. We could not. Jim Abbott is the fucking man.

[@riffraff9070]

2:48 The pitcher saying "Fat fuckin banana" as he throws the ball with his one hand has me in tears!!

[@MrOttopants]

I played against a kid in little league who had only one hand. He killed us.

[@evangeline77x]

@@oscarjimenez8089 Dude, why you gotta be so shitty..? dark humor is the best, but just outright nastiness ruins it.. Way to be a dick about disabled children.

[@UnwaveringBackBone]

Too sensitive for youtube comment section...gotta have thicker skin. No hate more love.

[@cruleo]

@@evangeline77x shoulda just hit the stub

[@Pwnzistor]

Single handedly killed you

[@exoghostclasses3581]

@@evangeline77x i agree. How dare he make fun of a man with too much time on his one hand. I'm absolutely stubbed how people act like this.

[@Kiwitakimago]

Don’t forget, he threw a No Hitter for the Yankees in 1994!

[@adriansalsahot7367]

Mentioned @ 5:52

[@mikemiken1963]

1993* 1994 was the year they had a strike and the end of the season was cancelled.

[@ysanchez678]

Fidel "Amerians with 2 hands can't beat us" 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Preistessblack]

Dwight's cousin teaches us about baseball man

[@xxholdenxx976]

im Matt Saracen, QB 1 of the Dillion Panthers

[@MrRyste85]

His story told by Badger from Breaking Bad. HELICOPTER BITCH!

[@thomashester2]

Holden Sawyer Texas Forever

[@aaronmillersoutdooradventures]

Holden Sawyer there’s the comment I wanted

[@bgvideo100]

Who is throwing left-handed in this, but threw righty in FNL!

[@indigo6842]

I love how in most of these the dogs are VERY concerned about their person.

[@bgvideo100]

Zach Gilford throwing opposite hand for this... talent

[@shampoofully7923]

"Full heart, clear eyes, can't lose." -Jim Abbott

[@champyelcaballo1530]

This dude was incredible back in the day. They actually showed how he could field a ball from the mound better and faster than any other pitcher with 2 hands. In fact, to this day pro's do Abbot drills to get "soft hands"!! I've been a lifelong sports fan and watching what he could do was amazing. I wanna say a few years ago on YT they had video of dude hitting BP and he could hit dingers one handed OUT OF MAJOR LEAGUE STADIUMS!! Pro players make it look easy in BP but it's alot harder than it looks. My son was just drafted by the A's and I have a little more insight and alot more respect for players now. My son is 6'6" 260 lbs and can run like a deer and turns 18 in 3 months. The amount of training these guys put in is phenomenal!!! The fact that Abbott had this "disability" yet could do what he did is crazy!! The 2 toughest positions on the field are pitcher and catcher. That's why they're batting average is always so low. But Abbot....wow!! And yes I WAS a lifelong Yankee fan!!! Go A's!!!

[@jeffheller4180]

My junior year of high school, my pitching coach, was Jim Abbot’s pitching coach. Which he told us about, every single day! It was his last year coaching, and with him I got to meet Jim Abbot which was great. However, our mutual coach, was one of the biggest jerks I’ve ever met. Arrogant, entitled, and thought he walked on water, just because of ONE player he got lucky enough to coach. So the part when he goes, “oh wait, I’m an @$$hole” cracks me up every time! Whoever put this in the sketch clearly knew ‘old Bob’, and knew that he is fact, was an @$$hole. Jim however is one the the nicest and most soft spoken people I’ve ever met. Class act!

[@mattesparza412]

As a person with disabilities, this story gives me hope

[@TriColoredTiger]

On September 4, 1993 Abbott pitched a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians

[@Kosm2599]

Its ironic how Matt's dog is named hank

[@padraigmurphy3540]

I never knew Jim Abbott played football at Permian. Learn something new every day.

[@IzzySoDope]

That was badger 😂

[@curtismartin9054]

I remember watching him as a kid with my Grandfather. I distinctly remember my Gpa always complaining about a guy named Danny Tartabul.

[@Taesian]

I was Jim Abbott for my elementary school wax museum.

[@paintpink7300]

When I first discovered Drunk History this is the first video I watched. I absolutely loved it and quickly watched all the videos. I am not sure if it is because this was my first but this one is still my favorite. I have watched it a few times and watching it again! I just adore the presenter.

[@ShouldHaveKnownYT]

Castro doing the wave 😂😂😂

[@jo_verabradleyfan4743]

🤣

[@Sam_on_YouTube]

Oh, and he also pitched a no hitter as part of the New York Yankees. Still gets a warm welcome at Old Timers Day.

[@adriansalsahot7367]

Mentioned @ 5:52

[@baxtronx5972]

I watched him play. Agreed, didn't think it was possible. Watched him field ground ball while playing for California Angels, it was bizarre to watch.

[@matthewbanta3240]

Two handed pitchers can use their gloved hands to hide the grip they have on the ball until the last possible moment. Batters have to then try to guess what pitch is coming based on the spin of the ball. As Jim Abbot could not hid his grip, batters could see what pitch was coming well before he threw it. The thing is that for a while he was so good that it didn't really matter. He still threw no hitters. He could have been the greatest pitcher of all time. Instead he had a nice long major league career and became an inspiration for everyone.

[@fangirlsophie7462]

he is still one of my favorite Wolverines. Go Blue!!!

[@raphaelchierchio2153]

clear eyes full hearts

[@losttribe3001]

Let’s all give Jim Abbott a hand! (Clap, clap, clap!) In all seriousness, I enjoyed watching him play. He was/is a role model.

[@Alcheme65]

When Castro did “The Wave” at 4:54 I lost it hahahaha

[@radconserv68]

I love how they have the pitcher say, "lay down you fat f***in' banana"

[@tigerpournelle1020]

"Even though you can't do any- EVERYthing....."

[@Unz360]

I remember bein a youngster, watchin this guy throw 90's in the 80's, vice-versa and so on.. probably still have some of his cards

[@ktothec24]

“ Jim abbot and Costello “ lol Derek I see what you did there.

[@secondratefilms635]

I love the blatant disregard for age when it comes to the actors. Genius.

[@autumnwind1216]

"Oh it's nice that you're Cuban. I don't give a shit." 🤣🤣🤣

[@Monetshimmons]

I'm from Flint, I got to watch my uncle get a base hit against Mr Abbott when they were both in high school

[@MeepMeep88]

How is there no movies of this dude? Instead we get movies about angels and shit. Well ok I admit, I watched Angels in the Outfield every day when I was small..

[@ManfredDudesonVonGuy]

There aren't any movies because he didn't fair well in the MLB (87-108 4.25 ERA). There are documentaries about him though.

[@hennylo68]

@@ManfredDudesonVonGuy Yeah Jim was an average pitcher, but still hella impressive what he did. I mean if Rudy can get a movie for playing the last few downs of garbage time in a meaningless college game, I think a one armed pitcher who threw a perfect game in the big leagues deserves a movie.

[@why-even-try-brotendo]

The high school coach is the NCAA Tournament color commentary commercial guy.

[@philbmxlover4207]

Last night's dodger was the longest game in world series history

[@mothiestman4995]

Maybe I CAN do theater with scoliosis and bad legs! If someone can be that epic at sports ball while missing a hand, I certainly have a shot at my own dream.

[@williamkuykendall7569]

As a life long Wolverine fan Jim has always been an inspiration to me. Hail To The Victors

[@jesuschrist6800]

I swear I thought he said this was a story about Jim Adler the Texas hammer 😂😂

[@justin5573]

2:08 “pitched 4 no-hitters...” *man on second*

[@blueshky]

Yeah, it's called a no-hitter. Not a perfect game......

[@AdamBiggers81]

I've interviewed Jim several, several times. He's a baseball God, here in Flint. High school coach was Bob Holec of Flint Central. I'll have to double-check with him to see if that shit went down like the video says :) :) :) This was hilarious. Nice job. I'm sure Jim would get a kick out it. I'll send it to him.

[@RyanSpringer1984]

"Jim Abbott & Costello" hahaha

[@zombiedev1202]

4:54 In hand: smooth seam Dick's Sporting Goods ball. Midair slow-mo: dirty raised seamed ball.

[@ByeFlyProductions]

Nice to see Badger is alive and well

[@samuelmoulds1016]

yeah, and outta REHAB!!!

[@williamfroh8830]

I saw him pitch in Salt Lake City in a minor league game and i became a fan . i thought he was seamless when he caught the ball. I hope he is doing well .

[@Davepool-hs7vr]

When I injured my ankle in High School, I went to the doctor and when I got home I saw the Yankees home opener and saw Jim Abbot pitch that game.

[@auspicioustoot]

That curly headed guy is so funny 😂

[@Rattrap007]

My dad (a pediatrician) took care of his kid once. Got an autographed ball and Team USA ball card.

[@DracoVP]

“it’s nice that you’re cuban. i don’t give a shit”😂😂😂

[@613lcd]

I remember jim Abbott growing up when the Marlins first started down here in Florida and I started getting into baseball

[@GeorgePutzenheimer]

Jim was always a hero of mine growing up. I used to do tons of things with one hand just to empathize and challenge myself.

[@Eyebeeleave]

My mind went left field…what things you did with one hand 🤣

[@joeyleone6540]

My Uncle also pitched for Michigan and was a freshman when Abbot was a senior

[@elroc1]

Love Jim Abbott. Collected his cards as a kid. What a story!

[@burntpieceoftoast4148]

"fat fuckin banana" I laughed my ass off at that.

[@musicwithj1759]

I’m watching this in the airport and everyone is looking at me bc I’m cracking up.

[@KingCitaldo125]

Badger + Drunk History + Baseball = Awesome

[@bobcarp1239]

I had a friend with one hand in school and when people would ask, "What happened to your hand?"", he'd hold up his stump and say, "PETTING ZOO, MY ASS!"

[@ballad2212]

'You fat fucking banana', he loves his dog😁

[@6StringPsychedelic]

Hell Yea Jim Abbott is the man! Seems to be very cool down to earth guy in the stuff I have seen of him since baseball days.

[@WhiffleWaffles]

I finished all the DVR recordings I had recorded and now I'm here. Addicted to drunk history.

[@ih8tusernam3s]

"... not the 80's of speedballs."

[@maddielarkin7110]

I just watched him in the office today 😂

[@Brittjones]

Is it really THAT hard to find an actor that knows how to throw a baseball?

[@RyeSims]

Zach Gilford, the actor they chose to play Jim Abbott actually played a Quarterback in the show Friday Night Lights...hes right-handed. Jim Abbott was a lefty, thats why he looks weird throwing.

[@azizk339]

I definitely get where you’re coming from, but I also feel like doing it sorta shitty is more on-brand?

[@briangarrow448]

Jim Abbott is a REAL AMERICAN HERO!!!

[@niazahmad350]

I am actually stoned right now. Just felt like to watch these clips & enjoy history in the coolest possible way. But the last line..."fuck you limitations ".... Felt very great.

[@noahwick3217]

that Castro side look is golden

[@Lucky_Male_Bee]

"Jim Abbott & Costello" 😂

[@The_Cannabis_Connoisseur]

That beard on Fidel Castro is too funny! lmfao