Behind The Scenes

Former Yankees great Jim Abbott works with ESPN’s ENABLED

ESPN ENABLED is an Employee Resource Group (ERG) intended to support employees with disabilities and employees who are affected by those with disabilities. The group strives to create employee programs, content and outreach that celebrate the achievements of extraordinary individuals.

One such person is former Major League Baseball pitcher Jim Abbott.

Though he was born without a right hand, Abbott played 10 years in the big leagues and pitched a no-hitter as a member of the New York Yankees in 1993.

ENABLED was honored to support his April 18 visit to ESPN to promote his book Imperfect: An Improbable Life.

As he’s done throughout his life and baseball career, Abbott told ESPN employees he was given far more than was ever taken away from him.

While focusing on the no-hitter, the ultimate highlight of his pitching career, Abbott shared his life story and discussed how the support and generosity of family, friends, teachers and coaches were so key to his success.

He also made time to participate in a brief batting practice with ESPN employees.

Now a motivational speaker, Abbott continues to impart the message of overcoming adversity through the acronym “ADAPT”: Adjustability, Determination, Accountability, Perseverance, and Trust. It’s a message of inclusion that is shared by ESPN’s ENABLED.

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