The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott

Season 18Episode 960 minJul 13, 2025
The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott

E60 weaves the story of Abbott's life and career around a recounting of the no-hitter, which occurred on Sept. 4, 1993, when the Yankees hosted Cleveland at Yankee Stadium. For Southpaw, E60 secured access to the current Yankee Stadium for a special night of filming with Abbott where he was interviewed on the field and watched and commented on the broadcast of his no-hitter with Schaap on the stadium's big screen.

There has never been a story in sports history quite like Abbott's. Born in Flint, Mich., in 1967 without a right hand, Abbott rose to unexpected prominence as a baseball pitcher, first in his hometown, then at the University of Michigan, where he was named America's best amateur athlete in 1987. After pitching the gold medal winning game for the U.S. at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Abbott was drafted by the California Angels in the first round. After several seasons with the Angels, he was traded to the Yankees.

Throughout Abbott's rise to the highest levels of baseball, he was, at times, a reluctant role model, struggling with the pressure and exclusion that came with being "an inspiration." Abbott's unprecedented and transformational career earned him international fame, and his story affected thousands of disabled and limb-different children across the globe.

Now, 30 years removed from the height of his popularity, Abbott's impact is still felt both on and off the field of play. Southpaw is an unforgettable story about ingenuity, identity and what it's like to be different.

In addition to Abbott himself and members of his family, more than 40 people were interviewed for Southpaw, including Hall of Famers from baseball and some current limb-different athletes.

The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott will air on Jul 13, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Previous Episode

Trailer

We do not have any trailers for this episode

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
The 1% Club
Running

The 1% Club

The 1% Club is a unique, compelling and funny entertainment show that tests the nation's intelligence, based on a scientific survey. It's a chance to test how your brain works through a series of questions that all have a right answer but can also lead to a series of entertaining wrong answers along the way. Whether you're a contestant vying for the cash prize or a viewer playing with your friends and family on the app, answer enough questions correctly, and you could earn yourself a place in the 1% Club: an elite group of people who can honestly say they've outwitted 99% of the population.

America's Got Talent
Running

America's Got Talent

With the talent search open to acts of all ages, America's Got Talent has brought the variety format back to the forefront of American culture by showcasing performers from across the country. The series is a true celebration of the American spirit, featuring a colorful array of singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians, ventriloquists and hopeful stars, all vying for their chance to win America's hearts and the $1 million prize.

GenreMusic
The Snake
Running

The Snake

The Snake will follow 15 people from various professions trying to manipulate their way to becoming that week's snake, who decides who stays and who leaves the show, through a series of challenges. Each week, the winner of each challenge earns control of ‘The Saving Ceremony', an elimination that is about who will save certain contestants with people making friends, faking friends, or sparking romantic connections with the winner taking home $100,000.

King of the Hill
Running

King of the Hill

King of the Hill follows the life of Hank Hill, his wife Peggy, their 13-year-old son Bobby, their 18-year-old niece Luanne, her husband Lucky, their newborn baby girl Gracie and his beer guzzling neighborhood buddies, Dale, Bill and Boomhauer.

GenreComedy
Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch
Running

Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch

There are some places on earth where the land just seems different, and Blind Frog Ranch in eastern Utah is one of those places. Locals say the land is cursed. That it's trying to hold on to something. From Aztec treasure to caverns of gold and silver to lost Mormon mines, legends surround Duane Ollinger's 160-acre ranch in Utah's Uintah Basin. But Duane isn't concerned with the lore. After discovering a system of seven underground caves that run through his property, he is singularly focused on finding what's hidden in them - no matter what the cost.