The Milwaukee Brewers have had numerous significant players pass through their organization. Of course, they are best known for their iconic Hall of Fame players: Robin Yount, Paul Molitor, Rollie Fingers, and Hank Aaron. Additionally, modern day stars like Ryan Braun, Christian Yelich, and Corbin Burnes have helped put Brewers baseball on the map despite its small market.
Throughout the course of its history, though, notable players known for their accomplishments on teams other than Milwaukee have either rejuvenated their careers, ended their careers, or simply spent a season or two with the Brewers. Among the most notable players like this in recent memory are CC Sabbathia, Zach Greinke, and Yasmani Grandall.
Former MVP’s and multi-time All-Star players, too, have spent a season or two with the Brewers. These players include Dave Parker, Hideo Nomo, Jim Edmonds, Devon White, Trevor Hoffman, Juan Francisco, Julo Franco, and Francisco Rodriguez.
As is the case with all MLB teams, players come and go that do not always have a significant impact on the team, nor do they end up having memorable careers. That being said, On this date in Brewers history, January 27, the team signed a pitcher who, while he had far from a Hall of Fame career, is still considered one of the most inspiring players in modern baseball history.
The Milwaukee Brewers Sign Pitcher Jim Abbott on January 27, 1999
Left-handed pitcher Jim Abbott spent 10 years in Major League Baseball and compiled a record of 87-108 with a career ERA of 4.25. This is hardly what one would call a noteworthy career, but the fact that Abbott had a baseball career at all was nothing short of astounding.
Abbott was born without a right hand, and had to switch his glove from the end of his right arm to his left hand immediately after he threw a pitch in case a ball came back to him. Despite this physical setback, Abbott represented the United States in the Pan-Am Games and won a Gold Medal.
Perhaps the most astonishing moment of his career, though, came on September 4, 1993 when he was pitching for the New York Yankees. On that date, Abbott threw his only career no-hitter, walking five batters while striking out three.
In 1999, he signed with the Brewers for what would be the last year of his improbable career. He was just 2-8 with a 6.91 ERA that year, but did log his only two career hits. Both came against Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lieber.
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