Former Yankees pitcher set to receive honor at 2026 ESPYs

A view of a New York Yankees helmet. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Former Yankees pitcher Jim Abbott set to receive well-deserved honor at 2026 ESPY Awards

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Jun 22, 2026 2:19 PM ET

Former New York Yankees pitcher Jim Abbott inspired many throughout his 10-year MLB career. His incredible story will continue to do that at the 2026 ESPY Awards, scheduled for July 15 in New York.

On Monday, the award ceremony announced Abbott — who was born without a right hand — will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. The honor, named after former North Carolina State Wolfpack men's basketball coach Jim Valvano, recognizes a member of the sporting world who has overcome significant obstacles.

Jim Abbott reacts to receiving the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance

"Overcoming obstacles and pushing past traditional limitations on the mound was my way of showing what is possible when you refuse to give up," Abbott said in a statement (h/t USA Today's Jordan Mendoza). "To have my journey and my career with an award that bears coach Jim Valvano's name is a truly humbling milestone. Receiving the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance is an incredible honor, and I hope it serves as a reminder to the next generation of athletes that our perceived limits do not define our potential."

Abbott rested his glove on his right forearm while pitching with his left arm. He then flipped his mitt onto his left hand to field.

One of the most inspiring careers in sports history.

Born without a right hand, Jim Abbott defied the odds to pitch 10 seasons in the major leagues and throw a no-hitter for the Yankees.

Jim Abbott will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at The 2026 ESPYS ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/ftD3Qo1jyC
— ESPYS (@ESPYS) June 22, 2026

His unconventional delivery worked. Abbott played for three other teams besides the Yankees (Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers) over the course of his career. He established himself as a premier starting pitcher, finishing third in 1991 American League Cy Young voting behind one-time World Series champion Scott Erickson and 11-time All-Star Roger Clemens.

Abbott's career-defining moment came with the Yankees on Sept. 4, 1993. In a 4-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians, he threw a no-hitter on 119 pitches. He's one of 13 players in franchise history to toss one.

30 years ago today.

The Jim Abbott No-Hitter. #RepBX

pic.twitter.com/YkAmN5Z8G2
— Ryan Field (@RyanFieldABC) September 5, 2023

"You just can't believe it. You can't believe it's you," Abbott told MLB.com's Bryan Hoch in 2020. "I can't even remember a greater feeling. It really is sort of a dream come true. I know that there are a lot of people who have taken encouragement from that one game. There are a lot of kids out there who were born like me, and they look for something. Amazing things can happen."

Abbott will continue to inspire more of those kids when he delivers his speech at the ESPY Awards.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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