Jim Abbott Top 10 Moments: No. 4 - Abbott Wears Golden Spikes
4/15/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
On April 18, 2009, former U-M baseball great Jim Abbott (1986-88) will have his number retired in a ceremony prior to U-M's 1:05 p.m. contest with Michigan State. During his time in Ann Arbor, Jim made a lasting impression on his teammates, the community and the entire baseball world.
In honor of Jim's legacy, resident Michigan baseball historian Jim Schneider has constructed the top 10 moments in the collegiate career of Jim Abbott. Each day leading up to the jersey retirement, MGoBlue.com will unveil another great moment, along with commentary from Jim himself, culminating in the No. 1 moment of all-time to be unveiled the morning of the April 18th ceremony.
Number 4 -- Abbott Wins Coveted Golden Spikes Award
After taking home his first All-America honor in 1987, Jim was on the short list for numerous major postseason honors, the biggest of which took him to New York, N.Y., and ranks No. 4 on the top 10 list of Jim Abbott's Michigan career, winning the coveted Golden Spikes Award.
The Moment as described by Jim Schneider ...
As mentioned in previous moments on our countdown, 1987 was a special season for Jim. He earned All-America status, became the first baseball player to win the AAU's Sullivan Award and, also that season, he was recognized as the top amateur baseball player in the nation by winning the Golden Spikes Award.
The Golden Spikes is like the Heisman Trophy of College Baseball. It was presented in the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City and presenting the award that season was former Major League Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn.
It was a surreal event, and even now when you come to Fisher Stadium and see that Golden Spikes trophy and realize that it went to Jim that he was recognized that year as the best baseball player in the United States it is just really a neat thing.
Jim Abbott on Moment No. 4 ...
"The Golden Spikes Award was simply incredible. Traveling to New York City to accept the award with Coach Bud Middaugh was priceless. I think we were both very proud to represent U-M at that kind of venue. I don't think it got me out of running the next day in practice though."
• Number 5 -- Abbott Takes Home Sullivan Award
• Number 6 -- Abbott Rakes in the Hardware in 1988
• Number 7 -- Abbott's Michigan Accolades
• Number 8 -- Abbott Earns Win in Title Game
• Number 9 -- Abbott Shares a No-Hitter
• Number 10 -- Abbott's First Career Win
