Imperfect: An Improbable Life (36 page)

I didn’t want to be different.
Family photo

New shirt, check. Toughskins, check. Right arm, check. My first day of kindergarten.
Family photo

Dad taught me how to fish with a Zebco reel, which led to the first and last big fish I ever caught.
Mike Abbott

Dad, as a promising freshman for St. Matthew’s football team.
The Flint Journal

The day Flint Central beat Midland in the state playoffs. That’s Danny Nathan on the left, Andy Turpen hoisting me on his shoulder, and Stuart Kale on the right.
The Flint Journal

I loved everything about the University of Michigan, including Ray Fisher Stadium.
University of Michigan

My Connie Mack coach, Ted Mahan, wore number 5 at Michigan. My number 5 was a tribute to him.
Family photo

Wearing the Olympic-issued warm-ups and gold medal, and I more proud of my city than it was of me.
Family photo

Tiger Stadium, my rookie year. I’d grown up dreaming about playing on that field.
Still Perfection © 1990 D. Sell

Gene Autry, as kind a gentleman as I ever met, never said a harsh word about anyone.
Getty Images

My brother, Chad, takes in my big-league debut at Anaheim Stadium. I’m glad he was okay. I was a little nervous.
Mike Abbott

Dana and I at the White House to receive a 1991 Victory Award.
Family photo

Hiding my grip on the baseball was a challenge. This is a fastball, which the first-base coach and everyone in the first-base dugout could have told you.
Getty Images