Q: Jim Abbott was only born with one hand, but that did not keep him
from becoming a Major League pitcher with a no-hitter for the Yankees.
And we also need to refer to him as an Olympic gold medalist with the
1988 U.S. baseball team. He knows that having a disability does not mean
that you are less able than others. Jim is joining us this morning to
talk about a new program called "Pitch." Hi Jim, good morning.

A: Good morning, thank you, Kyle.

Q: So what does PITCH stand for?

A: Pitch stands for Proving Individuals with Talent Can Help. It is a
program put on by the Department of Labor, specifically their Office of
Disability Employment Policy. It is just a program trying to bring
awareness to the resources that they provide for businesses and
employers to take a look at people with disabilities and the great
potential and ambition they can bring to a job. You know, look at it the
same way that I played baseball. You know, baseball gave me a chance for
what I could do as opposed to what I couldn't do. It's been great to
work with them.

Q: Yeah, I read how you once said in sports it doesn't matter how your
body looks as long as you play the game well when you're out in the
field. But in the corporate world, it's harder to prove to employers
that people with disabilities are quite capable.

A: It is, it is hard to open those doors and that is what this program
is all about. I was very lucky that baseball provided me the outlet to
prove myself. And when I've been done, I've been a little disheartened
to hear how many people don\'t have the same kind of opportunities.
Two-thirds of people in the United States with disabilities who want to
work, who can work don\'t have that same outlet and to move past those
low expectations. So the Department of Labor is just trying to move past
those perceptions and give people the resources and to show that the
accommodations for people with disabilities really are very minimal
compared to the rewards that could happen by giving somebody a chance.

Q: What is the response from employers? Are they listening, are they
hearing your message in the Department of Labor?

A: I think they are. I was just at a great awards banquet back in
Washington and met some of these great companies around the United
States and a company like Safeway, a company like Best Buy. People who
are giving people the chance, finding what their talents are, finding a
little niche within the company where they can make a difference. And
you know, it's very heartening to see. In this world, everybody should
have a chance to prove themselves and it's been, like I said, just great
to work with them. And hopefully we can continue to keep things going.

Q: Oh good, that is good to hear. I have to ask you, what do you think
of the Rays after last night's win last night? They are headed to the
World Series.

A: Wasn't that great? I was riveted, to tell you the truth. I mean, the
Red Sox just don\'t quit. They had somebody on base every single inning,
those last couple and I was rooting for them. I am rooting for the Rays
and Joe Madden. I think they have a good chance. I would love to see
them play outdoors, but that's fine, I am still going to root for the
American League.

Q: All right. Hey Jim, thanks for coming on and thanks for all that you
are doing.

A: My pleasure, thanks for having me.

Q: Take good care.

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