Jim Abbott and Jackie Robinson both broke barriers. But they broke different barriers. Jim Abbott was born with no right hand, but was able to play baseball. He was the first to play with no right hand in the Majors. Jackie was the first African American to play baseball in the Majors. Jim Abbott pitched for the 88th Olympics, where helped America win a gold medal.

Jackie Robinson and Jim Abbott both broke barriers in their sport. Jim Abbott broke the disability barrier in baseball. The website SABR.org says, "Born with a deformed right arm, Abbott was already a national hero before signing a professional contract with the California Angels in 1988".  This explains that he broke the disability barrier in baseball. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball. In Promises to Keep by Sharon Robinson on page 8 it says, "By breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball, my father helped break down racial segregation". This explains that he ended segregation in Major League Baseball. They were also determined athletes. Jackie Robinson showed his determination on the field. In the book on page 29 it says, Branch Rickey knew he'd chosen the right man. He knew that Dad had both the self-control and the courage to succeed. This explains that he had the courage to be successful. Jim Abbott was also a determined athlete. On SABR.org it says, "Jim Abbott once said: 'It's not the disability that defined you, it is how you deal with the challenges the disability presents you." This explains that he was determined to be a successful baseball player. 

Jackie Robinson and Jim Abbott had broken different barriers. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. In Promises to Keep on page 36 it says, "Jackie Robinson was going to the Majors... Jim Crow was going down." This explains that he helped end segregation in America. Jim Abbott broke the disability barrier. On SABR.org it says, "Left-handed pitcher Jim Abbott is probably the most celebrated athlete with a major disability of his era." This explains that he broke a disability barrier in baseball.  They also faced different challenges. Jackie Robinson had to fight against racism. In the book on page 34, it says, "During one game a Syracuse player tossed a black cat towards him yelling, 'Hey Jackie, there's your cousin clowning on the field." This explains that other players were mean to him. Jim Abbott had to overcome the challenges of his disability. On WBUR.org it said, "It might seem small, but if Jim's shoes came untied at school, there was nothing he could do but ask for help,  just the kind of attention he dreaded, and that made him feel like an outsider." This tells us that he faced difficulties because of his disability. Jackie Robinson and Jim Abbott broke different barriers. 

Jackie broke the color barrier. Jim Abbot broke the disability barrier. This matters because people of different colors and with disabilities can also play professional baseball.