Former Angels pitcher Jim Abbott connects with young fans at 66ers game

Source: www.pe.com --- Sunday, April 30, 2017
SAN BERNARDINO >> Gideon Marquez was born on the Angels opening day four years ago – the game was on in the delivery room – and he hasn’t stopped watching Baseball since. Despite his love for the game, playing it is another story. Gideon was born without a left hand; he has a thumb but doesn’t have any fingers. Jasper Sumner, 5, has a similar limb difference on his right hand. The two boys have grown up admiring former Angels pitcher Jim Abbott, who played in the major leagues despite being born without a right hand. On Saturday, their parents brought them to the Inland Empire 66ers minor league Baseball game after learning Abbott would be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch as part of the team’s 6th annual DisAbilities Awareness Night. As Gideon’s mother, Laura Marquez, was sharing their story, Abbott joined the young boys in center field for a pre-game clinic. “I’m about to cry,” Marquez stated. The parents snapped photos of their boys as they interacted with Abbott. “It was amazing,” Shelby Sumner said. “Jasper has always seen him on TV and he’s always wanted to meet him. He thinks, ‘If he could it then I could it.’ ” Abbott, who was down on one knee, asked Gideon if he liked to play Baseball. Decked out in Angels gear, Gideon Marquez nodded and told him his favorite player was center fielder Mike Trout. Abbott’s inscription to Gideon Marquez was: “Nothing can stop you.” “This is so overwhelming,” Laura Marquez said. “But ...

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