Andrew Abbott’s parents, David and Jeanette Abbott, have spoken about his upbringing in baseball and his journey to the Major Leagues.
He pitched a three-hitter for his first career complete game, lifting the Cincinnati Reds to a 1-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians.
Highlights
- Abbott’s parents, David and Jeanette Abbott, were a constant presence, cheering him on and nurturing his passion for baseball.
- He bought Andrew a Cincinnati Reds cap over 15 years ago, long before he was drafted by the team in 2021.
- Abbott’s family traveled to Cincinnati to watch his debut, where he made history as the first left-handed pitcher in the Modern Era.
The New York Yankees drafted Andrew Abbott in the 36th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball Draft. However, he didn’t sign and played college baseball at the University of Virginia.
When I was 16 years old, I made a commitment. A commitment to a community, a school, an athlete department, and coaching staff. I came to Charlottesville four years ago as a kid from Southern Virginia, and I am beyond proud to be leaving as a wahoo for life.
Andrew Abbott
After four years in Virginia, the Cincinnati Reds selected him in the second round of the 2021 MLB draft.
He played professionally with the Arizona Complex League Reds and Daytona Tortugas before starting with the Dayton Dragons in 2022.
Later, he was promoted to the Chattanooga Lookouts, where he posted a 4.75 ERA with 119 strikeouts and 41 walks.
On June 5, 2023, Andrew made his major league debut and threw 6 shutout innings against the Milwaukee Brewers.
He became the only left-hander in the Modern Era to pitch at least 6 scoreless innings with at least 6 strikeouts and no more than one hit allowed in an MLB debut.
I know I’m going to have a mountain of things to go through on my phone after this, but it’s been a dream come true. I felt really good, honestly, too.
Andrew Abbott
I had another day of rest because I was supposed to go Sunday (for Triple-A Louisville). Just seeing the crowd, taking it all in, stuff definitely gets your adrenaline pumping, so you throw a little bit harder than normal.
Andrew Abbott’s Parents Are The Supportive Pillars
Andrew Cole Abbott, the son of David and Jeanette Abbott, was born on June 1, 1999, in Lynchburg, Virginia. His parents raised him alongside his two sisters.
He owes much of his success to the unwavering support of his parents.
Andrew’s parents have been a constant presence in his early days, from playing Little League through his rise in the Major Leagues.
He developed a passion for baseball at a young age, and his parents encouraged him every step of the way.
David played a key role in nurturing that love for the game. He had purchased a Cincinnati Reds cap for Andrew over 15 years ago, long before his son would be drafted by the team in 2021.
That early connection to the Reds made Andrew’s MLB debut with Cincinnati in 2023 even more special for the family.
Meanwhile, Jeanette has also been a pillar of support, often sharing pride in her son’s dedication and work ethic.
Very proud. He has worked really hard to get where he is. He sacrificed a lot and it’s a dream come true.
Jeanette Abbott
David and Jeanette are frequently seen at Andrew’s games, cheering him on from the stands.
Their pride in his accomplishments is evident, whether he’s striking out batters or contributing to a Reds victory.
Andrew Abbott’s Parents Didn’t Miss His First Major League Game
Andrew Abbott’s Major League Baseball debut was a moment his family wouldn’t miss for the world. They made the trip from Republican Grove, Virginia, to cheer him on.
His family, alongside 30 other members, was there in the stands when he took the mound for the Cincinnati Reds in 2023.
The family is watching on as Andrew Abbott makes his MLB debut. #Reds pic.twitter.com/hY9sfJAL4c
— FanDuel Sports Network Cincinnati (@FanDuelSN_CIN) June 5, 2023
Andrew had some early nervousness, like any other rookie.
His father recalled that the first inning was a struggle, requiring 28 pitches to escape unscathed. But by the third inning, the young pitcher found his rhythm.
He came out in the third inning — the third, the fourth, and the fifth inning, I think he probably threw 30 pitches in three innings. He just got in his groove. I think he sat down 10 straight batters and he only gave up one hit and that was a double to (Joey) Wiemer. That’s the only hit he gave up the whole game. He had six strikeouts, he did walk four batters, but that was early in the game and it didn’t hurt him because he pitched around them.
David Abbott
Andrew’s precision impressed even MLB Network analyst Al Leiter, who compared his pitching style to Hall of Famer Tom Glavine.
The stands were packed with Abbott’s most prominent supporters. The only person missing was his one sister, who was under doctor’s orders not to travel.
After the game, the Abbott family celebrated on the field for nearly an hour, taking photos and soaking in the milestone moment.
David and Jeanette had an unforgettable moment watching their son live out his dream.
Additional Information
- Andrew Abbott played collegiate summer baseball with the Orleans Firebirds of the Cape Cod Baseball League in 2018.
- He graduated from college with a degree in biology in three years.
- He finished his rookie season with an 8–6 record and 3.87 ERA in 21 starts, striking out 120 batters in 109+1⁄3 innings.
