Kurt Abbott

Kurt Thomas Abbott (born June 2, 1969) is a former Major League Baseball player who played primarily as a shortstop from 1993-2001.

Biography

Abbott was born in Zanesville, Ohio and graduated from Dixie M. Hollins High School in St. Petersburg, Florida. He played college baseball at St. Petersburg Junior College.^[1] Abbott was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 15th round of the 1989 Major League Baseball Draft.^[2] He was the last player selected in that round and the only position player from that round to make it to the major leagues. ^[3]

Abbott would break into the major leagues on September 7, 1993 as a member of the Athletics in an 11-7 win over the Blue Jays. ^[4] Abbott was called upon in the top of the 10th inning to run for Dave Henderson after Henderson singled off Mike Timlin. He was retired when Ruben Sierra grounded into a double play, and Abbott was replaced in the field by Scott Lydy in the bottom of the 10th inning. Abbott would see action in 24 games for the Athletics that fall, and was traded to the Florida Marlins after the season in exchange for Kerwin Moore. ^[5]

It was with the Marlins that Abbott spent the majority of his career, staying with them until 1998, primarily as a shortstop. He drove in six runs in a 11-2 victory over the Astros on July 17, 1996, missing the cycle by only a double. ^[6] Abbott batted leadoff in that game for only the second time in his career. ^[7] He was a member of the 1997 team that won the World Series, appearing in three games as a pinch hitter but failing to get a hit.^[8] He would be traded back to the Athletics after the season for Eric Ludwick. He did not stay long in his second tour of duty, appearing in only 35 games before being traded to the Colorado Rockies on June 9 for a player to be named later. Abbott proved a valuable utilityman, playing all infield and outfield positions in his time with the team. He became a free agent after the 1999 season and signed a one-year contract with the New York Mets for the 2000 season.

Abbott only appeared in 79 games for the Mets in 2000, primarily as a shortstop but also seeing time at second base. He was ejected for the only time in his career on June 9, arguing a play at first base in the top of the 2nd inning. ^[9] He appeared in 8 games for the Mets during the 2000 postseason, but did not contribute significantly to the club during that time. He was granted free agency after the season and signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves.

Abbott would only appear in 6 games for the Braves in 2001, playing his final game of his career on April 13, a win over the Phillies. ^[10] Abbott came into the game in the 8th inning, pinch hitter for Mike Remlinger. He reached base on an error and stole second base, but was thrown out trying to score to end the inning. Abbott was granted free agency after the 2001 season, and signed with the Minnesota Twins in 2002, but would not play a game for them. He lingered in the minor leagues until 2003, playing 21 games for the Memphis Redbirds.^[11]

Personal life

Since 2006, Kurt Abbott has worked as a Sheriff's Deputy in Martin County, Florida.^[12]

In May, 2012, Abbott was pulled over by a Stuart, Florida police officer for erratic driving. He was taken into custody when he refused a roadside sobriety test. At the police station he was reported abusive to the personnel on duty and refused a more elaborate breathalyzer test. He was released on $500 bond.^[13]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kurt Abbott.

• Baseball Almanac

• Career statistics and player information from Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)