We say happy birthday to Jim Kaat born on this day in 1938. He was a great lefty who later became a wonderful baseball analyst.
Kaat broke with the Washington Senators in 1959 and became a starter in 1961 now that the team was in Minnesota.
"Kitty", as he was called, pitched 15 years with the Twins and won 190 games with a 3.34 ERA.
Kaat beat Sandy Koufax in game 2 of the 1965 World Series. In 1966, Kaat was named AL Sporting News Pitcher of the Year. Later, he started games in the 1969 & 1970 ALCS but the Twins were swept twice by the Orioles.
Surprisingly, the Twins traded him to the Chicago White Sox where he won 45 with a 3.10 ERA in 3 seasons. It was probably the best pitching period of his career.
Kaat hung around until 1983. He finished with 283 wins, a 3.45 ERA and completed 180 games.
After baseball, Jim Kaat moved to the radio/TV booth and became one of the best game analysts.
Kaat broke with the Washington Senators in 1959 and became a starter in 1961 now that the team was in Minnesota.
"Kitty", as he was called, pitched 15 years with the Twins and won 190 games with a 3.34 ERA.
Kaat beat Sandy Koufax in game 2 of the 1965 World Series. In 1966, Kaat was named AL Sporting News Pitcher of the Year. Later, he started games in the 1969 & 1970 ALCS but the Twins were swept twice by the Orioles.
Surprisingly, the Twins traded him to the Chicago White Sox where he won 45 with a 3.10 ERA in 3 seasons. It was probably the best pitching period of his career.
Kaat hung around until 1983. He finished with 283 wins, a 3.45 ERA and completed 180 games.
After baseball, Jim Kaat moved to the radio/TV booth and became one of the best game analysts.
P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.
