Jim Kaat Washington Senators
Career: Contrary to popular belief, Jim Kaat did NOT pitch to Babe Ruth AND Mike Trout. It only feels like that. He actually began his pro career in 1957 after playing for Hope College. He spent a few seasons in the Senator's system before getting a quick look in 1959, making the team (for a while) in 1960, and breaking through with the Twins in 1961. Over the span of four decades* Kaat won 283 games, won 16 Gold Gloves, made three All-Star squads
He made three starts for the Twins in the 1965 Series, winning one and losing two. He did get a WS ring, though. He claimed it in 1982 with the Cardinals when he was working out of their pen, a year from retirement.
Following his active playing days, he was a color commentator for numerous organizations including the Yankees (WPIX, YES/MSG), NBC, CBS, ESPN, and the MLB Network.
In 1960: Kaat began the season in the Nats' rotation and had a good start in April including his first career win with a 7-inning, three-hit performance at Yankee Stadium on the 27th. Then things went bad for the rookie, and he lost five of his next seven starts. He was sent to the bullpen and then to AAA where he wasn't very impressive but was good enough to get a September recall to the majors.
Off The Charts: OK, this is nuts. If you're a golfer you understand the significance of 'shooting your age'. It's a feat that only players who maintain their skills into their retirement years accomplish. Kaat has reached that links milestone...left-handed AND right-handed. Color me impressed.
*=I played intramural softball in four decades at the University of Houston. I'm in the UH IM Hall of Fame. Other than that I have nothing in common with Jim Kaat.
Dang. Shoot his age both left and right handed is awesome. I feel like that piece of trivia needs more exposure. The pitching over the course of four decades is pretty cool too.
ReplyDeleteFrom 2002-06, when the YES Yankees broadcasting crew was a disaster (except for Ken Singleton), Jim Kaat propped up that whole operation. He seemed like the only adult in the booth.
ReplyDeleteThere's an intramurals hall of fame?
"...There's an intramurals hall of fame?"...Yes there sure is. I've still got my cheap-o plaque around here somewhere to prove it! LOL I didn't earn with my athletic ability. I had a foot in bot the Rec and Athletics offices so I did a lot of 'go between' sorts of things. Back then facilities were at a premium and we had to coordinate schedules, etc.
DeleteHe's not in the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Cooperstown one, at least.
ReplyDeleteKaat was the last active (old) Washington Senator.
ReplyDelete