Jim Kaat (Rookie Star)

James Lee “Jim” Kaat (November 7, 1938-) spent parts of four separate decades as a Major League Baseball pitcher for five teams — the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins (1959–1973), Chicago White Sox (1973-1975), Philadelphia Phillies (1976–1979), New York Yankees (1979–1980), and St. Louis Cardinals (1980–1983). “Kitty” signed with the Senators as an amateur free agent in 1957, and he spent two seasons in the minor leagues before breaking into the majors in 1959. On July 24, 1963 Kaat threw a complete-game shutout and hit a home run for a Twins victory … the first of two times he would assemble that combination … a combo that has only happened three times in Minnesota franchise history. He led the American League in wins (25) in 1966, and took The Sporting News AL Pitcher of the Year honors. A three-time All-Star (1962, 1966, 1975), he won the Gold Glove Award for defensive skill a record 16 consecutive times (1962–1977). The record for career Gold Gloves by a pitcher was later captured by Greg Maddux (18). Despite his lengthy 25-year career, Kaat did not bring home a World Series ring until he was a member of the 1982 Cardinals squad, going 5-3 in the regular season. He retired with a 283-237 record, 2,461 strikeouts, and a 3.45 ERA. Following his playing days, Kaat became a popular broadcaster for the Yankees and the Twins, in addition to other cable sports networks.