While Jim Kaat concluded his 25-season career in the majors with a reputation for longevity, durability and dependability, he became the ace of the Twins staff shortly after the team moved to Minnesota from Washington. At age 23, in his fourth season with the team, he won 18 games.
Jim Kaat: An ace from the start
The Twins pitcher, who had a reputation for longevity, durability and dependability, will enter the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday.
July 19, 2022 at 10:02PM
Three years later, he started Games 2, 5 and 7 for the Twins in the 1965 World Series. The following year, he led the American League in wins (25), innings pitched (304⅔) and complete games (19).
15
Seasons with the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins. He completed 25 seasons in the major leagues.
16
Kaat was one of the best fielding pitchers in the game. He won 16 Gold Gloves, including 12 while with the Twins (1962-73).
180
Kaat often finished what he started. He ended his career with 180 complete games, including 133 while with the Twins.
283
Career victories, including 190 with the Senators/Twins. He won 20 games three times, once with Twins (25-13 in 1966).
17
Kaat went 17 years between World Series appearances, pitching in the Fall Classic in 1965 for the Twins and 1982 for St. Louis.
$60,000
Kaat's salary in 1968, the most he made in a single season with the Twins. He made a career-high $200,000 with St. Louis in 1982.
Talk of competing for the best players or of a potential new owner wielding big bucks doesn’t change this: They are last in popularity among the four major men’s pro sports.
