Jim Kaat
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Jim_Kaat_Baseball_Card.jpg
James Lee Kaat (born November 7, 1938 in Zeeland, Michigan), nicknamed "Kitty", is a former pitcher in Major League Baseball for the Washington Senators (I)/Minnesota Twins (1959-1973), Chicago White Sox (1973-1975), Philadelphia Phillies (1976-1979), New York Yankees (1979-1980), and St. Louis Cardinals (1980-1983).
In 1966, he was named the American League Pitcher of the Year by The Sporting News, but the National League's Sandy Koufax won the Cy Young Award by a unanimous vote; it was the last year in which only one award was given for both leagues. Kaat was primarily a starting pitcher until 1979, when he became a relief pitcher.
Over Kaat's 25 years in the majors, he was an All-Star three times (1962, 1966, 1975), and won the Gold Glove Award for defensive skill a record 16 consecutive times (1960-75). With the Cardinals in 1982, Kaat earned his only World Series ring working out of the bullpen.
Kaat has also had a successful career as a broadcaster after retiring from baseball. From 1990-1993, Kaat served as an analyst for CBS television; Kaat covered three World Series Trophy presentations for CBS (1990-1992). In 1995, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for "On Camera Achievement". Also in 1995, Kaat called the American League playoffs with Brent Musburger for ABC. In addition, he was on the team which won the "Outstanding Live Sports Coverage - Single Program" New York Emmy for covering Dwight Gooden's no-hitter and David Wells' perfect game. He is currently an announcer for Yankees games on the YES Network.
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Categories: 1962 American League All-Stars | 1966 American League All-Stars | 1975 American League All-Stars | Chicago White Sox players | Minnesota Twins players | New York Yankees players | Philadelphia Phillies players | St. Louis Cardinals players | Washington Senators players | Major league pitchers | Sports announcers | 1938 births | People from Michigan