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Minnesota Twins to retire Jim Kaat’s number

By David Hill

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 03: Former pitcher Jim Kaat for the Minnesota Twins acknowledges the crowd as he is announced as one of the top 50 players from the Twins 50 years as a team prior to the game against the Texas Rangers on September 3, 2010 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins won 4-3. (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 03: Former pitcher Jim Kaat for the Minnesota Twins acknowledges the crowd as he is announced as one of the top 50 players from the Twins 50 years as a team prior to the game against the Texas Rangers on September 3, 2010 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Twins won 4-3. (Photo by Bruce Kluckhohn/Getty Images) /
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It has been quite the past couple of months for Jim Kaat. Once considered one of the better players not in the Hall of Fame, the former Minnesota Twins pitcher has gotten that call. He can now add another tribute to the list for 2022.

The Twins announced another honor for Kaat on Wednesday. He will have his number retired during the upcoming season, with a date to be announced at a later time.

Minnesota Twins to honor Jim Kaat this summer

Kaat was a part of the Twins organization from the beginning, heading with the original Washington Senators to the midwest. That change did wonders for his career, as Kaat went from a struggling youngster to making his first All Star Game two years after the move.

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Kaat was a generally solid pitcher over the course of his career. He posted a lifetime 283-237 record with a 3.45 ERA and a 1.259 WHiP, striking out 2461 batters with 1083 walks in his 4530.1 innings. A three time All Star, he had eight seasons with at least 15 wins, eclipsing the 20 win plateau three times.

While he was a steady arm throughout the years, that is not what Kaat is remembered for. He was the premier defensive pitcher of his day, winning 16 consecutive Gold Glove awards. Although defensive metrics are not as sold on his prowess with the glove, he was considered to be a fifth infielder on the days that he pitched.

It may even be fair to say that this honor is long overdue. Kaat was a key part in the Twins’ success shortly after moving to Minnesota, a steady arm that was part of their AL championship teams in 1965 and 1970. He still holds the Twins’ records for innings and starts, and was the winningest pitcher in the history of the Metrodome.

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Jim Kaat is going to have his number retired by the Minnesota Twins this summer. It is an honor that, at this point, is long overdue.

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