Jim Kaat was a left-handed pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for 25 seasons. He began his career with the Washington Senators in 1959 and played for several teams throughout his career, including the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals.

Kaat was known for his durability and consistency on the mound. He won 283 games in his career, which ranks him among the top 50 pitchers in MLB history. He also pitched over 4,500 innings and recorded 2,461 strikeouts.

Kaat was a three-time All-Star and won 16 Gold Glove Awards for his fielding prowess. He was also a two-time American League leader in wins and a one-time leader in innings pitched.

Kaat was a key member of the Minnesota Twins teams that won the American League pennant in 1965 and 1969. He pitched in the World Series for the Twins in both of those years, but the team was unable to win a championship.

In addition to his success on the field, Kaat was also known for his work off the field. He was a respected voice in the players' union and served as its president from 1979 to 1983. He was also a broadcaster for several teams after his playing career ended.

Kaat's career spanned several eras of baseball, from the early years of expansion to the advent of free agency. He was a durable and consistent pitcher who was respected by his peers and fans alike.