The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have hired Twins legend Jim Kaat as Special Assistant to the organization.
Kaat, 79, pitched 25 seasons in the major leagues from 1959-83, including 15 with the Twins/Senators franchise from 1959-73. He pitched in 468 career games in a Twins uniform, going 189-152 with a 3.28 ERA (2959.1 IP, 1080 ER), 133 complete games and 1,824 strikeouts and is the Twins' all-time leader in wins and innings pitched. Kaat was inducted into the Twins Hall of Fame in 2001 and was named one of the "50 Greatest Twins" in 2010.
As a Special Assistant, Kaat will engage in various Twins community and business initiatives both in Minnesota as well as Southwest Florida. He joins fellow Twins legends Rod Carew, Tony Oliva, Kent Hrbek and Tom Kelly in this role with the Minnesota franchise.
"The Twins organization is thrilled to have Jim Kaat back on board," Twins President & CEO Dave St. Peter said. "Jim's history with this franchise as well as our game is rich and legendary. It's special to have this opportunity to bring him back home to the community and region he loves so much."
Kaat will be available to the media at the annual Media Luncheon on Friday morning, and also throughout the weekend at TwinsFest.