Q: Who was the toughest hitter to pitch out?
A: Al Kaline, Hall of Fame outfielder w/ Detroit Tigers. He played from 1955-75.
Q: What was your favorite ballpark?
A: Comiskey Park in Chicago was my best to pitch in. I was very successful there. I liked the coziness of Fenway Park and Wrigley field.
Q: What was your favorite team to play for and who were your favorite teammates?
A: I'm identified with the Minnesota Twins because I played in their organization for 16 years but I enjoyed teammates on all of the teams I played for like the White Sox, I loved Dick Allen. With the Phillies, Yankees and Cardinals, I still have teammates that have remained close friends. Tony Oliva was a favorite, Dick Allen, Mike Schmidt, Bruce Sutter, Steve Carlton, Greg Nettles and Tim McCarver as well. I only had a few teammates that I didn't get along well with and they'll remain nameless.
Q: What was your favorite city?
A: Chicago for it's variety of things to do such as walk the lakeshore. It also has good dining and a real small town feel. In San Francisco I loved to ride the cable cars. San Diego is another favorite because it always has great weather.
Q: What was your biggest thrill in baseball?
A: I had a lot of personal thrills but nothing would top being a part of the 1982 St. Louis Cardinals and winning the World Series. It was extra special because it happened in my 25th and last full season in major league baseball.
Q: Who had the biggest influence on your career?
A: My dad was an avid fan and loved the Philadelphia Athletics and a left handed pitcher named Lefty Grove. Lefty is in the Hall of Fame. I have a picture on my desk of my Dad standing in front of the hall of fame in 1947 when he went to Lefty's Hall of Fame induction. He never taught me how to throw a ball or played catch with me very often but he inspired my interest in the game when I was about 7 years old.
Q: Who was the best manager you played for and why?
A: Chuck Tanner managed me when I was with the White Sox in 1973-75. without his faith in me my career would have ended then. He stuck with me through tough times and I played until 1983. His faith in me added several years of enjoyment for me. Whitey Herzog, manager of the Cardinals when we won the world series in 1982 was the best game strategist I played for. Great at matching up hitters and pitchers, lefty vs. lefty,etc.
Q: What is your all time All-Star 'fantasy' team during your career?
A: My all time all star opponent team:
C- Yogi Berra
1b-Willie Stargell
2b-Joe Morgan
ss-Luis Aparicio
3b- Brooks Robinson
Lf- Ted Williams
Cf- Mickey Mantle
Rf- Frank Robinson
Sp-Sandy Koufax
rp-Rollie Fingers
My all time all star team of teammates
c- Earl Battey
1b-Harmon Killebrew
2b-Willie Randolph
3b-Mike Schmidt
ss-Ozzie Smith
lf- Bob Allison
cf-Garry Maddox
rf-Tony Oliva
sp- Steve Carlton
rp-Bruce Sutter
Q: What would you like to see done differently in the game?
A: I'd like to see the pace of play addressed starting at the lowest minor leagues
Q: What was the biggest win in your career?
A: Pitching the pennant clinching game in 1965 and defeating Washington Senators 2-1. Oh, and striking out my great friend, Don Zimmer for the last out. It was Zim's last at bat in the majors.
Q: What was the most innings you ever pitched in a year?
A: I pitched 304 in 1966 and 305 in 1975 when I was 36 yrs. old...[old for a pitcher].
Q: Do you remeber the home run Mickey Mantle hit off you in 1967 in the 9th inning?
A: Are you kidding me? Of course I remember it....the ball went over the 457 foot sign!
Q: Nancy from Flushing, NY writes:
Hi Jim - I am concerned as to what is wrong with Chien Ming Wang. I'm thinking it's got to be mental, maybe he fears hurting his foot again. It doesn't seem right that he can pitch on the side OK but not in a regulation game. Any thoughts and what can/should be done by the team?
A: Give him time & he’ll be fine!
Q & A Letter, May 2009
Chris from San Francisco, CA, writes:
I'm a big fan, going back to when your baseball card had the smallest writing! You're my favorite color man, along with Kubek.
I've got a basic-but-not-simple question for you: did you ever change speeds on your fastball? Not between 4-seam & 2-seam or cutter, mind you, but did you change speeds on the same pitch? Thanks much - glad to see you back on the scene!
A: Did it regularly by 'choking' the ball a little more with my grip..holding it less in the fingers and just slightly more in the palm of the hand.
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Q: Myles from Sioux Falls, SD, writes: HI, Mr.Kaat,
My name is Myles I am 13 years old. I saw you at the christian center school on july 30 and thought it was great that you came we dont usually get anybody like you here often. I have a question, out of all the teams you played for what was your favorite?
A: I liked them all Myles!
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