Jim,
Growing up in Duluth, MN, my early baseball memories are of my baseball-loving family glued to the radio, listening to the Twins broadcasts with Halsey Hall and Herb Carneal.  My grandmother was an avid baseball fan, both of the Minneapolis Millers and St Paul Saints, who was thrilled to have a "big league" team in Minnesota, and who wouldn't miss a single Twins broadcast. After the games, we kids would go out and play ball, each imagining he was Harmon Killebrew or Zoilo Versalles, or Camilo Pascual or Jim Kaat.  When my father and uncles took all of us cousins to our first Twins game, Grandma came too, even though at 80 she could barely walk after breaking her hip.  We sat in the right field bleachers behind Bob Allison.  You pitched that day and I believe you won the game.  It was following that game that my younger brother (a righty) decided that he could pitch like Jim Kaat - at the expense of the living room window. 
I moved to New York 25 years ago and became a co-fan of the Twins and Yankees. Along with my friend Gene, a fellow Minnesotan and avid Twins fan, I was thrilled to take my 6 year old twin boys to their first baseball game May 17, 1998, when David Wells pitched his perfect game- against the Twins.
When you began broadcasting the Yankees games I became an avid listener once again.  We miss your dignity and insight. We thought you were the best then and maintain you were one of the best pitchers of your day.  If the fans voted for the Hall of Fame, you would be there, both as a player and a broadcaster.
Now that I have found your webpage, I hope to get a chance to see you at one of the events you attend in the New York area. 
It is an honor to be able to send this to you, I know this would make my Grandma smile.
Norris O., Bronx NY, sent 7-9-2009
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Dear Mr. Kaat:

As an avid baseball fan, I recently read your book STILL PITCHING.  What a refreshing, inspiring story about a local Zeelander making it to the big leagues. Would it be possible to receive an autogrpahed photo of yourself for my collection?  I thank you kindly.

By the way, I moved to Port Richey from Wyoming, MI a few years ago.  You guessed it!  I went to school with your cousins, the Boelemas.  I remember a story Julie told when we were in the fourth grade at Southwest Christian School back in the late 60's that she was related to Jim Kaat,the pitcher.  I thought WOW!! To be related to a pro ball player and have one in the family. 


Thanks again.  Mr. Kaat.

Sincerely,
Arie N., Port Richey, FL, sent 7-8-2009
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Dear Mr. Kaat - Two years ago I wrote a letter telling you about my son, Caleb Thielbar, and asked if you would personally sign one of your books for him.  You very kindly complied.  I just wanted to let you know that this past week he was drafted in the 18th round by the Milwaukee Brewers after he finished a successful four-year career at South Dakota State University. 
 
So many people have encouraged Caleb during his life and he cherishes the book that you signed for him.  As another left-handed pitcher, you were a tremendous role model to point him towards. 
 
I don't want to take too much of your time but wanted you to know that a young man's dream has come true and he is "getting a shot".  Thank you for the encouragement you gave him by taking the time to sign that book.  His Dad, Caleb and I all appreciate you as a ballplayer and, most of all, as a man.
 
Sincerely,
 
Janet from Randolph, Minnesota, 6-15-2009
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Dear Jim,

Just wanted you to know how much I miss hearing your voice coming from the booth during the Yankee games.  You are one of the most knowledgable baseball person I've ever known.  What are the chances of you coming back to the Yes Network and doing the Yankee games once again?

Joanne from Patchogue, NY, 6-15-2009
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Jim,  I am a huge fan of yours and followed your career since i was 8yrs old. I pitched 22 yrs of mens softball and took great pride in my fielding. I know you are the ultimate fielder at your position and saved your teams many times. i feel honored to even contact you and glad you are well. You deserve the Hall of Fame. Take care and continued health and success.
Paul from Dryden, MI, 6-1-2009
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Hi Jim. 
I hope I finally found a venue for which to reach you. I don't know if you remember me, but I wanted to let you know how you changed my life.  I was a little fat kid in 1980 who rode along with my dad to your farm near Philly. He worked for an Amishman, E.J. Stoltzfus, and I believe they worked on your barn that summer. For some reason, you took a liking to my dad, a short feisty guy, and you gave us tickets to about 10 Phillies games (most if not all which were against your Cards at the time). I believe he also attended a bowling banquet with you that was hosted by Garry Maddox or Mike Schmidt (I can't remember...I was only 6).  Anyway, I wasn't into baseball very much at 6 yrs old when I met you.  But, after spending time at your farm and my dad spending that very brief time with you, I just fell in love with the game. That is only the beginning, however.  When I was 12 yrs old, I was diagnosed with leukemia and not given much of a chance to make it. The treatments were painful and intense, as you might imagine.  But, I believe along with the help of God and my family, baseball was instrumental in beating the cancer. Every day I sat in that hospital just waiting for the treatments to end so I could get outside and play on my little league team and then later on, my high school team.  So, Jim, thank you for being so kind to my dad and to me as well.  I don't know what I would have done without baseball to focus on while I was fighting through that time in my life. 
Regards, Chuck, Leola, PA, 5-13-2009

Kitty's response:

Dear Chuck,
Wow! What an awesome story. I'm writing this through tears of joy. With all the negative publicity baseball tends to get these days, it is heartwarming to hear how it influenced your life in a positive way. I'm humbled that I was a small part of it. I remember vividly Elam's crew coming to restore my barn and jumping in my pool to cool off before heading back to Paradise ?? I think....I had a wonderful day at his home that summer and enjoyed some 'Shoo fly pie'!!
 
All the best to you and thanks for the memories!
 
Jim

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Jim,
While cleaning out my grandma's house a few years ago, we found a baseball autographed by you, along with a newsclipping with the story behind the autograph.  My dad's brother, Danny Lundberg, was an all star baseball player at the age of 13.  His baseball career was cut short when he died of cancer a few years later, but not before he had the chance to meet with you--his baseball idol.  You met with him and gave him an autographed baseball, which was held dearly by my grandma, before she passed away.  I am wondering if you remember this story at all?
Thanks,
Emily L, Roseville, MN, 5-13-2009

Kitty's response:

Hi Emily,
I remember it well....I had the privilege of spending good times with Danny right up to his death and attended his funeral. My son, Jim, who is 48 now,still has the Bible Danny gave him. Jim was about 7 or 8 at the time. Thank you for reminding me of this great young man who had his priorities right. Forever is a lot longer than the time we have on earth.
 
My best wishes to you and your family.
 
Jim
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Jim, I am a longtime fan of yours. I really enjoyed listened to you on the Yes Channel. My condolences on the loss of your wife. I hope to hear more of your insightful analysis in the future.
Go Yanks
Vito, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, 5-13-2009
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Jim,
My son signed to play for the Hannibal Caveman in summer'09. He is looking forward to having you work with him. 6'1" lefty from Valpo.
Thanks
Rick G., Appleton, WI, 5-5-2009
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Jim,
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!
Chris J., San Francisco, CA, 5-4-2009
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Hello,
I just wanted to write and say hello and thank you. I am a lifetime Twins fan and I wanted to thank you for all the great games you played in Minnesota. I am trying to get to the Bob Feller Museum on July 1st, but I may not make it. It is
about 4 hours drive from where I live. Anyway thank you again for all the great years and moments with the Minnesota Twins.
WIN TWINS!
John P., Lawrence, KS, 5-4-2009
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Jim,

As a baseball fan and native of Zeeland I've grown up a fan.  Wanted to let you know how much I now enjoy watching my son play baseball at Jim Kaat park.  Hope you are well.

Joel from Zeeland, MI, 4-28-2009
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Mr. Kaat,

First, let me say how sorry I am to hear of the passing of your wife, MaryAnn. Your love for her is as evident in your writing as is your love for the game of baseball.

I was introduced to baseball by my grandfather in 1957 when I was 5 years old. He took me to Yankee Stadium where we sat in the bleachers near what was then the right-field bullpen. Leaning over the side rail, he pointed out that the left-handed pitcher warming up was named Whitey Ford. I was so excited I yelled out, "Hi, Mr. Ford!" To my surprise, he looked up and nodded. 52 years later and I remember this moment as though it happened yesterday.

I am what today is called a mixed race -- my mother was black, my father white. I don't mention this to recall my own experiences growing up, but to highlight something I learned from my grandfather through the years. He was a diehard Minnesota Twins fan, and you and Camilo Pascual were two of his favorite pitchers. Since I am also lefthanded, you became one of my favorites, too.

Mt grandfather used to say that there were some white ballplayers who played like black ballplayers. What he meant was that some whites exhibited the same grace and fluidity of movement he saw in the black players. This, as you may know, was often said of basketball players, but your graceful athleticism on the field earned his, and my, respect forever.

As a broadcaster you were one of the first people I heard tout the ballplayers in the Negro Leagues. My grandfather often went to those games, and some of the stories I've heard you tell are quite similar to those my grandfather told me.

I guess what I am trying to say after all this rambling is that I could not be happier to learn that you are back in baseball's broadcast family. It's nice to know that someone who respects the traditions of the game, and recognizes its origins, is here to pass these truths onto another generations of fans.

Good luck to you, sir, in whatever you do. It's great to have you home.

Tony, Flushing, NY, 4-26-2009

Kitty's response:
Tony,
Thank You so much for your kind words. I am humbled by them. I was so fortunate to be raised by parents who were color blind. I competed against the Grand Rapids Black Sox and Jess Elster's Colored Athletics as a teenager playing against grown men.Yes, they actually referred to the team as 'Colored' in the 50's!  I used to stop and pick up my teammates, Earl Battey and Lenny Green at the Sadler hotel in Orlando, Fl. in 1958. They had to stay at a separate hotel than us white players. I was asked by the dean of the college I went to if I would room with Rudy Einar, a black student from NY attending a practically all white Dutch college. He knew the way I was raised and knew I would do it. I did. My roomate in 1958 in Missoula, Montana was Sandy Valdespino, a black Cubano. We became great friends and were teammates on the 1965 Twins that went to the World Series. My broadcast mentor was Bill White, a black announcer for the Yankees for many years. Two of my favorite teammates were Dick Allen and George Hendrick, both black. I say these things not to boast or pretend I was special in anyway, just as a compliment to my parents who raised me the right way.

I wish it were different for all the great Negro stars before Jackie came along....Josh Gibson, Satchel, Judy Johnson, Roy Dandridge and on and on.
 
I was a gifted athlete and I'm grateful for that. I did nothing to deserve it. I just tried to make the most of it and do it right. I hope I did.
 
Thank You so much for your support,
 
Jim
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Nancy from Flushing, NY:
Q: 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: Hi Nancy,
Give him time & he’ll be fine!
Regards, Kitty
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Kitty,  I just wanted to welcome you back. You are honest, frank , and a breath of fresh air.  I look forward to hearing you and reading as well in the months and years ahead.  My sincere condolences on your loss.  I've been married 32 years and I don't know how I would be able to deal with it.  God bless you!
Ed K., Bloomfield, NJ,  4-23-2009
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Jim, Miss you greatly on the Yankee broadcasts. You just added a touch of knowledge of pitching and the game of baseball that was unique and special. Glad to hear you're active in the game again. My son is an 18 yr old college freshman who appears to be done with baseball and has taken up rugby. I miss seeing him play. I've started to go to watch his former high school team play. I also followed the Washington Senators as a kid as I went to DC to visit my grandmother and Aunt in the summer during the late 50's and early '60s. Went to games at Griffith Field and actually went to the '62 All Star Game in what was the new DC Stadium. I never will forget in that game when Maury Wills took a big turn going around second and deeked Rocky Colavito into throwing behind him and then beating the throw to third. My Aunt worked for the Voice of America in DC and one of their sports reporters got me an autographed baseball with a few names you would recognize; Pedro Ramos, Camilio Pascual, Zoilo Versailles and Sandy Valdespino.   

N. Costello, North Branford, CT,  4-18-2009
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Hello Mr. Kaat,

My name is M. Feldstein, I am 22 years old and just graduated a semester early from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT where I majored in broadcast journalism and minored in history. I have loved your work over the years and ultimately want to be a baseball broadcaster, the game I love the most without hesitation. I know you are a busy man and have much going on in your life, but I would love to learn more about the craft and the game from one of the best there is. I would be willing to meet you if you are in the tri-state area at anytime or talk over the phone. Thank you for your time and your contributions to the game.

Sincerely,

M. Feldstein, Holbrook, NY, 4-18-2009

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I am so glad to hear that you will be calling the Home Opener at Yankee Stadium.  Your presence in the booth has been sorely missed because you bring a down to earth style to how you announce a game and it is so wonderful to hear that you're back!!!

S. Smith, Netcong, NJ, 4-13-2009

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I am a lifelong Yankee fan who appreciates good players irrespective of team. I respected you as a player and enjoyed you very much on the Yankee broadcasts.  I was very disappointed when you "retired," since I found your commentary and stories to be very insightful and entertaining. I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your wife and am very glad to see you getting back into the game. Best wishes and welcome back!

S. Fitch, Coeur d’Alene, IA, 4-13-2009

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Yay Jimmy, so happy you are coming back to YES but MORE important I am so sorry about the passing of your beloved wife. Jim I keep you and your family in my prayers.

  I've missed you in the booth and ESPECIALLY SO when I have my FAVORITE!! Yankee classic on, the 7/1/04 Game @ Yankee stadium V. the Red Sox :-(( ... so MUCH electricity in the stadium that day and I've had that game on so many times that I  know a lot of the dialogue among you, Michael Kay and beloved Bobby Murcer. God Bless you Jim, so glad you will be back on YES ... you have bee missed very much. God Bless you, B. Maria, Scarsdale, NY, 4-13-2009

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Please say hello from B. Molinari to Jim. I worked for the Salvation Army during the '90's and Jim came to my golf events in Cooperstown. I'm retired now and write books and make wine. Tell him good luck and God bless.

B. Molinari, Oswego, NY, 4-13-2009