Jim's hometown of Zeeland, Michigan, honored their baseball hero by developing three regulation Little League baseball fields at Helder Park.

Zeeland's Little League baseball program has grown by leaps and bounds. Today about 1,000 children participate in the program. The new baseball complex will not only increase the opportunities for young people to play, it will reduce the overcrowding and overuse of other facilities in the region. And everyone will benefit by having more green space in an increasingly crowded environment.

Throughout Jim Kaat's 25-year major league career, Jim brought honor to his hometown of Zeeland, Michigan, not only as a professional athlete, but as a person of humility and grace. The qualities he exhibited on and off the playing field--character, courage, and loyalty--are the same qualities embraced by Little League Baseball.

Construction of the Jim Kaat Baseball Park is nearly finished, with the exception of lights on the fields. A fund has been established in the name of MaryAnn Kaat, Jim's late wife of 22 years, to honor her memory. If you would like to make a contribution to this project, click here now. Please note MaryAnn Kaat memorial fund when making a payment.  All funds are managed through the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area.

For more information, please contact Julie Von Ins, Campaign Administrator, #616-786-0900. 
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Lights at Jim Kaat Baseball Park are in memory of the baseball great’s late wife MaryAnn Kaat, who was the light of his life for 22 years. Less than a year after her death, she’s helping bring light to Little League baseball players in Zeeland, Michigan.

Click here to read A shining tribute  on MyZeeland.com, an article about the new lights at the Jim Kaat Baseball Park,
dated: 4-17-2009


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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, Zeeland, Michigan, 4-28-2009
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As a parent of a little league player and wife of a coach, I just wanted to say 'thank you'.  The lights were dedicated and lit tonight.  It is just wonderful for our community.  Thank you for giving us this gift.

Wendy, Zeeland, MI, 5-7-2009
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Dear Mr Kaat,

Just wanted to send you a note of Thank You for your generousity and kindness in regard to the Jim Kaat Little League fields in Zeeland.  My son Ben is now playing in the Zeeland Rec Program Little League and is enjoying so much playing like a "Big Leaguer" on your wonderful fields.  What a joy it is for all of the parents of the kids to enjoy this wonderful park.  My son's name is Ben Munro and I am Tom Munro. You may remember my sister Dianne Munro from your days as a youngster in Zeeland.  We all thank you again for all you have done for the kids of Zeeland. 

Sincerely, Tom M., Zeeland, MI, 5-10-2009
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