The 71-year-old former Major League pitcher Jim Kaat is visiting the Netherlands these days. He will talk to the junior national team players on Wednesday and will tell them what it takes to reach the big leagues. They are also going to the field for some drills in the evening. Born in Zeeland, Michigan, his family originates from the Netherlands.
Kaat pitched in the MLB for the Twins, Phillies, Cardinals, White Sox and Yankees between 1959 and 1983, winning 283 games with a career ERA of 3.45. He won the World Series in 1982 with St. Louis, was named to the All-Star Game three times and received a Gold Glove as the best fielding pitcher 16 times. Since a brief stint as pitching coach with the Reds he is working as a sportscaster for numerous networks.