A pioneering baseball league in Nebraska launched dozens of MLB careers. Then it collapsed. - Flatwater Free Press

A pioneering baseball league in Nebraska launched dozens of MLB careers. Then it collapsed. - Flatwater Free Press

Jim Kaat knew in 1957 – and maintains today – that the best place to launch his Major League Baseball career was in central Nebraska. Kaat, who won 283 games as a pitcher, made three All Star games and is now a Hall of Famer, makes a compelling case for Nebraska. And he’s not alone.  In four years, Nebraska helped send more than 40 players to the majors through the Nebraska State League, a then-innovative minor league class exclusively for first…