The photo above shows President John F. Kennedy shaking hands with Senators pitcher Marty Kutyna on Opening Day on Monday April 9, 1962. The previous season’s Opening Day, President Kennedy also threw out the ceremonial first pitch. On that day, Kutyna stood in the front of a mob of Senator players hoping to catch Kennedy’s toss.

The Commander in Chief instead threw the ball toward the back of the line of major leaguers. When JFK made his return in ’62, Kutyna made an adjustment in anticipation of a mighty toss. The hurler’s hunch paid off as the president launched a toss that bounced off of a few gloves before nestling in Kutyna’s leather.

After catching the pitch, Kutyna shook hands with Kennedy and had him sign the ball. In the collection is a photo that captures the handshake with the President. Kutyna has added his autograph to the image.

In this letter former Senators and Athletics pitcher Marty Kutyna details the events surrounding his chance encounter with President John Fitzgerald Kennedy.

Though he appeared in 159 games in his four-year MLB career, his highlight in baseball likely came in a game in which he did not pitch. It came on April 9, 1962 when he caught JFK’s ceremonial first pitch, shook the President’s hand, and had him autograph the ball. The incredible story is told in great detail by Kutyna in this handwritten letter.

Kutyna was also directly involved in trades involving notable baseball figures. In 1957 the Cardinals packaged him in a deal for labor pioneer Curt Flood. After the 1960 season the right-hander was dealt with cash from the Kansas City Athletics to the Washington Senators. In return the A’s received future Boston Red Sox owner, Haywood Sullivan.