Jim Kotkas

Jim-kotkas -bioPersonal

  • Married to Darci (1993), 2 children Jay (1998) and Kara (2001).
  • Currently resides in Lethbridge, Alberta.
  • Graduated from Southern Utah State University with Major in both Physical Education and Psychology.
  • Recipient of the “Dad of the Year” Award in 2004 and 2008.

Early Playing Years-Early Playing Career

  • Born and raised in Lethbridge, AB.
  • Played in 5 Little League Canadian Championships.
  • Represented Canada in the 1977 Little League World Series and the 1979 Senior Little League World Series.
  • Played on two Montana State American Legion Championship teams (1981/1983).

Collegiate Baseball – Playing Career

  • Played in two National Junior College World Series (1983/1984).
  • Won 1984 National Junior College World Series with College of Southern Idaho.
  • Played 2 years at Southern Utah State University.

International Baseball Experience

  • Member of the 1981 Canadian Junior National Team.
  • Played 7 years (1985-1991) with the Canadian Senior National Team.
  • 1985  Intercontinental Cup – Edmonton, AB.
  • 1986  Pacific Cup, Kindersley, Sask.
  • 1987  Pan-American Games – Indianapolis, Indiana
  • 1987 Intercontinental Cup – Havana, Cuba
  • 1987 Recipient of the Jimmy Rattlesnake Award for Outstanding Ability and Sportsmanship on Team Canada
  • 1988  Summer Olympics – Seoul, Korea
  • 1988 World Championships – Milan, Italy
  • 1988 Pre-Olympic Cup – Seoul, Korea
  • 1988 Honkbal Week – Harlem, Netherlands
  • 1988 Pacific Cup – Taipai, Taiwan
  • 1989  U.S. Series  –  Millington, Tennessee
  • 1990  Goodwill Games – Seattle, Washington
  • 1990 World Championships – Edmonton, Alberta
  • 1990 Inaugural World All-Star Game – Atlanta Georgia (*One of two players to be selected to represent Canada in this event*)
  • 1991  Honkbal Week – Rotterdam, Netherlands
  • 1991 Pan-American Games – Havana, Cuba

Coaching Career

  • 1992 – present – Hitting/Outfield Coach for the Lethbridge Elks Montana State American Legion Program.
  • 2006 – present – Hitting/Outfield Coach for the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball.
  • Recipient of “Coach of the Year Award” 1999 and 2004 for Montana State American Legion.