Jim Kotkas

Personal

  • 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.