Canadians in the Major Leagues: Kirk McCaskill

Yesterday I profiled Kevin Reimer, an outfielder who was born in Georgia and lives in British Columbia. Today I'm going in the opposite direction.  Today I'm taking a look at Kirk McCaskill.

Originally, there was confusion on where he was born. As a farm prospect for the original Winnipeg Jets, he was listed as being born in Paradise Valley, Arizona. The Official Baseball Guide listed his birthplace as Burlington, Vermont. Finally, the 1987 Baseball Encyclopedia listed his birthplace as Kapuskasing, Ontario.

The full story is this: He was born in Kapuskasing where his father was playing hockey. After living in "Kap" for two years, they moved to Nashville, Tennessee. According to Jim Shearon's Canada's Baseball Legends, Kirk is proud to have been born in Canada, but feels he is American. 

I find it funny that he was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets as well. He did play one season in the minors for the Jets, but decided after the season to pursue his baseball career. 

Another Canadian connection for McCaskill was where he played AAA ball. Since he was a player for the Angels, their AAA team in the Pacific Coast League was in Edmonton, Alberta. 

Borrowed from comc.com I do want this card though. 

McCaskill played for the Angels and the White Sox.