Kirlin played in the Manitoba Junior Baseball League for six years, four with Transcona and two with Legion 141. He led the league in home runs and was a two-time All-star. He then played for Iowa Western College in 1974 and Augsberg University from 1975-1978. Upon returning to Manitoba in 1978 he started the season in Dauphin. The following season, in 1979, he joined the Elmwood Giants Seniors. With the Giants he was considered a key player, appointed captain and served as playing coach until he retired from playing. While playing with the Elmwood Giants they appeared in the League finals twelve times, winning one Redboine League championship. He then served as the Elmwood Giants Seniors coach until 1997. He led the Giants to fourteen League Finals, one League Championship, one Provincial Championship and four Western Canadian Championship appearances. As a captain and coach he was well respected and loved. He was known for handing out player report cards to teach and encourage his team. He also served on the Redboine Board of Directors from 1989-1998 as a player representative, Vice President and as President.
