Terry Kirlin was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Kirlin was an excellent player and an even better coach. He played in the Manitoba Junior Baseball League for six years, four of which were with Transcona, and two were with Legion 141. He led the league in home runs and was on the all-star team two times. Kirlin then played for Iowa Western College in 1974, and Augsburg University from 1975-78. Upon returning to Manitoba in 1978, he started playing ball with Dauphin’s senior team. Following one season with them, in 1979 he joined the Elmwood Giants’ senior team. With the Giants, Kirlin was considered a key player. He was appointed team captain and later served as playing coach for many years. While playing with the Elmwood Giants, they appeared in the league finals 12 times and won a Redboine League championship. Kirlin then served as the senior Elmwood Giants’ coach until 1997. From this coaching role, he led the team to 14 league finals, one league championship, one provincial championship, and four western Canadian championship appearances. As captain and coach he was well respected and loved. Kirlin was known for handing out player report cards to teach and encourage his team. He also served on the Redboine Board of Directors from 1989-98 as a player representative, vice president, and president.
