From being a Western Canadian Baseball League All-Star to teaching younger players his ways.
Left-handed pitching legend, Kenny Jinks, made his return to the Swift Current 57’s once again for the 2025 summer season, but this time as a coach.
The 6-foot-4 strikeout artist joined Swift Current back in 2022 after hearing about the WCBL from his roommates at Wheeling University in West Virginia. Immediately, Jinks settled in with the team and became a powerhouse pitcher within the organization and a gem to citizens in the Swift Current community.
After a three-game stint with the Missoula PaddleHeads of the independent Pioneer League, Jinks is back in Saskatchewan with the 57’s as their new pitching coach under head coach Ruddy Estrella.
He joined Saskatchewan Dugout Stories for a conversation about his return to Swift Current, his plans with the organization, and the transition from powerhouse pitcher to calm, cool and collected coach.
1. What is your fondest memory of Swift Current?
When I struck out 18 people last year against Moose Jaw. June 6, I believe. That was a pretty memorable night, things were going well for pitching.
2. How does it feel to go from a player to a coach?
It’s a different transition but it’s the same game that I’ve been playing for the last 20 years so it’s not too hard but being more interactive with not just teammates now but your own players and pitchers is a little bit different but it’s been a pretty good transition.
3. What do you hope to bring to the table this year as a coach?
Just a little bit more on the mental side of pitching. Mentally in the game, making sure that they are mentally strong and that they know that they can do it and give them the confidence to do it. Going out, playing your game in your style, however you pitch.
4. What would it mean to you to bring Swift Current to the WCBL championship?
It would mean a lot. The past couple years have been a little down for Swift and getting back to the Swift Current winning way would be great for this community.
5. What does Swift Current mean to you as a city?
It’s a home away from a home. I’ve been with the same billets for the past 3 years. I talk to them every week when I’m at school or when I was coaching. It’s just another home. I love the people here. I do a lot of volunteer community work throughout the summer to myself and the team out there.
6. What is a highlight that you have with the team so far this season?
How well the guys meshed so quickly. We got in and all the guys were so friendly with each other and I think that gel is keeping us together. We’re a gritty team and so it’s very enjoyable.
7. Where do you see your next steps going in the future?
Hopefully it’s with baseball. I’m still training for pro baseball but then if not, hopefully this coaching thing gets going. I’m enjoying it a lot so far.
Tales of Baseball 