James McCann (baseball)
A durable MLB catcher known for his defensive prowess, game-calling intelligence, and a powerful throwing arm that lives up to his 'McCannon' nickname.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American baseball player·Birthday: June 13·Millennials
Biography
James McCann has built a solid, respected Major League career the old-fashioned way: as a defensive stalwart behind the plate. Drafted by the Detroit Tigers, he emerged not as a headline-grabbing slugger, but as a pitcher's favorite—a receiver with a keen understanding of game strategy and a cannon for an arm that shuts down the running game. His first All-Star selection in 2019 with the Chicago White Sox was a testament to that value. While his offense has fluctuated, his reputation as a leader and a defensive anchor has remained constant, making him a sought-after veteran for contending teams. From calling games for young rotations in Detroit and Chicago to handling star pitchers with the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles, McCann's career is a blueprint for the lasting value of a catcher who prioritizes the nuances of defense and the trust of his pitching staff.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
James was born in 1990, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When James Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
James's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected as an American League All-Star in 2019 while with the Chicago White Sox.
- Won the American League Gold Glove Award at catcher in 2020.
- Threw out 41% of would-be base stealers in the 2019 season, leading the American League.
- Played a key role as the starting catcher for the New York Mets team that won 101 games in 2022.
- Signed a four-year, $40.6 million contract with the New York Mets prior to the 2021 season.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'McCannon' is a direct reference to his powerful and accurate throwing arm from behind the plate.
He played college baseball at the University of Arkansas.
He and his wife, Jessica, are actively involved in Christian ministry and charity work.
He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 2nd round of the 2011 MLB Draft.
“My job is to make the pitcher look good, to get him through nine innings.”
