History of James McCann (baseball) in Timeline

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
James McCann (baseball)

James Thomas McCann, nicknamed "McCannon", is a professional baseball catcher currently playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks in MLB. Prior to his tenure with the Diamondbacks, McCann played for the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, and Baltimore Orioles. His career has primarily focused on his role as a catcher in Major League Baseball.

June 13, 1990: James McCann Born

On June 13, 1990, James Thomas McCann, nicknamed "McCannon", was born. He is an American professional baseball catcher.

2006: All-League First Team

In 2006, James McCann was named to the all-league first team in the Channel League.

2007: All-League First Team

In 2007, James McCann was named to the all-league first team in the Channel League.

2008: All-League First Team and MLB Draft

In 2008, James McCann was named to the all-league first team in the Channel League. The White Sox also drafted McCann in the 31st round of the 2008 MLB draft, but he opted to attend college at Arkansas.

2009: Reached College World Series

In 2009, as a freshman at Arkansas, James McCann teamed with future big leaguers to help the Razorbacks reach the 2009 College World Series.

2010: Played Collegiate Summer Baseball

In 2010, James McCann played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2011: Played for United States National Baseball Team

In 2011, James McCann played for the United States national baseball team in the 2011 Baseball World Cup and the 2011 Pan American Games, winning the silver medal in the latter.

2011: Drafted by Detroit Tigers

In 2011, James McCann was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the second round of the 2011 MLB draft, and he signed with the team and made his professional debut.

2012: Invited to Spring Training

In 2012, James McCann was invited to spring training by the Tigers. He began the 2012 season with the Lakeland Flying Tigers and was later promoted to the Erie SeaWolves.

2013: Appeared in All-Star Futures Game

In 2013, after adjusting his offensive approach, James McCann appeared in the All-Star Futures Game.

September 1, 2014: Called Up to MLB

On September 1, 2014, James McCann was called up by the Detroit Tigers, making his MLB debut that day.

September 19, 2014: First MLB Start

On September 19, 2014, James McCann got his first MLB start, catching for Justin Verlander against the Kansas City Royals, and had two hits and a stolen base.

November 2014: Married Jessica

In November 2014, James McCann married his wife, Jessica.

2014: Played with Toledo Mud Hens

In 2014, James McCann began the season with the Toledo Mud Hens of the Triple-A International League.

2014: Home Run Voted Memorable Moment

In 2014, James McCann's home run was voted as the third-most memorable moment in Baum Stadium history by Razorbacks fans.

April 29, 2015: First Major League Home Run

On April 29, 2015, James McCann hit his first major league home run, which was an inside-the-park home run.

May 21, 2015: First Conventional Home Run

On May 21, 2015, James McCann hit his first conventional home run, a walk-off in the 11th inning to give the Tigers a 6–5 victory over the Houston Astros.

June 28, 2015: Walk-Off Home Run Against White Sox

On June 28, 2015, James McCann hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 9th inning, giving the Tigers a 5–4 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

2015: Set Modern Major League Record

In 2015, James McCann set the modern major league record for the number of consecutive games played at catcher to start a career without an error, finishing the season with no errors in 112 games at catcher.

2015: Detroit Tigers Rookie of the Year

In 2015, James McCann was named the 2015 Detroit Tigers/Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association Rookie of the Year. He had a .264 average, 18 doubles, five triples, seven home runs and 41 RBIs, while throwing out 41 percent of potential base stealers.

April 11, 2016: Placed on Disabled List

On April 11, 2016, James McCann suffered a Grade 2 right ankle sprain and was placed on the disabled list.

May 31, 2016: Error-Free Record Ended

On May 31, 2016, James McCann's Major League record of 139 games to start a career at catcher without committing an error ended.

2016: Gold Glove Award Finalist

In 2016, James McCann batted .221 with 12 home runs and 48 RBIs and was named a Gold Glove Award finalist for catcher. He threw out 45 percent of would-be base stealers.

May 26, 2017: Placed on 10-Day DL

On May 26, 2017, James McCann was placed on the 10-day disabled list (DL) because of a left hand laceration.

December 2017: Birth of Twins

In December 2017, James McCann and his wife, Jessica, had their first children, a set of twins.

January 11, 2018: Signed One-Year Deal with Tigers

On January 11, 2018, the Tigers signed James McCann to a one-year deal worth $2.375 million, avoiding arbitration.

November 30, 2018: Non-Tendered by Tigers

On November 30, 2018, the Tigers non-tendered James McCann, making him a free agent.

December 19, 2018: Signed with Chicago White Sox

On December 19, 2018, James McCann signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.

2019: Named to MLB All-Star Game

In 2019, James McCann was named to the MLB All-Star Game as a member of the White Sox.

August 25, 2020: Caught Lucas Giolito's No-Hitter

On August 25, 2020, James McCann was the catcher when Lucas Giolito threw the 19th no-hitter in White Sox history.

December 15, 2020: Signed with New York Mets

On December 15, 2020, James McCann signed a four-year, $40.6 million contract with the New York Mets.

2020: Caught No-Hitter

In 2020, James McCann caught a no-hitter pitched by Lucas Giolito while playing for the White Sox.

May 2022: Surgery for Broken Hamate Bone

In May 2022, James McCann had surgery to repair a broken hamate bone in his left wrist, causing him to miss six weeks.

December 21, 2022: Traded to Baltimore Orioles

On December 21, 2022, the Mets traded James McCann to the Baltimore Orioles.

2022: Caught No-Hitter with Mets

In 2022, James McCann caught a no-hitter with the Mets, pitched by Tylor Megill, Drew Smith, Joely Rodríguez, Seth Lugo, and Edwin Díaz.

January 13, 2023: Luis De La Cruz Sent to Mets

On January 13, 2023, minor league outfielder Luis De La Cruz was sent to the Mets to complete the trade for James McCann.

March 2023: Placed on Injured List

In March 2023, James McCann was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain, missing a week.

August 15, 2023: Pitched in MLB Game

On August 15, 2023, James McCann pitched in an MLB game for the first time, throwing a scoreless eighth inning in a loss to the San Diego Padres.

July 6, 2024: Pitched in MLB Game Against Oakland Athletics

On July 6, 2024, James McCann pitched in an MLB game against the Oakland Athletics, surrendering a two-run homer to Kyle McCann.

July 29, 2024: Played Despite Being Hit in Nose

On July 29, 2024, James McCann played the entirety of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays despite being hit in the nose by a fastball in the first inning.

March 17, 2025: Signed Minor League Contract with Braves

On March 17, 2025, James McCann signed a minor league contract with the Atlanta Braves.

June 23, 2025: Signed Major League Contract with Diamondbacks

On June 23, 2025, James McCann signed a major league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.