Don Heinkel

The first star pitcher of the Gene Stephenson-era Wichita State Shockers, Don Heinkel was a high school standout in Racine, Wisconsin.  Heinkel was drafted by the Kansas City Royals after his senior season in 1978, but not to sign and came to Wichita State.

As a sophomore at WSU, Heinkel posted a 14-3 record, followed by 14-4 as a junior.  As a senior in 1982, he was 16-5 and led the Shockers to a runner-up finish in their first appearance in the College World Series

For his time at Wichita State, Heinkel was named All-Missouri Valley Conference three times and was a first team All-American his senior season.  His 51 career wins remain an NCAA record.  In addition to twice being named WSU’s pitcher of the year, he received the team’s Academic Leadership Award three times and was an Academic All-American his senior year.

Following his senior season, Heinkel was drafted by Detroit and made his debut for the Tigers in 1988.  He pitched in 21 games out of the bullpen for a 3.96 earned run average.  Following the season, Heinkel signed with St. Louis as a free agent.  He started five games with the Cardinals in 1989, compiling a 1-1 record.  Heinkel finished his professional career with the Wichita Wranglers in 1993.

In 1999, Heinkel graduated from medical school at the University of South Alabama and became a family medicine specialist in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

In 2010, Heinkel was elected to the National College Baseball Hall of Fame.