Don Kessinger Biography: Height, Net Worth, MLB Career, Parents, Wife, Awards, Wife, Strikeouts, Religion, Ethnicity, Age
Donald Eulon Kessinger, professionally called Don Kessinger, is an American former professional baseball shortstop, manager and coach.
He played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball, chiefly for the Chicago Cubs, earning six All-Star selections and two Gold Glove Awards.
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He later managed Chicago White Sox and coached his alma mater, University of Mississippi, before entering the real estate business in Oxford.
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Donald Eulon Kessinger |
| Stage Name: | Don Kessinger |
| Born: | July 17, 1942 (age 84 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Forrest City, Arkansas, United States |
| Nationality: | American |
| Ethnicity: | White American |
| Height: | 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) |
| Religion: | Christianity |
| Parents: | Howard Kessinger and Ida Kessinger |
| Siblings: | William Kessinger and Betty Kessinger |
| Spouse: | Carolyn Crawley |
| Children: | Keith Kessinger and Kevin Kessinger |
| Occupation: | Former Professional Baseball Player, Manager, Coach and Businessman |
| Net Worth: | $2 Million |
Early Life and Education
Donald Eulon Kessinger was born on July 17, 1942, in Forrest City, Arkansas, United States, to Howard and Ida Kessinger. He grew up alongside his older brother, William, and sister, Betty.
His father operated a grocery store, while his mother worked in the family business. He attended Forrest City High School before enrolling at the University of Mississippi, excelling in baseball and basketball. His zodiac sign is Cancer, and his religion is Christianity.
Career
Don Kessinger developed his sporting abilities while growing up in Forrest City, Arkansas, participating in baseball, basketball, football and track and field.
At Forrest City High School, he became an outstanding multi-sport athlete, earning all-state recognition in basketball and football.
He received a basketball scholarship to the University of Mississippi, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. During his college career, he earned All-American honours in both sports in 1964.
He also helped Ole Miss win the Southeastern Conference baseball championship that year and advance to the College World Series.
Following his impressive college performances, the Chicago Cubs signed him as an amateur free agent in 1964. He made his Major League Baseball debut on September 7, 1964, against the Milwaukee Braves.
Kessinger established himself as Chicago’s regular shortstop during the 1965 season, becoming an important defensive presence in the team’s infield.
His consistent performances earned him six National League All-Star selections between 1968 and 1974.
In 1969, he received his first Gold Glove Award, recognising his defensive excellence.
He won another Gold Glove in 1970 and established a major league record for shortstops by completing 54 consecutive games without committing an error in 1969.
During the 1970 season, he scored 100 runs and finished among the leading defensive shortstops in the National League.
After spending 11 seasons with the Cubs, Kessinger was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in October 1975. He played for the Cardinals during the 1976 and part of the 1977 season before being traded to the Chicago White Sox in August 1977.
In October 1978, he was appointed the White Sox player-manager, becoming the final player-manager in American League history. He managed the team during the 1979 season before resigning on August 2, 1979, bringing his professional playing career to an end.
He finished with 1,931 hits, 14 home runs, 527 runs batted in and 100 stolen bases, alongside a .252 career batting average in 2,078 games.
Following his retirement from professional baseball, Kessinger returned to the University of Mississippi in 1991 as head baseball coach.
During his six-year tenure, he recorded 185 victories and 153 defeats. His 1995 team achieved a school-record 40 victories and secured the university’s first NCAA regional appearance since 1977.
He resigned from coaching in 1996 to become an assistant athletic director at the university. He subsequently established Kessinger Real Estate Company in Oxford, Mississippi, specialising in residential and commercial property sales and developments.
He also received recognition from several sporting institutions, including the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1981, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame.
Awards and Nominations
- 1962: All-SEC baseball selection
- 1963: All-SEC baseball and basketball selections
- 1964: Baseball and basketball All-American
- 1964: All-SEC baseball and basketball selections
- 1968: National League All-Star selection
- 1969: National League All-Star selection
- 1969: National League Gold Glove Award
- 1970: National League All-Star selection
- 1970: National League Gold Glove Award
- 1971: National League All-Star selection
- 1972: National League All-Star selection
- 1974: National League All-Star selection
- 1977: Lou Gehrig Memorial Award
- 1981: Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame inductee
- 1984: Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame inductee
- Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame inductee
- Chicago Sports Hall of Fame inductee
Personal Life
Don Kessinger married Carolyn Crawley on February 20, 1965. They have two sons, Keith and Kevin Kessinger, who both pursued baseball careers and played for the University of Mississippi under their father.
His grandson, Grae Kessinger, also became a professional baseball player. Beyond baseball, Kessinger enjoys family activities, Christian ministry and business development.
He established his real estate company in 1996. His height is 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm).
Net Worth
Don Kessinger has an estimated net worth of $2 million USD. His financial standing comes from his 16-season Major League Baseball career, during which he represented the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago White Sox.
His subsequent coaching, university administrative responsibilities and establishment of Kessinger Real Estate Company also contributed to his professional earnings and business interests.
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