Don Kainer

Donald Wayne Kainer

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 3", Weight 205 lb.
• School University of Texas at Austin
• High School Milby High School
• Debut September 6, 1980
• Final Game October 5, 1980
• Born September 3, 1955 in Houston, TX USA

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Biographical Information

Don Kainer posted an excellent 1.83 ERA in 19 2/3 innings during his four games in the bigs with the 1980 Texas Rangers.

Born in Houston, TX, Don went to the University of Texas and was part of their 1975 College World Series champion team. Drafted in the 13th round (1977, June), he went straight to AA ball for six games in 1977, posting a 3.38 ERA, and skipping the rookie league level as well as A level. He split 1978 between AA and AAA ball, with an ERA of 4.63, and then was in AAA ball for all of 1979, with an ERA over 5.00. The next year, he improved to 2.87 in AAA, and came to the majors in September, 1980. In 1981 and 1982, he was again at the highest minor league level. In all, he had six seasons in the minors, of which parts of five were at the AAA level.

His teammates and fellow pitchers on the 1980 Rangers included Fergie Jenkins, Gaylord Perry and Charlie Hough, all of whom were much older than him.

Don's brother, Ronald Kainer, pitched in the Kansas City Royals chain.