Don Kessinger

Don Kessinger was one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball for over a decade. He came up with the Chicago Cubs in 1964 and proceeded to make six National League All-Star teams. Kessinger also won back-to-back Gold Gloves in 1969 and 1970. He set a big league record for shortstops in 1969 by playing in 54 straight games without an error. Kessinger often led baseball in assists and range factor. He went on to play two seasons wth the St. Louis Cardinals and three seasons with the Chicago White Sox. Kessinger also spent the 1979 season as a player-manager with the White Sox. With over 6,000 career assists, he ranks 14th in baseball history. In 1991, Kessinger was hired as the head baseball coach at his alma mater, the University of Mississippi. He spent six seasons with the Rebels and the team produced four 30-win campaigns. They established a new school record with 40 wins in 1995 and reached their first NCAA Regional since 1977. Kessinger subsequently became Ole Miss' Associate Athletics Director for Internal Affairs. He was also chair of the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee. Kessinger is a member of theChicago(land) Sports Hall of Fame, Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame, Wrigley Field Walk of Fame, Ole Miss Sports Hall of Fame,Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, National High School Sports Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.