Mike Kingery – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Mike Kingery spent more than a decade in Major League Baseball, playing as a versatile outfielder for multiple teams. He wrapped up his pro baseball journey in 1996 after his final season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, closing out a career that stretched across parts of 10 seasons and six different teams. Once he hung up his cleats, he headed back to Minnesota and settled down with his family.

Kingery’s path through the big leagues took him from Seattle to Colorado, with stops in San Francisco, Kansas City, Oakland, and Pittsburgh along the way. He never really reached superstar status, but he was a steady contributor—especially in 1994, when he had his best season with the Colorado Rockies, making the most of Coors Field’s hitter-friendly park.

Now, Kingery lives in Willmar, Minnesota, where he’s focused on family. The former Pirate and his wife Chris have eight kids, and they’ve built a life that goes well beyond baseball. He’s really the definition of a journeyman player who squeezed every drop out of his time in America’s pastime.

Mike Kingery’s Professional Baseball Career

Mike Kingery’s baseball story covers a decade and seven different MLB teams, starting with his 1986 debut and finishing up with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1996. He showed a lot of grit and adaptability as he bounced around the American and National Leagues.

Early MLB Debut and Rule 5 Draft

Kingery broke into the majors on July 7, 1986, with the Kansas City Royals. Born in St. James, Minnesota, on March 29, 1961, he didn’t exactly take the usual route to the big leagues.

His career took a turn when a team picked him in the Rule 5 Draft, which lets clubs grab certain non-roster players from other organizations. That draft really set his early career in motion as he moved between teams.

Kingery fought for playing time early on, usually as a fourth outfielder. His speed and defense kept him valuable, even when he didn’t get many at-bats. He flashed enough potential during those years to keep getting chances.

Teams Played For Across MLB

Kingery’s journey took him all over the majors:

• Kansas City Royals (1986-1987)
• Seattle Mariners (1988-1989)
• San Francisco Giants (1990)
• Oakland Athletics (1991)
• Colorado Rockies (1994-1995)
• Pittsburgh Pirates (1996)

He saw all sorts of baseball cultures and ballparks. Oakland was tough on hitters, Colorado was a dream for them, and Kingery had to adjust his game at every stop.

He spent the most time with the Mariners, suiting up for 231 games over two seasons. Wherever he landed, he brought a veteran’s presence and plenty of versatility.

Notable Highlights and Career Milestones

Kingery really hit his stride later in his career. In 1994 with the Rockies, he batted a career-best .349 in 105 games, thriving in the high-altitude, hitter-friendly Coors Field.

He followed that up in 1995 with another strong year, hitting .295 and setting personal bests in home runs and RBIs. That persistence paid off, even as he got older.

Over his MLB run, Kingery collected more than 500 hits and kept his career batting average above .260. He never hit for much power, but he put the ball in play and used his speed.

Managers liked Kingery because he could handle all three outfield spots. That flexibility made him a go-to option when teams needed to shuffle their lineup.

Final Season and Retirement in 1996

Kingery finished his major league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1996. At 35, he mostly filled a veteran role and played part-time in the outfield.

After leaving pro baseball, Kingery moved back to Minnesota, where he’d been a standout at Atwater High School. He settled in Willmar and started life after baseball right where he grew up.

He played through the 1990s baseball era, seeing the league expand and change. Like a lot of players from that time, he had to stay flexible as the game evolved.

Playing Style and On-Field Performance

Mike Kingery built his 11-year MLB career (1986-1996) on steady hitting and defensive versatility. He never became a household name, but his reliable bat and outfield skills made him a useful addition for six different teams.

Batting Average and Hitting Approach

Kingery finished with a .268 career batting average over his 11 seasons. He focused on making contact, not swinging for the fences. Kingery liked to spray the ball to all fields and earned a reputation as a dependable contact hitter.

His best year at the plate came in 1994 with the Rockies, batting .349 in 105 games. Coors Field helped, sure, but that average showed what he could do at his peak.

Over time, Kingery adjusted his approach. He started out mostly hitting singles but found more gap power as his career went on. Adapting to different pitchers and teams probably helped him stick around as long as he did.

Fielding Skills and Versatility

Kingery’s defensive game was a big part of his value. He mainly played outfield but could handle all three spots without missing a beat. His speed and instincts made him a smart choice in the field.

Managers often used him as a starter or late-game defensive replacement. Kingery’s reliable glove kept him in the lineup, even when he wasn’t hitting much.

While he never won a Gold Glove, Kingery offered steady defense. Teams appreciated that he could move around the outfield without any real drop-off, especially during his run from 1986 to 1996.

Home Runs and Slugging Ability

Kingery wasn’t known for power. Over his career, he hit just 30 home runs and drove in 219 RBIs in 11 seasons. His slugging percentage matched his reputation as a contact hitter.

His power numbers peaked in 1994 with Colorado, thanks in part to the thin air at Coors Field. That year, he showed more pop than usual.

Even without many home runs, Kingery came through with timely extra-base hits. He aimed for the gaps instead of the stands, which made him a good fit for certain lineups and ballparks.

Memorable Moments with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Mike Kingery’s last MLB season came with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1996, capping a 10-year career across six teams. His time with the Bucs included some memorable games and relationships that shaped his final chapter in baseball.

Role in the Pirates’ Lineup

Kingery joined the Pirates for the 1996 season, mostly as a backup outfielder and right-handed bat off the bench. Manager Jim Leyland used Kingery’s experience and flexibility in all three outfield spots, though he played right field the most.

In 93 games with the Pirates, Kingery wrapped up his career with a solid batting average and provided leadership to a team going through changes. The Pirates were rebuilding, and Kingery’s approach was valuable, even if his stats didn’t jump off the page.

He could handle both lefties and righties, making him a handy option for late-game situations. Kingery wasn’t a power threat, but he chipped in with timely hits and steady defense.

Relationship with Notable Teammates

Kingery built good relationships with several Pirates teammates during his year in Pittsburgh. He shared the outfield with younger players who learned a lot from his decade in the majors.

The clubhouse had a mix of veterans and up-and-comers. Kingery’s easygoing attitude made him someone rookies could turn to when they needed advice about big league life.

He never played with Pirates legend Roberto Clemente (who was long retired), but Kingery admired him and respected the history of playing right field for Pittsburgh. He often talked about the responsibility of keeping up the team’s traditions.

Impactful Games and Series

Kingery’s 1996 season with the Pirates didn’t include any playoff runs, but he still had some standout moments. In one game against the Atlanta Braves, he racked up three hits off their tough pitching staff.

He also came through in a big way during a key series against the Cincinnati Reds, delivering a crucial pinch-hit double that sparked a late rally.

That year, Kingery hit his final MLB home run—a personal milestone as his career wound down. After leaving the Pirates, he and his family moved back to Minnesota, where he started the Solid Foundation Baseball School in 1997.

His last game at Three Rivers Stadium closed the book on a journeyman career that took him from the Royals to the Mariners, Giants, Athletics, Rockies, and finally the Pirates.

Transition to Post-Retirement Life

After finishing up with the Pirates in 1996, Mike Kingery returned to Minnesota and built a new life focused on family, business, and giving back.

Community Involvement and Coaching

Kingery’s love for baseball stuck with him after retirement. In 1997, he launched Solid Foundation Baseball School, Inc. in his Minnesota hometown. Through this program, he teaches young players baseball fundamentals and life lessons.

He puts a big emphasis on both skills and character. Kingery hosts camps and clinics across Minnesota, working with kids of all ages and abilities.

He also stays active in community service and often takes part in charity events and fundraisers. His family, including his wife Chris and their eight children, often join him in these efforts.

Christmas Tree Business and Entrepreneurship

Kingery found success after baseball by starting a Christmas tree farm. Back in Minnesota, he built a thriving business that’s become a holiday tradition for many local families.

The farm offers different kinds of trees and festive activities, mixing farming with family fun. Running the business keeps Kingery close to the land and gives him a steady post-baseball career.

He’s also branched out into other business ventures in the area, approaching each one with the same work ethic he showed on the field.

Recognition and Awards After Baseball

Kingery might not be in the sports spotlight anymore, but people have noticed his work off the field. His community service has earned him a lot of respect in Minnesota, and he’s even been considered for honors like the Dapper Dan Man of the Year award.

The former outfielder gets recognized at Rockies alumni events, especially for his standout 1994 season, which fans still talk about.

He’s been inducted into a few local sports halls of fame, honoring his baseball career and his work with young athletes. Kingery’s legacy is about more than stats—it’s about his impact on his community.

Legacy in Baseball

Mike Kingery’s 10-year MLB career left a mark on the game, even if he never became a star. He played for six teams and, after retiring, devoted himself to youth baseball, building a legacy that goes well beyond the field.

Influence on Younger Generations

After he hung up his cleats in 1996 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Kingery headed back to Minnesota and dove right into youth baseball. In 1997, he started Solid Foundation Baseball School in his hometown area, aiming to pass along some of his MLB wisdom to the next generation.

He really leans on the basics—fundamentals, mental prep, and developing character. Quite a few Minnesota kids say Kingery’s coaching helped them level up and see the game in a whole new way.

Instead of chasing a spot in the pro coaching ranks, Kingery decided to pour his energy into local player development. His hands-on approach keeps his professional experience alive and relevant for young players.

Comparisons with Other MLB Players

Kingery bounced around quite a bit, playing outfield for six different teams—Kansas City, Seattle, San Francisco, Oakland, Colorado, and Pittsburgh. That kind of journey puts him in a unique group of players who quietly add value wherever they go.

His .268 career batting average over 819 games? Not exactly Cooperstown material, but honestly, it stacks up pretty well next to other outfielders from the late ’80s and early ’90s.

In 1994, he had a real standout year with the Colorado Rockies, hitting .349 over 105 games. Sure, Coors Field was a hitter’s paradise back then, so you have to take those numbers with a grain of salt, but still—impressive.

While some guys with similar paths end up coaching or working in a front office, Kingery took a different route and turned his baseball know-how into teaching kids.

Hall of Fame Consideration

No one really talked about Mike Kingery as a Hall of Fame candidate. His numbers just don’t hit those classic milestones for Cooperstown. He finished with 30 home runs and 219 RBIs—solid for a role player, but not the stuff of legends.

The Hall usually celebrates players who dominate their era or rack up big stats over long careers. Kingery did a lot for his teams, but he never quite reached that level.

Some baseball folks argue that players like Kingery should get a nod for being steady teammates and for what they do after they retire. There are alternative halls of fame out there that sometimes shine a light on guys like him.

Honestly, Kingery’s real legacy shows up in the way he’s shaped youth baseball and the players he’s mentored—not in any Hall of Fame debates.

Key Relationships and MLB Figures

During his 12 years in the big leagues with six teams, Mike Kingery built plenty of relationships with baseball people who influenced his career. He played for several managers, learned from different coaches, and shared the field with both future Hall of Famers and up-and-coming talent.

Notable Managers and Coaches

Kingery worked under some pretty influential baseball minds. For example, he connected with Sparky Anderson, the legendary Detroit Tigers manager who really knew how to bring out the best in young players. Anderson’s advice helped Kingery sharpen his outfield game.

In Seattle, Dave Johnson’s offensive approach fit Kingery’s contact-hitting style. Johnson liked to focus on situational hitting, which played right into Kingery’s strengths.

When he landed in Colorado, Kingery found coaches who helped him adjust to the wild hitting environment at Coors Field. That support played a big part in his career-best numbers with the Rockies.

Prominent Teammates and Opponents

Kingery spent his career around some pretty memorable players. In Kansas City, he found himself in the lineup with Fred McGriff, the first baseman who always seemed to deliver those big home runs. McGriff brought the power, Kingery brought the speed—it just worked.

When Kingery joined the Giants, he crossed paths with a young Jason Schmidt, who was still figuring things out but clearly had some serious potential. Funny enough, they ended up together again for a bit in Pittsburgh back in ’96.

Carney Lansford wasn’t just another teammate in Oakland; he actually took Kingery under his wing. Lansford’s steady, no-nonsense attitude rubbed off on Kingery and really shaped how he approached the game.

Facing off against Jose Lima was never easy for Kingery. Lima mixed up his pitches and kept hitters guessing, and Kingery always remembered those battles as real chess matches.