Don Heinkel stood out not only as a great pitcher who helped build the foundation of one of the powerful programs in college baseball, but also was the epitome of a student-athlete. At the time of his induction, Heinkel remained the winningest pitcher in NCAA history with 51 victories. He three times was named All-Missouri Valley Conference and was a first-team All-America selection in 1982 when he helped the Shockers to the NCAA South Regional championship and their first appearance in the College World Series by posting a 16-5 record. Heinkel also received high acclaim for his academic achievements, honored as a first-team Academic All-American and the first Wichita State student-athlete to be the recipient of an NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship. He completed his eligibility as the Shocker record-holder in games started, complete games, innings pitched and earned run average. He signed a professional baseball contract upon graduation with the Detroit Tigers and went on to pitch in the major leagues. Inducted, 1989.