Don Boenker (1993) - Hall of Fame - University of Missouri Athletics

Don Boenker

Induction:
1993
Class:
1953

Boenker was MU’s first all-America pitcher in 1952 when he led the Tigers to the Big Seven Conference title, the NCAA District V championship and a second-place finish at the College World Series. A Tiger co-captain for Coach John “Hi” Simmons in ‘53, he later signed with the Cleveland Indians and during his professional career was coached by Whitey Kurowski, George Steinbrenner and Hub Kittle, among others. He twice led MU in victories and tossed one-hitters at Washington U. in 1951 and Kansas State in ‘52. He also authored a two-hitter against Iowa State in ‘52. A native of St. Louis, Boenker was inducted into Mizzou’s QEBH Honorary Society as an undergraduate and earned three degrees from the University of Missouri.