About Inductee

Kenny McKinney was born October 1, 1954, in Corinth, Mississippi. Participating in athletics was always a way of life growing up in the home of Coach Kenneth McKinney, his Father. His family moved to Madison County in 1968, and he excelled at New Market Middle School, where he made All-County in 1968 and 1969. Kenny was always an all-around athlete, playing football, baseball and basketball. He starred at Hazel Green High School from 1970 to 1972. He made All-State in football as a quarterback, All-State in baseball and Second Team All-State in basketball. He was also chosen as the Most Valuable Player in Football for Madison County in 1972, and was drafted in the fourth round of the professional baseball draft. Kenny signed a football scholarship with Vanderbilt University following his Senior football season and was later drafted in the first round by the Chicago Cubs in June of 1973. He elected to go to college and enrolled at Vanderbilt. A football injury and a great love for baseball led Kenny to Yavapai Junior College in Arizona. He played for legendary Oklahoma State Coach Gary Ward at Yavapai and credits Coach Ward for teaching him to be a great hitter. He was selected to the Arizona Elite 9 in 1973. After Yavapai Jr. College, Kenny transferred to Memphis State where, for the next two years, he made All Conference and played with Danny Parks, Hall of Fame member, and Huntsville High's baseball coach, Mark Mincher. The most influential people in Kenny's life include "Lloyd Garrison who was a great supporter and mentor in my early years". Kenny said in high school at Hazel Green, he always looked up to Don Mincher, former Major Leaguer, who was a very positive influence on his life. Kenny said he has many great memories of playing for Hall of Famer Jim Talley with the Huntsville Independents. His most influential forces were his parents. Kenny says, "My father taught me a great work ethic and how to pay the price to succeed. My mother got all the dirty work, taking me to practice and picking me up from practice and loving me when I was down." Kenny continued to pursue his love for baseball, playing after college and even in the Over-50 League. He is married to the former Amy Smith and they have three sons, Tyler, Whitney and Patrick.