Don Cooper is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and current pitching coach. He was born on January 15, 1957, in New York City and attended college at Iowa Western Community College and Peru State College.
Cooper was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 17th round of the 1978 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut with the Twins in 1981 and also played for the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees before retiring in 1985.
After his playing career, Cooper became a pitching coach in the minor leagues for the Yankees and later the Chicago White Sox. He was promoted to the White Sox's major league pitching coach in 2002 and held the position until 2019.
During his tenure as pitching coach, Cooper helped develop and refine the pitching of several notable players, including Mark Buehrle, Chris Sale, and Jose Quintana. He also played a key role in the White Sox's 2005 World Series championship, as the team's pitching staff was a major factor in their success.
Cooper was known for his emphasis on mechanics and his ability to help pitchers make adjustments to improve their performance. He was also respected for his ability to communicate effectively with his players and build strong relationships with them.
In addition to his work with the White Sox, Cooper has also been involved in various coaching and instructional roles with USA Baseball and other organizations. He has been recognized for his contributions to the game with several awards, including the Tony La Russa Award for Best Pitching Coach in 2011.
Overall, Don Cooper had a successful career as both a player and a coach in Major League Baseball. His impact on the game will be felt for years to come, as he helped shape the careers of many talented pitchers and contributed to the success of several teams.
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