Livonia, Michigan product Mike Kinkade was drafted twice by the Milwaukee Brewers, once after his junior year at Washington State University (he elected to stay for his final year) and then in the ninth round by the Brewers in the 1995 MLB June Amateur Draft. While at WSU, he set career marks in runs scored, doubles, and total bases. He ranks in the top five all-time as a Cougar in runs batted in, hits, triples, and batting average.
After being selected by Milwaukee, Kinkade reported to Pioneer Rookie League team Helena, where he hit .