He was the youngest of four children, two sisters Treva and Chrystie and a brother Corky He graduated from Sharpstown High School in 1983.

The previous year, led his high school team to a Texas Class 5A state championship going 14–0 on the mound with a 0.65 ERA.

According to the Texas Longhorns media guide, he was one of the most decorated pitchers in school history, with a 43–8 record in 77 games and a 1.92 ERA.

He made 50 starts, pitching 32 complete games and notching school records for shutouts (14) and strikeouts (501).

He remains among the top 10 all-time in Longhorns history for ERA (10th), victories (3rd), innings (2nd), strikeouts (1st), appearances (4th), starts (3rd), complete games (3rd) and shutouts (1st).

He helped UT capture three straight Southwest Conference titles, post at least 51 wins during each of his three seasons, and finish second at the College World Series in 1984 and 1985.

In 2002, he retired from baseball after 17 seasons, finishing his career by getting only one out in four batters faced in two games of the 2002 NLDS, allowing four runs (one earned).

In 2005, he returned to coach his alma mater, Texas Longhorns baseball, helping the team win its sixth NCAA College World Series crown.