Kenneth Edward Vining (born December 5, 1974) is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher.
[3][4] During the 1996 Major League Baseball draft, the San Francisco Giants selected Vining in the 4th round.
[5] On July 31, 1997, Vining was one of six prospects (along with Keith Foulke, Bob Howry, Lorenzo Barceló, Mike Caruso, and Brian Manning) traded to the White Sox in exchange for Wilson Álvarez, Danny Darwin, and Roberto Hernández in what became known as the White Flag Trade.
[1][6][7] Now a member of the White Sox organization, Vining finished the year by making 5 starts for the Single–A Winston–Salem Warthogs.
[5] Following the 2000 season, Vining played in the Arizona Fall League as a member of the Phoenix Desert Dogs.
He appeared in 41 games for Charlotte, posting an ERA of 1.96 over 46 innings, while striking out 47 batters and surrendering 19 walks.
[9] In 8 appearances with the White Sox, Vining surrendered 13 earned runs over 6.2 innings, amassing an ERA of 17.55.
[5] He left the White Sox organization after the season and signed with the Houston Astros on November 6.
[1] During the 2003 season, Vining made 41 appearances, including 6 starts, for Houston's Triple–A affiliate, the New Orleans Zephyrs.