Hinton was originally drafted in the 23rd round in 1965 by the Los Angeles Dodgers, but he did not sign, instead opting to attend the University of Arizona.

Hinton advanced fairly quickly to the majors, making his debut in July 1971 against the New York Yankees, pitching a perfect 8th inning in relief of Terry Forster.

Shortly after the 1971 season ended, the White Sox traded Hinton to the team against whom he'd made his debut, the Yankees, in exchange for outfielder Jim Lyttle.

The Rangers traded Hinton again the following spring, sending him along with Nate Colbert to the Cleveland Indians for former American League batting champion Alex Johnson.

Hinton was dealt along with minor league catcher Jeff Sovern by the White Sox to the Cincinnati Reds for Clay Carroll on December 12, 1975.