Chris Iannetta, a professional baseball catcher, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball (MLB) career with several teams, including the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, and Arizona Diamondbacks. Born on April 8, 1983, in Providence, Rhode Island, Iannetta attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played college baseball for the Tar Heels. His performance in college caught the attention of MLB scouts, leading to his selection by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round of the 2004 MLB Draft.
Iannetta made his MLB debut with the Rockies on August 27, 2006. Over the next few years, he established himself as a reliable catcher, known for his defensive skills and ability to handle a pitching staff. In 2008, he had a breakout season, hitting .264 with 18 home runs and 65 RBIs, which helped the Rockies reach the postseason. His offensive contributions and solid defense behind the plate made him a valuable asset to the team.
In 2012, Iannetta was traded to the Los Angeles Angels, where he continued to demonstrate his abilities as a catcher. During his time with the Angels, he played a crucial role in guiding the pitching staff and provided occasional power at the plate. His tenure with the Angels lasted until 2015, after which he signed with the Seattle Mariners for the 2016 season. With the Mariners, Iannetta continued to be a steady presence behind the plate, contributing both offensively and defensively.
The Arizona Diamondbacks signed Iannetta for the 2017 season. He delivered a solid performance, hitting .254 with 17 home runs, which was one of his best offensive seasons since his early years with the Rockies. His experience and leadership were valuable to the Diamondbacks, particularly in mentoring younger pitchers and catchers.
Iannetta returned to the Rockies in 2018, bringing his career full circle. He played two more seasons with Colorado, continuing to provide veteran leadership and depth at the catcher position. Throughout his career, Iannetta was known for his strong work ethic, ability to manage a pitching staff, and occasional power hitting.
After the 2019 season, Iannetta's playing career came to an end.
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