Chuck Cottier's journey in professional baseball began when he signed with the Milwaukee Braves. As a second baseman, Cottier made his Major League debut with the Braves in 1959. His time with the Braves was relatively short, and he was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 1961. However, it was with the Washington Senators that Cottier found more stability, playing with the team from 1961 to 1965.

During his tenure with the Senators, Cottier was known for his defensive skills. While his batting average was modest, his ability to field his position effectively earned him respect among his peers. In 1965, Cottier was traded to the California Angels, where he continued to play until 1966. He then spent a brief period with the Milwaukee Braves again before concluding his playing career with the San Francisco Giants in 1969.

Transitioning from player to coach, Cottier began his coaching career with the Seattle Mariners in the late 1970s. His understanding of the game and ability to communicate with players made him a valuable asset to the coaching staff. Cottier's coaching career included stints with several teams, including the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs.

In 1984, Cottier took on the role of manager for the Seattle Mariners.