Chris Bootcheck is a former professional baseball player who played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams. He was born on October 24, 1978, in LaPorte, Indiana, and attended Auburn University, where he played college baseball for the Auburn Tigers.
Bootcheck was drafted by the Anaheim Angels in the first round of the 2000 MLB draft and made his MLB debut on April 9, 2003. He played for the Angels until 2008, appearing in 82 games and posting a 6-8 record with a 5.55 ERA. During his time with the Angels, Bootcheck was primarily used as a relief pitcher, although he did make a few starts.
After leaving the Angels, Bootcheck played for several other MLB teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, and Milwaukee Brewers. He also played in the minor leagues for various teams, including the Indianapolis Indians, the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Throughout his career, Bootcheck struggled with injuries, which limited his playing time and effectiveness on the field. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2010, which forced him to miss the entire 2011 season. He returned to the field in 2012, but only appeared in six games for the Tigers before being released.
In total, Bootcheck played in 102 MLB games, posting a 7-8 record with a 6.55 ERA. He struck out 97 batters in 137 innings pitched. He also played in 11 minor league seasons, appearing in 307 games and posting a 47-47 record with a 4.28 ERA.
After retiring from baseball, Bootcheck became a coach and instructor, working with young players to help them improve their skills and reach their potential. He also worked as a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Overall, Chris Bootcheck had a relatively short and injury-plagued MLB career, but he was able to make an impact during his time on the field. Despite his struggles, he remained dedicated to the sport and continued to work in baseball after his playing days were over.
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