Don Choate

Donald Leon Choate

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 0", Weight 185 lb.
• High School Eastside High School (East St. Louis)
• Debut September 12, 1960
• Final Game September 28, 1960
• Born July 2, 1938 in Potosi, MO USA
• Died February 4, 2018 in Fairview Heights, IL USA

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Biographical Information

Don Choate was a star pitcher in high school in East St. Louis, IL, compiling an ERA of 0.33 in his senior year. He was signed by the St. Louis Cardinals, then traded to the San Francisco Giants prior to making his debut in 1960. The trade brought infielder Ray Jablonski and All-Star first baseman Bill White to St. Louis in for Choate and pitcher "Toothpick" Sam Jones. Choate pitched just 4 times for San Francisco at the end of the 1960 season, posting an ERA of 2.25 in 8 innings. He injured his arm moving furniture during spring training in 1961 and never pitched in the majors again. He retired to East St. Louis where he became a firefighter for 28 years. Don passed away in early 2018 at the age of 79.