Vinny Rottino


Vincent Antonio Rottino is an American former professional baseball utility player. He has played positions including catcher, first base, third base, and the outfield.
He graduated from St. Catherine's High School in Racine, and then went to the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.

Career

Milwaukee Brewers

Rottino originally signed with the Milwaukee Brewers as an undrafted free agent on February 3, 2003. In his fourth year with the Brewers organization, he made his major league debut as a September call up in. He played in nine games and batted.214.
Rottino began the season in Triple-A with the Nashville Sounds. He spent nearly the entire season there before being recalled by Milwaukee on September 1. On September 29,, Rottino hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th inning to beat the San Diego Padres 4-3 and clinch the first winning season for the Brewers since.
He repeated most of his previous season's fashion in 2008, playing most of the season at Triple-A, then receiving a call-up in September.
Rottino was the starting catcher for Team Italy in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
In 2009, Rottino accepted an assignment to Double-A Huntsville.

Los Angeles Dodgers

On July 31, 2009, he was traded by the Brewers to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Claudio Vargas.

Florida Marlins

He signed a minor league contract with the Florida Marlins in 2010 and made his first appearance in the Majors since 2008.

New York Mets

On November 16, 2011, Rottino signed a minor league contract with the New York Mets. On May 4, 2012, Rottino got called up to the Mets after Chris Schwinden was sent down.
On May 26, 2012, Rottino hit his first career home run against the Padres' Clayton Richard. He hit another home run on May 28, 2012, against the Philadelphia Phillies.
On June 25, 2012, Rottino was designated for assignment to make room on the Mets' roster for Justin Hampson.

Cleveland Indians

On June 27, 2012, the Cleveland Indians claimed him off outright waivers. The Indians designated Chris Schwinden to make room on the 40-man roster. On August 1, Rottino was recalled by the Indians when Travis Hafner was placed on paternity leave. He was hitting.299 with four HRs and 32 RBIs with the Triple-A Columbus Clippers. Rottino was outrighted to the minor leagues on Oct. 31, 2012, and subsequently elected free agency.

Orix Buffaloes

On November 30, 2012, he signed a one-year $350,000 contract with the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball.

Nexen Heroes

On December 11, 2013, he signed a one-year $300,000 contract with the Nexen Heroes of Korea Baseball Organization.

Miami Marlins

On December 24, 2014, Rottino signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.

Chicago White Sox

On February 3, 2016, Rottino signed a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox. On September 9, it was announced that Rottino had decided to retire from professional baseball.