Guide Note:Major League Baseball relief pitcher Chad Paronto currently plays with the Houston Astros organization.

After a very successful high school baseball career in New Hampshire, including being named the New Hampshire Player of the Year, Paronto attended the University of Massachusetts. During his junior year in college he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles on June 4, 1996. He was immediately placed with the Orioles minor league affiliates for conditioning for his first few seasons. Paronto was called up to make his MLB debut with the Orioles on April 19, 2001. He played a total of 24 games that season, pitching 27 innings and earning his first MLB win. Following the season, he was waived by the Orioles.

The Cleveland Indians claimed Paronto off of waivers on November 19, 2001. Cleveland also placed him with their minor league affiliates, where he was called up for a total of 35 games over the 2002 and 2003 seasons. Paronto then signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals on November 24, 2003, however he would never see a single MLB game in a Cardinals uniform. In 2004 Paronto signed with the Milwaukee Brewers, and was once again placed in the minors for the entire season.

On November 22, 2005 he signed with the Atlanta Braves, only to spend his second consecutive season in the minors. In 2006 Paronto played in a career high 65 games, earning two wins and three losses. His 2007 season was marred by a right adductor strain, causing him to only play in 41 games.

On December 18, 2007 Paronto signed as a free agent with the Houston Astros. Just days before opening day in 2008 he was placed with their minor league affiliate. Fast Facts:

1. Full name: Chad Michael Paronto
2. Born: July 28, 1975
3. Birthplace: Woodsville, New Hampshire
4. Uniform Number: 54
5. Position: Relief Pitcher
6. Bats/Throws: Right/Right

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