| Sonny DiChiara | |
|---|---|
| First baseman | |
| Born:July 29, 1999 Homewood, Alabama, U.S. | |
Bats: Right Throws: Right |
Sonny DiChiara (born July 29,1999) is a former American professional baseball first baseman who played in the Los Angeles Angels organization.
In July 2012,DiChiara discovered he had a chiari malformation,which is a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal cord;he later underwent a procedure to keep brain fluid from leaking in to the spinal cord,which prevented possible migraines and paralysis. [1] DiChiara grew up in Hoover,Alabama and attended Hoover High School. [2] In his sophomore year of high school,DiChiara slipped on the mound while pitching in the rain,causing his back to arch and crack in three different places,effectively ending his season. [3] In September of his junior year,DiChiara underwent Tommy John surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament,and played primarily as a designated hitter. [4]
DiChiara began his collegiate career at Samford. He was named the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year after hitting 21 home runs and driving in 55 runs. [5] DiChiara was batting .328 before the 2020 season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. [6] As a junior,he batted .273 and led the Southern Conference with 18 home runs. [7] After the season DiChiara transferred to Auburn. [8]
DiChiara entered his senior season at the Tigers' starting first baseman. [9] He was named the Southeastern Conference Co-Player of the Year at the end of the season,sharing the award with Louisiana State University's Dylan Crews. [10]
DiChiara was drafted in the fifth round,with the 148th overall selection,of the 2022 Major League Baseball draft by the Los Angeles Angels. [11] He was assigned to the Double-A Rocket City Trash Pandas to start his professional career, [12] and hit .195/.362/.237 with one home run,10 RBI,and one stolen bases across 36 appearances.
DiChiara returned to Rocket City for the 2023 campaign,making 77 appearances and batting .223/.327/.355 with eight home runs and 38 RBI. [13] He split the 2024 season between the Single-A Inland Empire 66ers,High-A Tri-City Dust Devils,and Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. In 98 appearances for the three affiliates,DiChiara slashed a combined .237/.354/.404 with career-highs in home runs (12) and RBI (60). [14]
DiChiara began the 2025 campaign back with Rocket City,playing in 32 games and batting .130/.273/.280 with four home runs and 11 RBI. [15] DiChiara was released by the Angels organization on June 3,2025. [16]
On July 2,2025,DiChiara announced his retirement from professional baseball. [17]