{{short description|American baseball player (born 1975)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name=Chad Moeller |image=AAAA5520 Chad Moeller.jpg |caption=Moeller with the New York Yankees |position=Catcher |bats=Right |throws=Right |birth_date={{Birth date and age|1975|2|18}} |birth_place=Upland, California, U.S. |debutleague = MLB |debutdate=June 20 |debutyear=2000 |debutteam=Minnesota Twins |finalleague = MLB |finaldate=September 25 |finalyear=2010 |finalteam=New York Yankees |statleague = MLB |stat1label=Batting average |stat1value=.226 |stat2label=Home runs |stat2value=29 |stat3label=Runs batted in |stat3value=132 |teams= * Minnesota Twins ({{mlby|2000}}) * Arizona Diamondbacks ({{mlby|2001}}–{{mlby|2003}}) * Milwaukee Brewers ({{mlby|2004}}–{{mlby|2006}}) * Cincinnati Reds ({{mlby|2007}}) * Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2007}}) * New York Yankees ({{mlby|2008}}) * Baltimore Orioles ({{mlby|2009}}) * New York Yankees ({{mlby|2010}}) }} '''Chad Edward Moeller''' [MOE-ler] (born February 18, 1975) is an American former professional baseball catcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2000 through 2010 for the Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Baltimore Orioles.
==Amateur career== Moeller attended Upland High School in California, where he lettered in football and baseball. He was teammates with future MLB players Geoff Jenkins, Jacque Jones, Morgan Ensberg and Randy Flores. The New York Yankees drafted Moeller in the 1993 MLB draft, but he did not sign.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=1993 New York Yankees Draft Class - The Baseball Cube |url=https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/draft_class/1993~20/ |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=TheBaseballCube.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chad Moeller Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/chad-moeller-150224 |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=MLB.com |language=en}}</ref>
He attended the University of Southern California (USC) and played college baseball for the USC Trojans baseball team. In 1995, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Orleans Cardinals of the Cape Cod Baseball League and was named a league all-star.<ref>{{cite web|author=|date=|title=Major League Baseball Players from the Cape Cod League|url=http://capecodbaseball.org.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/2012website/archives/Current%20Year/All_Time_MLB_CCBL_Alumni.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=September 25, 2019|website=Cape Cod Baseball|publisher=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207020925/http://capecodbaseball.org.ismmedia.com:80/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/2012website/archives/Current%20Year/All_Time_MLB_CCBL_Alumni.pdf |archive-date=December 7, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Cape Baseball League Results | pages = 21 | newspaper = The Cape Codder | location = Orleans, MA | date = July 21, 1995 | url = https://snow-library.com/viewer/3053?medianame=1995_thecapecodder_vol50_issue58_orleans_000021 }}</ref> In 1996, he was an All-Pac-10 Conference selection. He tore his ACL on a home plate collision to end his college career.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Kepner |first=Tyler |date=February 27, 2010 |title=The Dish: A Report on Pitchers by a Catcher to the Stars |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/sports/baseball/28moeller.html |access-date=February 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
==Professional career== ===Minnesota Twins=== Despite the injury, Moeller was drafted in the seventh round (187th overall) of the 1996 Major League Baseball draft by the Minnesota Twins.<ref>{{cite web |title=7th Round of the June 1996 Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?query_type=year_round&year_ID=1996&draft_round=7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105210154/http://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?query_type=year_round&year_ID=1996&draft_round=7 |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |access-date=September 1, 2010 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference}}</ref> During his time in the Twins organization, he competed for playing time with Matt LeCroy and A.J. Pierzynski.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lipshez |first=Ken |date=March 30, 2000 |title=Rock Cats' candidates battling for playing time |url=https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/Rock-Cats-candidates-battling-for-playing-time-11922294.php |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=The Middletown Press}}</ref> After LeCroy hit .170 in 48 games,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Matt LeCroy 2000 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=lecroma01&t=b&year=2000 |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Moeller was called up to the majors. He made his debut on June 20, 2000, and got his first hit two days later against the Texas Rangers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 23, 2000 |title=Twins hand Rangers 3-2 setback |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2000/06/23/twins-hand-rangers-3-2-setback/62192835007/ |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=The Oklahoman |language=en-US}}</ref> On July 29, Moeller hit his first homer, a tie-breaking, three-run inside-the-park home run against the New York Yankees.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2000 |title=Twins' Late Rally Dooms Yanks - CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/twins-late-rally-dooms-yanks/ |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> When Moeller hit .216 through 33 games,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chad Moeller 2000 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=moellch01&t=b&year=2000 |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> the Twins called up Pierzynski, who hit .303 the rest of the way.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jaffe |first=Jay |date=January 10, 2022 |title=JAWS and the 2022 Hall of Fame Ballot: A.J. Pierzynski |url=https://blogs.fangraphs.com/jaws-and-the-2022-hall-of-fame-ballot-a-j-pierzynski/ |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=FanGraphs Baseball}}</ref>
===Arizona Diamondbacks=== On March 28, 2001, Moeller was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for infielder Hanley Frias.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 29, 2001 |title=TRANSACTIONS |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/29/sports/transactions-619485.html |access-date=February 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> That year, he hit .232 in 25 games with the big league club.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chad Moeller 2001 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=moellch01&t=b&year=2001 |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> During the 2002 season, Moeller was called up on July 15 and primarily caught Randy Johnson.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diamondbacks 5-3 Giants (Jul 16, 2002) Game Recap |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/220716126 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220024710/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/220716126 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 20, 2024 |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> He was behind the plate for Johnson's 15 strikeout performance against the Montreal Expos on July 31; 16 strikeout game against the Chicago Cubs on August 25; and 17 strikeout performance against the Milwaukee Brewers on September 14.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arizona Diamondbacks vs Montreal Expos Box Score: July 31, 2002 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MON/MON200207310.shtml |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Cubs vs Arizona Diamondbacks Box Score: August 25, 2002 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ARI/ARI200208250.shtml |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Milwaukee Brewers vs Arizona Diamondbacks Box Score: September 14, 2002 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ARI/ARI200209140.shtml |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> On the last day of the season, he helped the Diamondbacks clinch home field advantage on the playoffs by homering twice and driving in six runs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=REISNER |first=MEL |title=D'backs Clinch Home-Field Advantage |url=https://www.theintelligencer.com/news/article/D-backs-Clinch-Home-Field-Advantage-10524373.php |access-date=February 20, 2024 |work=The Edwardsville Intelligencer |language=en}}</ref> Moeller started Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Johnson allowed five earned runs on 10 hits in six innings in what would become a 12–2 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cardinals 12-2 Diamondbacks (Oct 1, 2002) Game Recap |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/221001129 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220024711/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/221001129 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 20, 2024 |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 1, St. Louis Cardinals vs Arizona Diamondbacks: October 1, 2002 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ARI/ARI200210010.shtml |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
After catcher Damian Miller was traded before the 2003 season, Moeller split catching duties with Rod Barajas.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 28, 2003 |title=D'backs continue to rely heavily on Johnson, Schilling |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/d-backs-continue-to-rely-heavily-on-johnson-schilling-1.360178 |access-date=February 19, 2024 |website=CBC Sports}}</ref> He managed to hit .268 with seven home runs and 29 RBI that year, though Moeller lost favor in the organization and was rarely used in the last few weeks of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chad Moeller 2003 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=moellch01&t=b&year=2003 |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2003 |title=D-Backs acquire Sexson, ship six to Brewers |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1675283 |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
===Milwaukee Brewers=== On December 1, 2003, the Diamondbacks included Moeller in a nine-player deal. He, along with Chris Capuano, Craig Counsell, Lyle Overbay, Jorge De La Rosa, and Junior Spivey, were traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for Shane Nance, Noochie Varner, and Richie Sexson.<ref name=":1" />
On April 27, 2004, Moeller hit for the cycle against the Cincinnati Reds. He was the first Brewer to hit for the cycle at home, and the first since Paul Molitor did it on May 15, 1991.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 27, 2004 |title=Moeller becomes fifth Brewer to hit for cycle |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1791189 |access-date=September 1, 2010 |work=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2004 |title=BASEBALL: ROUNDUP; Moeller Hits for Cycle As Brewers Top Reds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/28/sports/baseball-roundup-moeller-hits-for-cycle-as-brewers-top-reds.html |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}</ref> He became Ben Sheets' personal catcher that year<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 3, 2010 |title=Yankees Sign Chad Moeller, Robby Hammock |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/04/yankees-sign-chad-moeller.html |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref> and caught his 18 strikeout performance against the Atlanta Braves on May 16.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brewers 4-1 Braves (May 16, 2004) Game Recap |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/240516108 |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref> After Moeller hit .208 in a career-high 101 games, the Brewers signed Damian Miller to be the starting catcher in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 7, 2004 |title=Moeller re-signed by Brewers |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/moeller-re-signed-by-brewers-1.483534 |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=CBC Sports}}</ref>
In January 2006, he was named to Team USA's preliminary roster for the 2006 World Baseball Classic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lefort |first=David |date=January 17, 2006 |title=5 Sox on WBC rosters |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/boston-red-sox/2006/01/17/rosters/ |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref> However, he was later dropped from the final roster.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 14, 2006 |title=Clemens selected for U.S. 30-man WBC roster |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/worldclassic2006/news/story?id=2330568 |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> He hit .184 in 29 games during the 2006 season and was designated for assignment on July 5. Moeller was then outrighted to Triple-A.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brewers 6-5 Reds (Jul 5, 2006) Game Recap |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/260705108 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221022523/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/260705108 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 21, 2024 |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=ESPN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |agency=Associated Press |date=July 11, 2006 |title=MOELLER TO NASHVILLE |url=https://madison.com/sports/moeller-to-nashville/article_0ce7b0be-6a8f-53f8-b996-ecc6465a6276.html |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=Wisconsin State Journal |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McCalvy |first=Adam |date=March 14, 2006 |title=Brewers juggle roster before break |url=http://m.brewers.mlb.com/news/article/1542294 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108025830/http://m.brewers.mlb.com/news/article/1542294 |archive-date=January 8, 2016 |access-date=September 1, 2010 |website=Milwaukee Brewers |publisher=MLB.com}}</ref> On July 15, he caught a combined no-hitter with the Sounds' Carlos Villanueva, Mike Meyers, and Alec Zumwalt.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rega |first=Marissa |date=July 15, 2006 |title=Nashville trio combines on no-hitter |url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-106055 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729213949/https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-106055 |archive-date=July 29, 2021 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |website=Minor League Baseball |language=en}}</ref>
===Cincinnati Reds=== On November 27, 2006, Moeller signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2006 |title=Catcher Chad Moeller signs one-year deal with Reds |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2677993 |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> He began the season as one of three catchers on the 25-man roster. However, he was designated for assignment on April 18, 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 18, 2007 |title=Reds reinstate Hopper, designate Moeller |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=2842277 |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> He hit .167 in 30 games over three stints with the Reds that season.<ref name=":2" />
===Los Angeles Dodgers===
He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers for cash considerations on August 11, 2007.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=August 12, 2007|title=Dodgers get Moeller|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2007-08-12-bbnotes12-story.html|url-status=live|access-date=July 29, 2021|website=Orlando Sentinel|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117230159/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2007-08-12-bbnotes12-story.html |archive-date=January 17, 2021 }}</ref> Moeller spent time with the Las Vegas 51s in Triple-A<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 24, 2007 |title=Moeller's defense keeps career afloat |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/moellers-defense-keeps-career-afloat/ |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> before he was called up in September.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bramlett |first=Jimmy |date=September 5, 2007 |title=Dodgers on a Three-Game Winning Streak |url=https://laist.com/news/entertainment/dodgers-on-a-th |access-date=February 21, 2024 |website=LAist |language=en}}</ref>
===Washington Nationals=== On November 27, 2007, Moeller signed a Minor League contract with an invitation to spring training with the Washington Nationals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ladson |first=Bill |date=November 27, 2007 |title=Nationals sign 19 to 'Minor' deals |url=http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071127&content_id=2312592&vkey=news_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213175813/http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071127&content_id=2312592&vkey=news_was&fext=.jsp&c_id=was |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |website=Washington Nationals}}</ref> He was released on March 9, 2008.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=March 11, 2008 |title=A-Rod, Jorge Posada return; Yankees ink veteran Chad Moeller |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2008/03/11/a-rod-jorge-posada-return-yankees-ink-veteran-chad-moeller/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}}</ref>
===New York Yankees=== He signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees on the same day he left the Nationals.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hoch|first=Bryan|date=March 10, 2008|title=Yankees sign veteran catcher Moeller|url=http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080310&content_id=2417035&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206014728/http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080310&content_id=2417035&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|archive-date=February 6, 2009|access-date=July 29, 2021|website=New York Yankees|publisher=MLB.com}}</ref> The Yankees purchased his contract on April 14 following injuries to Jorge Posada and José Molina.<ref>{{Cite web|last=King III|first=George A.|date=April 14, 2008|title=JOBA GONE AT LEAST THREE DAYS|url=https://nypost.com/2008/04/14/joba-gone-at-least-three-days/|url-status=live|access-date=July 30, 2021|website=New York Post|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930225715/http://nypost.com/2008/04/14/joba-gone-at-least-three-days/ |archive-date=September 30, 2015 }}</ref> On April 25, he was designated for assignment because it had been thought that Posada would be able to play through his injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Ed |date=April 25, 2008 |title=3-man bench tonight |url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2008/04/3man_bench_tonight.html |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=The Star-Ledger |language=en}}</ref> Posada, however, was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 28, and the Yankees added Moeller back to the active roster upon clearing assignment waivers on April 30.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Heyman |first=Jon |date=April 30, 2008 |title=The best manager in baseball (cont.) |url=http://www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/04/30/heyman.scioscia/1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502022234/http://www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/04/30/heyman.scioscia/1.html |archive-date=May 2, 2008 |access-date=February 21, 2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> He remained on the active roster following Posada's return from the disabled list and appeared at first base and third base for the first time in his career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chad Moeller 2008 Fielding Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=moellch01&t=f&year=2008 |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
Moeller was again designated for assignment on July 31 following the acquisition of Iván Rodríguez.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Jordan |date=July 30, 2008 |title=What a Catch! Yanks Trade For Ivan Rodriguez |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/42522-what-a-catch-yanks-trade-for-ivan-rodriguez |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730175807/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/42522-what-a-catch-yanks-trade-for-ivan-rodriguez |archive-date=July 30, 2021 |access-date=July 30, 2021 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kennelly |first=Lisa J. |date=August 1, 2008 |title=New York Yankees don't add starting pitcher at trading deadline |url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2008/07/ny_yankees_dont_add_starting_p.html |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=nj.com |language=en}}</ref> He cleared waivers and returned to Triple-A Scranton.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Ed |date=August 7, 2008 |title=Shoulder lands New York Yankees' Joba Chamberlain on DL |url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2008/08/shoulder_lands_new_york_yankee.html |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=The Star-Ledger |language=en}}</ref> Moeller rejoined the Yankees on September 1, when the rosters expanded.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Harris|first=Paul|date=September 1, 2008|title=Yanks limit callups to lefty and catcher|url=http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080901&content_id=3400980&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204003335/http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080901&content_id=3400980&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|archive-date=February 4, 2009|access-date=July 30, 2021|website=New York Yankees|publisher=MLB.com}}</ref>
===Baltimore Orioles=== [[File:Chad Moeller 2009.jpg|right|thumb|Moeller with the Baltimore Orioles in 2009]] Moeller signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles on December 12, 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nicholson-Smith|first=Ben|date=December 13, 2008|title=Odds and Ends: Sheets, Moeller, Yankees|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/odds-and-ends-s-4.html|url-status=live|access-date=July 30, 2021|website=MLB Trade Rumors|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323082036/http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/odds-and-ends-s-4.html |archive-date=March 23, 2015 }}</ref> He was brought in to help mentor Matt Wieters during spring training.<ref name=":0" /> Moeller ultimately made the Opening Day roster as the backup catcher to Gregg Zaun.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schmuck |first=Peter |date=April 5, 2009 |title=Opening Day 25-man roster |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2009/04/05/opening-day-25-man-roster/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=Baltimore Sun |language=en-US}}</ref> After batting .200 with a .259 on-base percentage in fifteen games, he was designated for assignment on May 29 when the Orioles promoted top catching prospect Matt Wieters from the Triple-A Norfolk Tides.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 29, 2009 |title=Orioles select contract of CA Matt Wieters |url=http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090529&content_id=5026028&vkey=pr_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal&partnerId=ed-2586157-84345646&source=ed-2586157-84345646 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928020101/http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090529&content_id=5026028&vkey=pr_bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal&partnerId=ed-2586157-84345646&source=ed-2586157-84345646 |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |access-date=September 1, 2010 |website=Baltimore Orioles}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |agency=Associated Press |date=May 30, 2009 |title=Top Orioles Prospect Wieters Receives Early Call |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/30/sports/baseball/30orioles.html |access-date=February 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Moeller cleared waivers five days later and was assigned to the Tides.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nicholson-Smith|first=Ben|date=June 3, 2009|title=Odds And Ends: Redding, Aurilia, Mariners|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/06/odds-and-ends-redding-aurilia-draft.html|url-status=live|access-date=July 30, 2021|website=MLB Trade Rumors|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606053317/http://www.mlbtraderumors.com:80/2009/06/odds-and-ends-redding-aurilia-draft.html |archive-date=June 6, 2009 }}</ref> Moeller was recalled to Baltimore on August 7 when the Orioles traded Zaun to the Tampa Bay Rays.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 7, 2009|title=Orioles trade Zaun to make Wieters top catcher|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4384985|url-status=live|access-date=July 30, 2021|website=ESPN|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730175806/https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4384985 |archive-date=July 30, 2021 }}</ref> He made 30 total appearances for Baltimore on the year, slashing .258/.313/.438 with two home runs and 10 RBI. On October 29, the Orioles declined their club option on Moeller for the 2010 season, making him a free agent.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Orioles Roundup: Mora, Moeller, Datz|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/10/orioles-roundup-mora-moeller-datz.html|access-date=April 14, 2026|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref>
Moeller was signed to a minor league contract which included an invitation to spring training with the Baltimore Orioles on December 4, 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zrebiec |first=Jeff |date=December 5, 2009 |title=Club Brings Back Moeller |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2009/12/05/club-brings-back-moeller/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123222256/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2009-12-05/sports/0912040134_1_orioles-notebook-orioles-opening-day-roster-minor-league-deal |archive-date=January 23, 2018 |access-date=December 5, 2009 |website=Baltimore Sun}}</ref> He was granted his release on April 1 after not making the team.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zrebiec |first=Jeff |date=April 1, 2010 |title=Orioles grant Moeller an outright release |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-moeller0401,0,5387799.story |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718142556/http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-moeller0401,0,5387799.story |archive-date=July 18, 2012 |access-date=April 1, 2010 |work=The Baltimore Sun}}</ref>
===New York Yankees (second stint)=== On April 3, Moeller signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jennings |first=Chad |date=April 3, 2010 |title=Thames makes the team, Moeller signed for Triple-A |url=http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2010/04/03/thames-makes-the-team-moeller-signed-for-triple-a/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910014458/http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2010/04/03/thames-makes-the-team-moeller-signed-for-triple-a/ |archive-date=September 10, 2012 |access-date=July 30, 2021 |website=The LoHud Yankees Blog}}</ref> On May 20, he was called up to the Major League roster to back up Francisco Cervelli after another injury to Posada.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hoch|first=Bryan|date=May 20, 2010|title=Yanks call up Moeller and Russo|work=New York Yankees|publisher=MLB.com|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100520&content_id=10248526&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy|url-status=bot: unknown|access-date=May 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104134952/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100520&content_id=10248526&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy#10249018|archive-date=November 4, 2012}}</ref> He played his first game of the season on May 29, starting against the Cleveland Indians.<ref>{{cite news |last=Britton |first=Tim |date=May 29, 2010 |title=Cano's slam makes Hughes' win easy |url=http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100528&content_id=10548956&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531193822/http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100528&content_id=10548956&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy |archive-date=May 31, 2010 |access-date=May 29, 2010 |work=New York Yankees |publisher=MLB.com}}</ref> On June 21, Moeller was designated for assignment to clear room on the roster for outfielder Colin Curtis,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carig|first=Marc|date=June 22, 2010|title=Yankees add flexibility to bench with Colin Curtis|url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/2010/06/yankees_add_flexibility_to_ben.html|url-status=live|access-date=July 30, 2021|website=NJ.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730175806/https://www.nj.com/yankees/2010/06/yankees_add_flexibility_to_ben.html |archive-date=July 30, 2021 }}</ref> returning to the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees on June 26.<ref>{{cite web|date=|title=Transactions {{!}} New York Yankees|url=https://www.mlb.com/yankees/roster/transactions/2010/06|url-status=live|access-date=September 1, 2010|work=New York Yankees|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730175806/https://www.mlb.com/yankees/roster/transactions/2010/06 |archive-date=July 30, 2021 }}</ref> He was called up again on September 1.<ref>{{cite news|last=Collins|first=Donnie|date=September 1, 2010|title=Yankees call up Albaladejo, Golson and Moeller|work=The Times-Tribune|url=http://thetimes-tribune.com/sports/yankees-call-up-albaladejo-golson-and-moeller-1.986043|access-date=September 1, 2010}}</ref>
===Colorado Rockies=== On January 19, 2011, Moeller signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gleeman |first=Aaron |date=January 27, 2011 |title=Rockies sign Alfredo Amezaga and Chad Moeller |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/rockies-sign-alfredo-amezaga-and-chad-moeller |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=NBC Sports |language=en-US}}</ref> However, he was released on March 11.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Polishuk |first=Mark |date=March 11, 2011 |title=Rockies Release Chad Moeller |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/03/rockies-release-chad-moeller.html |access-date=2025-11-14 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Personal life== Chad lives happily in Arizona with his three children. Moeller is the cousin of MLB coach Chris Cron, who is the father of C. J. Cron, and Kevin Cron.<ref>{{cite web|last=Skoda|first=Jason P.|date=June 5, 2011|title=Siblings C.J. and Kevin Cron are both expected to go high in Major League Baseball's amateur draft – Ahwatukee Foothills News: Sports|url=http://www.ahwatukee.com/sports/article_5d5946cc-8e48-11e0-9e5d-001cc4c03286.html|url-status=live|access-date=July 12, 2014|website=Ahwatukee Foothills News|publisher=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609012415/http://www.ahwatukee.com:80/sports/article_5d5946cc-8e48-11e0-9e5d-001cc4c03286.html |archive-date=June 9, 2011 }}</ref>
Moeller is now a youth baseball instructor and owns a batting cage facility in Scottsdale, Arizona.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Baseball Clinics Schedule Information|url=http://www.chadmoellerbaseball.com/baseball-clinics-calendar/|url-status=live|access-date=July 3, 2016|website=Chad Moeller Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219192931/http://www.chadmoellerbaseball.com:80/baseball-clinics-calendar/ |archive-date=February 19, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Chad Moeller « Scottsdale Batting Cages|url=http://www.scottsdalebattingcages.com/about/chad-moeller/|url-status=live|access-date=July 3, 2016|website=Scottsdale Batting Cages|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008142749/http://www.scottsdalebattingcages.com:80/about/chad-moeller/ |archive-date=October 8, 2013 }}</ref> He is also the owner and operator of Team Dinger, which fields several youth baseball teams in Arizona.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kurland |first=Brett |date=September 21, 2016 |title=Former D-backs catcher Chad Moeller finds passion in teaching |url=https://arizonasports.com/story/839079/former-d-backs-catcher-chad-moeller-finds-passion-teaching/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=Arizona Sports |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Team Dinger |url=https://teamdinger.squadfusion.com/teamdinger.squadfusion.com |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=teamdinger.squadfusion.com}}</ref> In 2016, he worked with Tim Tebow to help the former quarterback prepare for a career as a baseball player.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Feinsand |first=Mark |date=August 11, 2016 |title=VIDEO: Tim Tebow training for baseball career is no joke, says trainer and former Yankee Chad Moeller |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2016/08/11/video-tim-tebow-training-for-baseball-career-is-no-joke-says-trainer-and-former-yankee-chad-moeller/ |access-date=February 22, 2024 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}}</ref>
==See also== * List of Major League Baseball players to hit for the cycle
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} {{Baseballstats|mlb=150224|espn=4424|br=m/moellch01|fangraphs=66|brm=moelle001cha}} *[http://www.chadmoellerbaseball.com/ Official website]
{{s-start}} {{s-ach|ach}} {{Succession box| before = Vladimir Guerrero | title = Hitting for the cycle| years = April 27, 2004 | after = Daryle Ward}} {{s-end}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Moeller, Chad}} Category:Major League Baseball catchers Category:Minnesota Twins players Category:Arizona Diamondbacks players Category:Milwaukee Brewers players Category:Cincinnati Reds players Category:Los Angeles Dodgers players Category:New York Yankees players Category:Baltimore Orioles players Category:USC Trojans baseball players Category:Orleans Firebirds players Category:Baseball players from Upland, California Category:Elizabethton Twins players Category:Fort Wayne Wizards players Category:Fort Myers Miracle players Category:New Britain Rock Cats players Category:Salt Lake Buzz players Category:Tucson Sidewinders players Category:Nashville Sounds players Category:Louisville Bats players Category:Las Vegas 51s players Category:Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees players Category:1975 births Category:Living people Category:Upland High School alumni