Draft and minor leagues Chiamparino was drafted by the
Oakland Athletics with the 95th pick in the fourth round of the
1987 MLB draft from Santa Clara University.
Texas Rangers (1990–1992) On September 4, 1990, the Oakland Athletics sent pitcher
Joe Bitker and Chiamparino to the
Texas Rangers to complete an earlier deal made on August 29, 1990. On August 29, 1990, the Oakland Athletics had sent
players to be named later to the Texas Rangers for
designated hitter and
right fielder Harold Baines. The next day, on September 5, at
Arlington Stadium, in a 3-2 win over the
Cleveland Indians, Chiamparino made his Major League debut for the Texas Rangers. He struck
third baseman Brook Jacoby out looking in the top of the second inning for his first career Major League strikeout. He pitched five scoreless innings, giving up three hits while striking out three and walking one batter. On September 27 at Arlington Stadium, in an 8-6 win over the
Oakland Athletics, Chiamparino earned his first career Major League victory by pitching seven innings and striking out five batters. On September 19, 1992 at
SkyDome, Chiamparino struck out a career-high six batters in a single Major League Baseball game. On November 17, 1992, Chiamparino was drafted by the
Florida Marlins as the 41st pick overall in the
1992 MLB expansion draft. ==Post-playing career==