Choate was originally signed by the St. Louis Cardinals, and posted a 19–8 record in his second professional season with the Class C Billings Mustangs in 1957. After splitting the next year between Double-A and Triple-A Cardinal affiliates he was traded to Giants as a prospect as part of a major off-season trade that netted first baseman Bill White, future National League president, for the Redbirds. White became a star player — a five-time NL All Star and seven-time Gold Glove winner — as well as a team leader of the 1964 world champion Cardinals.\n', '

Choate\'s only Major League service came in September 1960 when he was recalled from the Triple-A Tacoma Giants. In eight MLB innings pitched, he gave up two earned runs, seven hits and four bases on balls, with seven strikeouts. He hurt his shoulder moving a cabinet out of spring training in 1961. The cabinet opened and caught him on his shoulder.\n', '

Choate had four children with his wife, Norma, who preceded him in death in 1995.\n', '

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