He attended Norwalk Community College as a team mate of Houston Astros pitcher; Erik Bedard. He also played baseball for the Central Connecticut State University team. He did not play in the major leagues nor the minor leagues.
Instead due to connections through a friend who's father knew Mets manager Bobby Valentine, also a Stamford resident, he got a job catching in the bullpen for the New York Mets. While attending a game, the bullpen was short of catchers, Valentine had known of his catchers experience & asked if he'd help out. The rest is history as he has now been with the organization for 12 years.

Quotes: "I just try to keep my mouth shut and go about my business. And be whatever help I can be. I think that's one of the biggest things for a guy in my position. I don't think I've ever said no to anything."

During Spring Training 2010, the Daily News reported that Racaniello biked all the way from New York to Port St. Lucie.
Being an avid sportsman, in 2012 he reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro along with Mets pitcher; R.A. Dickey & Colorado Rockies pitcher; Kevin Slowley.
The event raised money for a charity helping women in Mumbai who are at risk of being abused.

In 2019 he starts his 18th year as the Mets bullpen coach & longest tenured current coach on the staff. Although not as prominent as a pitching coach or base coach, he has served the longest of any Mets coach in team history.
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