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Entertainment & Biography

Alanna Rizzo Married: A Comprehensive Look at Her Marriage to Chris Iannetta and Her Life in Professional Sports

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Alanna Rizzo is currently married to former Major League Baseball catcher Chris Iannetta. The couple tied the knot in November 2023 in a private ceremony in Tuscany, Italy. This marriage followed Rizzo’s high-profile career transition from Los Angeles to the MLB Network and her previous marriage to hotel executive Justin Miller.

As of 2026, Alanna Rizzo remains one of the most recognizable and respected personalities in sports broadcasting. Her marriage to Iannetta represents a significant chapter in her personal life, merging her professional passion for baseball with her private world. To understand the context of her current status, it is necessary to look at her journey through the industry, her previous relationship, and the details of her life with Iannetta.

The Marriage of Alanna Rizzo and Chris Iannetta

The relationship between Alanna Rizzo and Chris Iannetta became a point of significant interest for baseball fans in early 2022. Both individuals were deeply embedded in the MLB ecosystem—Rizzo as a top-tier reporter and Iannetta as a veteran catcher who spent 14 seasons in the big leagues.

The Wedding in Tuscany

In late 2023, Rizzo and Iannetta traveled to Italy for their nuptials. The ceremony was described as an intimate affair, attended by close friends and family. By choosing a destination wedding, the couple managed to maintain a level of privacy that is often difficult for two public figures in the sports world. The choice of Italy reflected their shared appreciation for travel and culture, distancing the event from the daily grind of the MLB season.

How They Met and Their Shared Connection

While the exact details of their first meeting have been kept relatively private, it is widely understood that their paths crossed through their mutual involvement in professional baseball. Iannetta, who played for teams including the Colorado Rockies and the Los Angeles Angels, spent much of his career in the same circles where Rizzo operated as a journalist.

Their marriage is often cited by fans as a "baseball match made in heaven." Because both partners understand the rigorous schedule of a 162-game season—the travel, the late nights, and the constant media pressure—they have a foundation of mutual understanding that is unique to those within the industry.

Who is Chris Iannetta?

To understand Alanna Rizzo’s married life in 2026, one must look at the career and background of Chris Iannetta. Born in 1983, Iannetta was a standout athlete who played college baseball at the University of North Carolina before being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2004.

A Distinguished MLB Career

Iannetta’s career in the Major Leagues was defined by his longevity and his skill behind the plate. Over 14 seasons, he played for:

  • Colorado Rockies (two stints)
  • Los Angeles Angels
  • Seattle Mariners
  • Arizona Diamondbacks

He was known for his high on-base percentage and his ability to manage a pitching staff, qualities that earned him respect across the league. He retired from professional baseball in 2020, just a few years before his relationship with Rizzo became public.

Life After Baseball

Since retiring, Iannetta has transitioned into various business ventures and occasional sports commentary. His transition into "life after the jersey" coincided with Rizzo’s own professional shifts, allowing the couple to spend more time together than would have been possible during his active playing days. In 2026, he is frequently seen supporting Rizzo’s charitable endeavors, particularly those involving animal welfare.

Talking Friars Ep. 195: MLB Network's Alanna Rizzo Talks Padres-Dodgers ...
Talking Friars Ep. 195: MLB Network's Alanna Rizzo Talks Padres-Dodgers ...

Alanna Rizzo’s First Marriage to Justin Miller

Before her marriage to Iannetta, Alanna Rizzo was married to Justin Miller. Miller was not a professional athlete but a successful executive in the hospitality and hotel industry. The couple married in 2013, around the same time Rizzo was making a major career move to Los Angeles to cover the Dodgers.

The Challenges of a High-Profile Career

Rizzo and Miller remained married for several years, but the demands of Rizzo’s career were immense. During her tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Spectrum SportsNet LA, she worked nearly every game, including spring training and the post-season. This schedule often meant being away from home for half the year.

The couple eventually decided to part ways, and their divorce was finalized around 2018 or 2019. Throughout the process, Rizzo remained professional and private, rarely discussing the details of her personal life on air. She has since noted in interviews that the "grind" of the local beat was a factor in her eventual decision to leave Los Angeles and seek a more balanced life on the East Coast.

The Professional Pivot: Moving to MLB Network

In early 2021, Rizzo made the shocking announcement that she was leaving her role as the sideline reporter for the Los Angeles Dodgers. For seven seasons, she had been the face of Dodgers’ coverage, winning multiple Emmy Awards and becoming a beloved figure in Southern California.

Prioritizing Personal Life

Rizzo’s departure from the Dodgers was driven by a desire to be closer to her family and to have more control over her schedule. She moved to the East Coast to join the MLB Network, specifically appearing on the show High Heat with Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo.

This move was pivotal. It allowed her to remain at the top of her field while reducing the constant travel required by a team-specific beat. It was during this period of professional transition and relocation to the New York/New Jersey area that her relationship with Chris Iannetta began to flourish. By 2026, her role at MLB Network has expanded, but she continues to emphasize the importance of the work-life balance she found after leaving the Dodgers beat.

Alanna Rizzo’s Career Timeline and Milestones

To appreciate her status in 2026, we can examine the milestones that built her reputation as a formidable journalist.

Period Organization Role Key Achievements
2007–2011 Root Sports Rocky Mountain Reporter/Anchor Covered Rockies, Nuggets, and Broncos; won 3 Emmys.
2012–2013 MLB Network Correspondent First stint at the national level.
2014–2020 Spectrum SportsNet LA Dodgers Reporter Covered three World Series; became a staple of LA sports.
2021–Present MLB Network Host/Contributor Co-host of High Heat; National recognition.
2023 Personal Milestone Marriage Married Chris Iannetta in Italy.

Philanthropy: The Alanna Rizzo Foundation

A significant part of Alanna Rizzo’s life, which she now shares with her husband Chris Iannetta, is her dedication to animal rescue. In 2019, she founded the Alanna Rizzo Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Mission and Impact

The foundation's primary goal is to provide financial assistance to individuals and animal rescues to help with medical expenses, boarding, and the overall care of animals in need. Rizzo has used her platform to advocate for "Adopt, Don't Shop" and has frequently featured adoptable dogs during her broadcasts.

In 2026, the foundation remains a core part of her identity. Supporters often see Rizzo and Iannetta participating in fundraising events. This shared passion for animal welfare has become a hallmark of their public image as a couple, moving the conversation beyond just "Alanna Rizzo married a ballplayer" to "Alanna Rizzo and her husband are making a difference."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does Alanna Rizzo have any children?

As of 2026, Alanna Rizzo does not have any children. She has been very open about her life and her focus on her career and her foundation. She often refers to the dogs she rescues and fosters as her primary "kids," and she remains dedicated to her work in animal advocacy.

What is Alanna Rizzo's current role at MLB Network?

Alanna Rizzo currently serves as a contributor and co-host, most notably on the program High Heat. She provides expert analysis, breaking news updates, and interviews with players and managers. Her role allows her to cover the entire league rather than being restricted to a single team.

Is Alanna Rizzo still involved with the Los Angeles Dodgers?

While she no longer serves as the full-time sideline reporter, Rizzo has maintained a relationship with the Dodgers organization. In 2024 and 2025, she made several guest appearances on Dodgers-related broadcasts and participated in alumni and charity events. However, her primary professional commitment remains with the national MLB Network.

Where do Alanna Rizzo and Chris Iannetta live?

The couple primarily resides on the East Coast, which facilitates Rizzo’s work at the MLB Network studios in Secaucus, New Jersey. However, due to their ties to both Colorado (where Rizzo started her career and Iannetta played) and California, they are known to spend significant time in the Western United States during the off-season.

How many Emmy Awards has Alanna Rizzo won?

Alanna Rizzo is a seven-time Emmy Award winner. Most of her awards were earned during her time with Root Sports in Colorado and Spectrum SportsNet LA in Los Angeles, recognizing her excellence in sports reporting, anchoring, and feature storytelling.

Conclusion and Next Actions for Fans

Alanna Rizzo’s marriage to Chris Iannetta marks a period of stability and happiness for one of baseball's most hardworking journalists. After years of navigating the demanding schedule of professional sports, Rizzo has successfully balanced a high-profile national career with a fulfilling personal life.

For those interested in following Alanna Rizzo’s work and her life with Chris Iannetta in 2026, the following actions are recommended:

  1. Follow the Alanna Rizzo Foundation: Stay updated on her animal rescue efforts by visiting the official foundation website or following their social media channels.
  2. Watch MLB Network’s High Heat: To see her daily insights and professional work, tune into her national broadcasts.
  3. Monitor Industry News: Rizzo remains a trailblazer for women in sports media; watching her career trajectory provides valuable insight into the evolution of sports journalism.

By maintaining her professional integrity while opening up about her life with Iannetta, Rizzo continues to inspire the next generation of sports broadcasters.