Joey Devine

Joey Devine is a talented pitcher from the United States, born on September 19, 1983, in Junction City, Kansas. Known for his resilience on the mound, he currently plays for the Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball (MLB).

College Career

Devine honed his skills at North Carolina State University, where he made a name for himself as a standout pitcher. He set a record for the Wolfpack with 24 saves, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and leading to his selection in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft.

Minor Leagues

Joey was drafted by the Atlanta Braves as the 27th overall pick in 2005. His minor league journey was brief, as he only spent two months in the system, playing for the advanced-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the AA Mississippi Braves. His impressive play quickly earned him a call-up to the majors on August 20 of that year.

Major League Experience

Devine's entry into the MLB was rocky; he became the first pitcher in history to allow grand slams in each of his first two games. Despite these challenges, he was included on the Braves' postseason roster, where he faced a tough moment by conceding a crucial home run in the 18th inning of Game 4 of the 2005 National League Division Series.

His career path was a mix of ups and downs. After struggling in 2006, he returned to the minor leagues but made another appearance in the majors in September of that year. His breakthrough came on September 22, 2007, when he secured his first major league win against the Milwaukee Brewers, finishing the season with a respectable 1-1 record and a 1.08 ERA.

Transition to Oakland

On January 14, 2008, Devine's career took a new turn as he was traded to the Oakland Athletics along with minor league pitcher Jamie Richmond in exchange for center fielder Mark Kotsay. As he continues his journey in baseball, fans eagerly anticipate his next performance and the potential he holds as a pitcher.